New Beneteau Antares 9 – Sea Trial at the Dayboating Private Days

PressMare visited Cannes during Beneteau Group's Private Days at Port Canto to test two approximately 9-meter boats with entirely different philosophies: the new Beneteau Antares 9, a key focus for the brand, and the Four Winns H9, a typically American bow rider introduced at the 2024 Fort Lauderdale Boat Show. More than testing boats, we wanted to experience firsthand what the Group offers its current and potential customers, aligned with the new strategy presented in 2024 at the Cannes Boat Show by Gianguido Girotti, CEO of the Boat division: "We place the onboard experience at the center of our strategy, convinced that enhancing it will meet our customers' expectations. We are developing new products and services to offer sustainable and accessible boating to all generations and uses."

In September 2024, the Group outlined its new direction to cope with a significant market slowdown after the post-Covid boom. Among the implemented solutions, the organization has been restructured around three market segments: Dayboating, Real Estate on the Water, and Sailing. The Private Days specifically showcased the Dayboating segment, with new models from Beneteau, Jeanneau, Wellcraft, and Four Winns.

Beneteau Antares 9: The Concept

The Beneteau Antares 9 is a family boat that packs everything needed for pleasant days or weekends at sea into just 9.5 meters overall (8 meters hull length, 3 meters beam). This new version includes several improvements, many derived from its bigger sister, the Antares 12.
The boat, conveniently moored at Port Canto, features a new side access for easy boarding. The cockpit immediately impresses with its new protective roof, great for sun protection and shelter from rain. The cockpit area is well-organized, perfect for both cruising and anchoring, featuring a stowable dining table behind the sliding door and generous under-deck storage. Walking forward to the bow area, we appreciated the safe and comfortable side decks. Designed by Sarrazin Studio, the finishes are impressive both externally and internally. The forward sunbathing area is equipped with comfortable, securely fixed cushions that can be adjusted to various positions.

Beneteau Antares 9: Interiors

The dinette area is cleverly designed to maximize space. The pilot seat can rotate towards the interior, enhancing dining space, while a versatile side seat next to the helm features an adjustable backrest. The galley is fully equipped, including a new 80-liter refrigerator. Interior and exterior finishes are improved compared to previous models, with a convenient sliding door near the helm providing easy outside access.

Descending two steps forward, we find a spacious and elegant bathroom to starboard and a comfortable double cabin to port. The forward cabin features a queen-size bed with a space-saving sliding door—remember to keep it closed during navigation to avoid alignment issues.

Beneteau Antares 9: At Sea

Our test boat was powered by twin Mercury 200 XL V6 outboards; a Suzuki package with similar power is also available.
Testing off Cannes in calm conditions, with a 380-liter fuel tank and five people onboard—a typical scenario for this type of boat—we found it easy and intuitive to handle. The Active Trim further simplified piloting. Although the calm sea presented no real challenges, the boat handled crossing wakes and tight turns smoothly.

While speed isn’t the main focus for buyers of this type of craft, acceleration was still impressive, achieving planing in just 7.5 seconds. Planing smoothly occurred at 3500 RPM and around 15 knots. Below is our performance data. The test model, fully equipped including electronics and comfort package, is priced at €217,000 including French VAT (20%). This isn't the cheapest option, but it aligns well with general price increases and offers good value for money.

Performance Data:

Fuel l/h | Speed knots | RPM
4.0 | 0.9 | 600
7.6 | 3.76 | 1000
12.6 | 6.0 | 1500
19.7 | 7.5 | 2000
25.0 | 8.8 | 2500
38.5 | 11.0 (planing) | 3000
61.8 | 22.0 | 4000
89.6 | 29.0 | 5000
127.3 | 31.8 | 6000
138 | 34.6 (top speed) | 6750

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