Beneteau unveils the new Oceanis 42, Oceanis 40.1 successor

Beneteau has unveiled the Oceanis 42, a new model in the Oceanis range, built at the Le Grand Large site in Givrand, France, in July 2026 — the press release does not specify the exact date. The model succeeds the Oceanis 40.1 in the 40-foot segment. The launch coincides with the 40th anniversary of the Oceanis range, of which, according to the company, the vast majority continues to be produced in France. The project was developed through dialogue with customers, dealers and the specialized press, drawing on data collected from the sailing fleet to simplify onboard systems, improve ergonomics and enhance reliability.

The cockpit, according to Beneteau, is the largest in the 40-foot market segment. Compared with the previous model, cockpit floor space has increased by 12% and seating areas by 10%. The layout was designed by Nauta Design. Two stern configurations are available: in the open version, the swim platform becomes an extension of the cockpit, while in the closed version, aft seating adds seats close to the helm stations.

The helm stations draw on solutions already introduced on the Oceanis 47 and Oceanis 52: integrated seating and backrests, ergonomic consoles gathering all controls in one place, and an engine throttle integrated into the helm console. The hull was designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design Office. Sail area has been increased: the standard furling mast is now 600 mm taller, while the classic and performance masts gain 300 mm.

The saloon and cabin hull windows are 2.5 times larger than on the previous model, and coachroof glazing has also been enlarged. Interior upholstery is offered in three variants: Ivory, Sunset and Pacific. The Sand Oak woodwork includes 2 mm solid wood edging. The saloon includes a dedicated desk area and a bookshelf integrated into the mast bulkhead; a cabinet at the companionway centralizes the electrical controls.

The L-shaped galley is positioned at the foot of the companionway and offers 215 litres of refrigeration capacity, described by Beneteau as the largest cold storage volume in the 40-foot segment. The Oceanis 42 is available in five layout configurations: 2 cabins/1 head, 3 cabins/1 head, 3 cabins/2 heads, 3 cabins/3 heads, and 4 cabins/2 heads for charter use. Two galley architectures are offered — L-shaped or longitudinal with an expanded countertop — along with two wood finishes: Sand Oak, paired with three upholstery combinations, and Laos Teak, darker, developed for intensive charter use in the four-cabin version.

The technical characteristics, described as "provisional" in the release, are as follows: length overall 12.86 m (42'2''); hull length 11.99 m (39'4''); waterline length 11.42 m (37'6''); beam 4.23 m (13'11''); deep keel draught (cast iron) 2.25 m (7'5'') with 2,050 kg (4,518 lbs) of ballast; shallow keel draught (cast iron) 1.68 m (5'6'') with 2,237 kg (4,930 lbs) of ballast; air draft, classic mast, 18.72 m (61'5''); air draft, roller furling mast, 18.36 m (60'3''); light displacement (CE) 7,985 kg (17,600 lbs); standard fuel tank 195 L (52 US Gal); standard freshwater capacity 235 L (62 US Gal); standard engine power 45 CV (45 HP). Sail areas listed are: standard furling mainsail 37.70 m² (406 sq/ft), standard self-tacking jib 28.70 m² (309 sq/ft), standard furling Genoa 105% 35.60 m² (383 sq/ft), standard Code 0 58.30 m² (627 sq/ft), standard mainsail 45.10 m² (485 sq/ft), furling Genoa 105% 37.20 m² (400 sq/ft), Code 0 143.00 m² (1,539 sq/ft), and asymmetric spinnaker 187.00 m² (2,012 sq/ft).

CE certification is A10/B10/C12. Naval architecture is by Marc Lombard Yacht Design; exterior and interior design is by Nauta Design.

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