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Displaying items by tag: GT36

It will come as no surprise that Beneteau are leading the way in terms of new models for 2021 — and the new Gran Turismo 36, the latest and hugely exciting addition to the Gran Turismo range, is no exception.

With powerful looks and bold lines, the GT36 is the first in her class to combine the kind of handling you would normally expect with a pure sports boat in combination with comfortable cruising and space for leisure.

Features to make the most of open-air boating include an aerodynamic hardtop with sliding roof, and a semi-recessed sunpad protected by a generous awning on the foredeck.

Beneteau GT36 exterior

The interior is bathed in natural light thanks to large hull windows and deck hatches, making for a bright canvas on which to put your individual stamp.

Beneteau GT36 interior

But what is particularly special about this 37ft model is that you can choose between inboard diesel or outboard propulsion, both of which will offer exceptional performance and ease of handling, like all GT models.

This follows the huge increase in outboard engines as the propulsion of choice in the Irish market, as observed by Beneteau’s Irish dealer BJ Marine.

Like the GT40 — of which BJ Marine have a new stock boat ready immediately — the GT36 will have a huge cockpit, ideal for days afloat with family and friends. And the interior lends itself to trips further afield and overnighting aboard.

“We have crossed the Irish Sea between our Greystones and Pwllheli offices many times in the GT models that we have sold to date, and look forward to doing so in this new model,” says BJ Marine group manager James Kirwan.

“This boat was designed to be used and boating has never been such a suitable and safe pastime.”

The Beneteau website has more details on the Gran Turismo 36, including a virtual tour. Contact BJ Marine at +353 1 287 8334 (or +44 1758-612686 in the UK) to book a test sail.

Published in BJ Marine

Marine Wildlife Around Ireland One of the greatest memories of any day spent boating around the Irish coast is an encounter with marine wildlife.  It's a thrill for young and old to witness seabirds, seals, dolphins and whales right there in their own habitat. As boaters fortunate enough to have experienced it will testify even spotting a distant dorsal fin can be the highlight of any day afloat.  Was that a porpoise? Was it a whale? No matter how brief the glimpse it's a privilege to share the seas with Irish marine wildlife.

Thanks to the location of our beautiful little island, perched in the North Atlantic Ocean there appears to be no shortage of marine life to observe.

From whales to dolphins, seals, sharks and other ocean animals this page documents the most interesting accounts of marine wildlife around our shores. We're keen to receive your observations, your photos, links and youtube clips.

Boaters have a unique perspective and all those who go afloat, from inshore kayaking to offshore yacht racing that what they encounter can be of real value to specialist organisations such as the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) who compile a list of sightings and strandings. The IWDG knowledge base has increased over the past 21 years thanks in part at least to the observations of sailors, anglers, kayakers and boaters.

Thanks to the IWDG work we now know we share the seas with dozens of species who also call Ireland home. Here's the current list: Atlantic white-sided dolphin, beluga whale, blue whale, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, Cuvier's beaked whale, false killer whale, fin whale, Gervais' beaked whale, harbour porpoise, humpback whale, killer whale, minke whale, northern bottlenose whale, northern right whale, pilot whale, pygmy sperm whale, Risso's dolphin, sei whale, Sowerby's beaked whale, sperm whale, striped dolphin, True's beaked whale and white-beaked dolphin.

But as impressive as the species list is the IWDG believe there are still gaps in our knowledge. Next time you are out on the ocean waves keep a sharp look out!