Beneteau Antares 8 to premiere at Southampton

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The Antares 8 has a 23ft hull and overall length of 27ft

Beneteau will stage the world premiere of the new Antares 8 at the Southampton International Boat Show from September 10-19. The model will then be displayed at shows across Europe including La Rochelle, Barcelona, Paris and Düsseldorf.

Launched in 2019, the 4.3 MY is the first power model in the Bali range of cruising catamarans built by Catana in southwest France. It reflects the growing market for these spacious boats, as company design engineer Yann Chabaud explained.

Complementing the 7, 9 and 11 models in the Antares weekender range, the new Antares 8 is offered in Cruiser and Fishing versions.

The 2022 model has two hull colour options

The yacht, which features a starboard side gate, provides room for up to nine passengers and accommodation for five in a double cabin forward, a single berth midships and two in the converted saloon dinette.

The cockpit offers a range of seating options

The wide platforms, flush with the deck, are for boarding and act as swim platforms. The cockpit has multiple seating and table configurations with storage underneath, while the aft bench seat can be folded forward to allow the engine to be raised.

The cockpit seating can convert to a sunpad

The starboard walkway to the bow has been widened, the foredeck has a sunbathing area, while the roof rack can store kayaks, paddleboards or bikes.

The dinette can be converted into a double berth

Inside, the saloon features a dinette with a fixed aft seat and a forward bench seat with adjustable back rest, so guests can face forward or aft. To starboard is a galley with a fridge and a gas or electric hob, plus a swivelling helmsman’s seat facing an optional 12-inch control panel. Upholstery is available in two colour schemes and air-conditioning is available.

The galley and swivelling helm seat are to starboard

The Fishing version replaces the cockpit’s aft sofa with a fishing station including professional-grade rod holders, and seating is available in fold-down benches that can be stowed when more space is required. The roof is fitted with rod holders on the hardtop extension, a search spotlight in the rear and a LED light at the front, while a 12-inch display to survey fishing grounds can be included.

The Fishing version has rod holders aft and in the hardtop

In addition to the recirculating livewell tank, the Fishing version has three storage compartments under the cockpit sole, one of which can fit a fish box. The Antares 8 retains the tulip-shaped hull design of the Antares range and has a top speed of 35 knots with a 250hp outboard engine.