Some of you may remember the test of the Beneteau Antares 7 in issue 11/23, when we tested it on the Flensburg Fjord and were satisfied with the build quality and handling. However, if the boat is too small for you, the Antares 12 could be the right choice. At around 13 metres long and 3.78 metres wide, it is the largest in the series. But first things first. We were able to view and test drive it at a Beneteau event in Port Ginesta near Barcelona. The Antares looks elegant and modern. The long black hull windows also give the boat a sporty touch.
The only drawback with such long discs are the fenders. There are always residues of salt, sand or other dirt on them. This works its way into the discs and scratches them. Gelcoat can either be polished again or you can help yourself with a protective film in the area of the fenders. This is not possible with the windows. Nevertheless, such large windows look good.
More space thanks to folding bulwark
A folding bulwark and a door have been installed in the stern area of the Antares 12. This creates space when anchoring and bathing and makes it easier to get out. Inconvenient climbing over the railing and jumping ashore are now a thing of the past when moored alongside. As the L-shaped sofa was installed on the port side, there is a fixed bulwark here and no door. The mooring side should therefore be the starboard side. Fittingly, both helm stations are also located on this side of the hull. But more on that later.
There is also a folding table and bathing platform at the rear. The special feature: Despite the outboards, it runs across the entire width of the stern. To achieve this, the shipyard has positioned the L-shaped sofa slightly further forward. This design has proven to be very helpful when mooring.
If you look towards the bow, you will notice that the deckhouse is off-centre. Beneteau thus remains true to the series and gives its boats a 40 centimetre wide side deck to starboard. On the port side, however, it is only 15 centimetres. The Sarrazin design studio has also included a convenient passageway to the helm station. This also makes mooring easier. The railing is pleasantly high and sturdy. There is a sun lounger in the bow. At 2.05 metres long and 1.85 metres wide, it is designed for two to three people. The footwell can be folded up to create a small bench seat. The electric anchor winch and the anchor locker in the bow are also typical of a boat of this size.
The inner values of the Beneteau Antares 12
Back in the stern of the Antares, you enter the interior through the large, flush-mounted door that is open to the wheelhouse. Here in the saloon there is a large U-shaped sofa that can be converted into a double bed and the front section of which can be folded down. This creates a bench seat in the direction of travel. There is a modern, fully equipped galley on the port side with plenty of space for stowage. A retractable 43-inch television can also be ordered here as an extra. It then lifts up behind the hob.
The helm station is equipped with two large Garmin plotters and a Mercury engine panel. The bow thruster, the Zipwake auto-trim system and the anchor winch can also be operated from here. The same applies to the activation of various functions via toggle switches. The boat is controlled either conventionally via the steering wheel and double throttle grip or via a joystick. Visibility is good at all times and resembles a panoramic view of the most beautiful element in the world. Walnut wood was used for the interior panelling and oak for the floor. That looks classy together.
Cabin layout
If you descend the stairs one floor, the cabins follow. In the bow is the large owner's cabin with its own access to the bathroom and large shower. At 1.70 x 2.00 metres, the double bed is well sized for two people. There is of course plenty of storage space. The VIP cabin on the port side is significantly smaller than the owner's cabin. Nevertheless, you don't feel cramped. The bed measures 1.60 x 2.00 metres and is therefore also suitable for two people. The third modular cabin can either be used by one person, as a double cabin with an additional cushion or as additional storage space. With the additional cushion, the sleeping area measures 1.40 x 2.00 metres. If you add the bed in the saloon, up to eight people can sleep comfortably and with plenty of space on the Antares 12.
Those who like to sit in the sun can look forward to the flybridge. There is a large U-shaped sofa, a small table and a 42-litre refrigerator. The co-driver's seat can be converted into a sunbathing area, and a bimini protects you from too much sun on hot days.
Beneteau Antares 12 with powerful engines
Earlier in the text, we mentioned the double throttle - a reference to two engines, you might think. In the case of our test boat, however, there are actually three: this Beneteau is powered by Mercurys, each with a displacement of 4.6 litres and eight cylinders with 300 hp each. They are electrically controlled.
Of course, we want to test what the total of 900 hp can do with the almost 10 tonnes when realistically loaded. The weather in the Spanish autumn is not necessarily at its best. The sun is shining, but with winds of around 25 to 30 knots from the south-west, the Balearic Sea is pushing waves up to three metres high ashore. We take the plunge anyway and cast off a short time later. Outside, it calms down a little and the long waves hardly bother the Antares. She masters the sea unimpressed. She quickly reaches a speed of 10 knots. From 12 knots and 3500 rpm, the boat glides. 15, 25 and finally 34.2 knots are reached in no time at all. The three engines do not make a tortured noise. The log shows a speed of around 18 knots and a consumption of 125 litres per hour for three engines at economic speed. The noise level is then around 68 dB(A) in the cockpit with the windows and doors closed.
For cornering, you go up one deck. From here you have everything in view. Similar to the smaller Antares models, it sits well on the rudder and does exactly what you want it to do. The three Mercury engines have enough power to accelerate the boat in any situation. It masters bends and turns well and without too much lean. When planing out of a bend again with the zipwake system deployed, the bow rises briefly, which can lead to a brief reduction in visibility in the interior for shorter people. Of course, this problem is avoided on the flybridge. Otherwise, there is nothing to criticise about the sailing characteristics. The manoeuvrability in the harbour is good, and the joystick makes mooring fun even in crosswinds. The bow thruster has sufficient power and pushes the Antares where you want it to go. In terms of her handling characteristics, she is very similar to her little sister, the Antares 7.
Conclusion
The Beneteau Antares 12 is a well-built and convincing boat in the thirteen-metre class. It scores points for its good rough water sailing characteristics, storage space and modern design, among other things.
Advantages
- + good handling characteristics on waves
- + Joystick system
- + Cleanly installed technology
Technical data
- Length over everything: 12.97 metres
- Width: 3.78 metres
- Displacement: 9111 kg
- Height above waterline: 4.9 metres
- Max. draught: 1.1 metre
- Fuel capacity: 1174 litres
- Fresh water tank: 400 litres
- Max. motor power: 900 HP
- CE category: B10 / C12
- Price: from € 415,000
- Further information: www. beneteau.com
