When it came time for Groupe Beneteau to update and reinvent their Gran Tourismo line, they started afresh and went back to the essence of what a GT sport express cruiser has always been about, sleek simple lines, a low curvaceous cabin top and plenty of open space on deck.
For naval architecture they turned to the Bill Dixon Design group which delivered a thoroughly modern planing, deep-V hull with plenty of volume but a simple and streamlined look. For styling they went with the Andreani Design team who created living spaces that are warm, spacious and modern.
For guidance in the design process the Groupe turned in two directions. First, they wanted the 50 to feel like a grand touring luxury automobile where the original GT style was born. They partnered with the legendary Alpine team to create a bespoke Alpine version of the 50 that exudes luxury, style and performance.
In the second direction, they embraced the Japanese design principles called Kanso (simplicity) and Yugen (gracefulness). The Dixon and Andreani designers took these to heart and the result is one of the prettiest sport cruisers on the market.
The 50’s outdoor spaces are unique. The cockpit is huge and supplied with a wide sunning bed with a dinette for up to eight just forward of it. The side bulkheads fold down to create a huge platform. And the swim platform can be lowered hydraulically to create a beachfront for swimming, sunning and water sports.
The 50 is a three-cabin two head boat with the master suite in the bow and a double and single cabin aft under the salon floor. These cabins are full of light from the big, square hull glazing.
The GT 50 was introduced at last winter’s Dusseldorf boot and certainly turned a lot of heads as the crowds to get aboard were large. For a boat builder that has been in business for more than 140 years, you can tell at once that they are just as inventive and attuned to their customers’ preferences as they always have been.
