A recent Cannes premiere reaches Florida
BENETEAU's new Gran Turismo 40 Open is on the official display list for the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show running from 28 October to 1 November 2026. The model made its world premiere at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September, so the Florida presentation is a chance for the American boating market to examine the production concept after that initial reveal. The 12.30-metre boat is designed as an express cruiser with unusually open main-deck living.
The distinction between a world premiere and a subsequent show appearance is important. BENETEAU has already introduced the boat in Europe, and there is no need to imply it was launched for the first time this week. The news for buyers is that the new generation of Gran Turismo design is now represented at a major North American yacht show, where comparisons with other sports cruisers can be made directly.
A long, sociable main deck
The Gran Turismo 40 Open concentrates much of its character above the waterline, where outdoor seating and circulation are intended to dominate the experience. BENETEAU describes the design as an open-air interpretation of the Gran Turismo family, shaped around time with friends and easy access to the sea. The open deck also allows the helmsman to remain part of the social activity instead of retreating to a separate enclosed wheelhouse.
Visitors should take time to understand how the main deck works with a full complement of passengers. It is worth testing the routes around tables and sunpads, checking whether bags and water toys have dedicated storage, and looking for secure places to hold on when the boat is moving. Open space can feel luxurious at anchor, but good ergonomics determine how pleasant it remains during a coastal passage.
T-top shelter and the driving position
BENETEAU shows a T-top arrangement on the 40 Open, creating shade over the elevated driving position while retaining the spirit of an open sports boat. The builder positions visibility and responsive handling at the centre of its new Gran Turismo philosophy. A protected helm without an entirely enclosed salon may be attractive to owners who mostly travel in warm weather.
The practical value of the roof depends on its coverage in the sun and in rain, so a showroom impression is not enough. A skipper should check seated and standing sightlines, how the windscreen affects spray and whether passengers block access to the controls. The dealer should also explain optional canopies and the arrangements for stowing them, as those details can materially change comfort over a full season.
Choice of propulsion and configuration
The manufacturer offers published design material for both outboard and inboard versions of the Gran Turismo 40 Open, including different lower-deck plans. The overall length is stated as 12.30 metres, and the Florida show programme places the model within BENETEAU's new express range. The chosen engine layout will affect the stern, the boarding platform and the internal service spaces.
Prospective owners should demand a final specification sheet for the exact version on offer. It is unwise to transfer engine, speed or accommodation figures from one configuration to another without checking them. Similarly, a base price can obscure the cost of essential navigation, anchoring and comfort equipment. A realistic budget should include the final power package, warranty and service programme.
Lower-deck flexibility for weekends
BENETEAU publishes separate plans for the lower deck, including cabin and saloon options. These show the builder's intent to make the 40 Open more than a daytime entertainment platform: it should also support overnight stays. A cabin-centred arrangement can appeal to couples travelling with guests, while a more open lower saloon may suit people who value indoor daytime space.
The best plan depends on the actual cruising routine. Before ordering, buyers should examine where people will sleep, where the heads and showers sit, and what storage remains after personal belongings are aboard. An attractive convertible area may function differently once bedding has been deployed. A physical walk-through at Fort Lauderdale can reveal those compromises before they become an expensive surprise.
Size and operating considerations
At just over twelve metres overall, the boat is small enough to interest experienced owner-operators yet substantial enough to require deliberate handling and maintenance planning. The builder's published maximum draft is about 1.15 metres and its certification includes offshore and coastal operating categories for specified passenger limits. The exact certificate and engine installation must be verified against the individual boat.
Owners should establish whether their local marina can accommodate the chosen engine arrangement and whether an acceptable service network is nearby. The ability to move quickly between ports can be appealing, but range, weather, fuel availability and passenger comfort will ultimately determine a sensible cruising plan. Sound operation is more valuable than relying on a brochure maximum speed.
A show visit worth using carefully
The 40 Open offers a useful contrast with the more enclosed Gran Turismo 40 Coupe and the larger Gran Turismo 50 also promoted within the range. Its strongest argument is the integration of outdoor living with a modern express-cruiser platform, not an unverified claim to be the fastest or largest yacht in its class. The new model should be evaluated on its intended use.
A serious Fort Lauderdale inspection should cover every available lower-deck plan, the consequences of the power choice and access for routine servicing. Ask for a sea trial in a realistic operating condition and a written equipment list. That will show whether the new BENETEAU offers the right balance of performance, shelter and onboard comfort.
