The Beneteau 25 is on the rise. Over 30 ships take part in important regattas in this country. When was the last time a new keelboat class achieved that in conservative sailing Germany? The YACHT took part in the German Open in Travemünde to find out the secret of its success.
76 boats have now been sold in Germany, almost 1,000 worldwide, and the trend is rising. 80 teams are registered for the World Cup next week (27th to 30th September) in Vigo, Spain. The class is currently booming, especially in Spain. The Real Club Nautico in Palmde Mallorchat recently bought 17 ships.
The outlook is positive. And that is particularly due to the fact that Beneteau is not alone in building the ship. Because the well-known mechanism that shipyards throw unit boats on the market and then stop production (see X 79, X 99) does not apply here.
The New Zealand shipyard McDell has owned the original form since they developed the ship in 1995 at the request of a Thai hotel consortium with the Farr design office. Hence the original name Platu, the name for a fast Thai mackerel species.
Shipyard manager McDell has announced that it will allow licensed construction in Europe if Beneteau ceases production. The French have already reduced marketing for the class significantly since their First Class 7.5 was on the market. But so far there are no signs that the 25 will no longer be built.
The problem with the ship is the poor condition of the keel after delivery. In order to be competitive, you have to re-treat it, which with professional help costs around 5,000 euros. But in view of the total price of around 30,000 euros, it is still far below the purchase price for a Melges, which can hardly be had for less than 55,000 euros.
World Championship page www.platu25.net/wc2006/Class association www.beneteau25.de
