Beneteau’s Gran Turismo flagship

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The Gran Turismo 45 is Beneteau’s flagship express cruiser

Following in the wake of the Gran Turismo 32, 36 and more recently the 41, Beneteau is scheduled to unveil its GT45 in September. The upcoming flagship of the French builder’s express cruiser range features large windows, a flexible aft sundeck, a covered lounge and wet bar, and a foredeck with canopy, all focused on an indoor-outdoor experience.

The 14.78m yacht has sleek lines, a sporty hull and elegant details such as the ‘fashion plates’ on the sides of the hardtop and on the engine air intakes.

The aft double sunpad conceals the tender garage

The Air Step® hull is powered by either twin 380hp or 440hp Volvo D6 inboards. At low speeds, the boat can be steered using the joystick, while the optional bow thruster giving you fingertip control over in-harbour manoeuvres and berthing operations.

“The development of the Gran Turismo 45 was driven by a desire to offer the same sailing qualities as the GT46 while rethinking the boat’s highly successful dynamic design to provide even greater comfort and practicality,” said the Beneteau Product Manager in charge of the project.

The flip-up barbecue under the sunpad

“The Gran Turismo 45 boasts a range of sophisticated technical solutions designed to make life easier for passengers, and that can be adapted in a flash to fit their needs and expectations at any time and in any weather.”

Aft is a large hydraulically-controlled bathing platform and a comfortable sun pad for two, as well as a tender garage with electric door. The boat also includes an electric winch, making it easy to recover the tender back on board.

The foredeck can be covered by a canopy

The garage can also be used as storage space. Another clever functionality is the discreet electric grill housed in the extension of the sun deck, ideal for alfresco dining. The foredeck houses a second integrated sun pad with comfortable deck-level cushions. Several optional features include flip-up headrests, canopy and courtesy lights.

The cockpit has C-shaped seating to starboard and an adjustable table

In the covered area, the indoor-outdoor experience is enhanced by the sunroof in the new electric hard-top, a standard feature with optional glass panel that floods the interior with light.

The superstructure has been redesigned to include much larger side windows, with the starboard side electric window hinging up into the hardtop.

The wet bar is to port, opposite the seating area

The cockpit features a C-shaped lounge facing the wet bar that features a sink, fridge and ice-maker, and conceals a retractable TV that can be raised for use. Among options is a patio door that protects occupants from bad weather.

Forward view of the saloon as you arrive downstairs

The lower deck features grey walnut and white lacquered joinery characteristic of the new Gran Turismo generation of Express Cruisers. Steps lead down to a lower saloon filled with light from the large hull windows.

To port is a large fridge-freezer, dishwasher and numerous storage areas, while starboard is a C-shaped sofa and table. As an option, the seating area can be replaced by a third cabin with two single berths.

The starboard lounge can be replaced by a third cabin

“The relaxing yet stylish interior layout and design of the Gran Turismo 45 is an invitation to prolong the onboard experience and indulge in a cruise,” says the Product Manager.

“We have taken particular care over the design of the boat’s functional aspects, especially in terms of the galley area, which offers facilities similar to that of a domestic kitchen, and the extremely comfortable cabins.”

The full-beam master cabin is midships

Midships, the full-beam owner’s cabin has a forward-facing double bed, large side windows and an en-suite to starboard with separate shower cubicle.

The VIP cabin in the bow is fitted with scissor berths that guests can arrange as a double bed or two singles. This cabin also has access to the forward head and shower area, which can be accessed via the saloon.

The VIP cabin in the bow has scissor berths

The Gran Turismo 45 carries high-tech equipment for easy living and to control of all the boat’s essential systems, while the optional Ship Control® technology electronics pack acts as an onboard assistant.

A tap on the navigation screen, smartphone or Wi-Fi enabled tablet lets you control functions such as air-conditioning, zone lighting, music, battery power management and bilge pumps. Ship Control® also provides the pilot with technical engine data such as fluid temperatures.