Launched in 2005, the Beneteau Oceanis 343 blends impressive performance with exceptional comfort and spacious accommodation. Her stylish lines and innovative design have won her a string of accolades including winning the under 40 foot category of the Croatian Boat of The Year 2005, being a finalist in the Australian Marine Industries Awards 2006 and being shortlisted for Cruising World's 2005 Boat of The Year.

The replacement for the popular Océanis 331, she features a new hull, a powerful rig and design from the award-winning Berret Racoupeau team. The Oceanis 343 features all of the most recent Bénéteau innovations, including the folding helmsman's seat and the removable companionway frame. Her round bilge design makes for good stable cruising, with less of a tendency to heel dramatically under sail than most other yachts of this size, and she really does cruise happily and safely in all weathers. Imaginative design touches in the cockpit include the pivoting steering wheel, which allows easy access to the transom for swimming when at anchor.

The Oceanis 343 is a true bluewater sailor's yacht, as the absence of dodger or bimini offers unrestricted visibility and movement. She is fast and fun to sail and handles and manoeuvres well under sail and power. An Oceanis 343 came second in Class C of the Beneteau Cup in June 2006, an incredible achievement in view of the fact that the competition was made up largely of the true Beneteau racers, namely the 44.7 and 40.7.

The Oceanis 343's interior is nearly as spacious as that of the older Oceanis 361. Her generous beam and headroom have created a spacious feel and she follows the trend for a raised coach roof to give better headroom and additional interior space. During the day her large panoramic window at deck level floods the area below with natural light, whilst at night the panoramic deck lights offer ambient lighting. She is available with either a two or a three cabin layout, for two couples or for a crew of up to eight, and the cabins are spacious and luxurious with cherry-colour Douka wood trim.

The Oceanis 343 combines traditional aesthetics with high levels of performance. She is easy and safe to sail and her good looks and fast cruising are unlikely to disappoint.

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