A confirmed boat for a four-day Maltese show
Beneteau has announced that its Antares 11 Coupé will be available to see at the Malta Boat Show from 29 October to 1 November 2026. The French boatbuilder identifies Dockyard Creek in Cottonera as the venue and invites prospective visitors to contact a dealer for show arrangements. The announcement makes this a confirmed exhibitor model rather than a speculation about which boat may attend.
The show takes place across the historic Three Cities waterfront, where visitors can compare craft and meet representatives in a genuine marine setting. Grand Harbour Marina has also confirmed the dates and location in its own official show notice. Organiser guidance should be checked for current admission arrangements and any changes to visiting hours.
At 11.16 metres overall, the Antares 11 Coupé sits comfortably within Leisure Boat Guide's under-12-metre coverage. Its 3.51-metre beam, however, gives it a substantial footprint for a family weekender. Before assessing it as a practical ownership choice, visitors should measure the berthing space available at their home marina.
Why the Coupé appeals to family cruisers
Beneteau describes the Antares 11 Coupé as a modern weekend cruiser developed by its powerboat team with exterior design by Sarrazin Design. The enclosed wheelhouse and extensive glazing provide shelter and visibility, making the boat potentially useful beyond the warmest weeks of summer. A buyer should still examine ventilation, demisting and air-conditioning options for year-round use.
The builder lists an owner's double cabin and separate aft sleeping space that can accommodate additional guests. It also describes a convertible saloon and sleeping capacity of up to seven across the boat's arrangements. Families ought to inspect actual mattress sizes, locker capacity, privacy and access to bathrooms before assuming seven adults would find a long passage comfortable.
The cockpit and saloon are designed to connect closely, and Beneteau describes a folding side terrace that can create an additional platform near the water. This feature could be a particular draw in sheltered anchorages around Malta and Gozo. Buyers should ask for demonstrations of its locks, drainage, load limit and recovery procedure.
Power, handling and real-world costs
The Antares 11 can be equipped with twin outboards up to a combined 600 horsepower according to the manufacturer. The choice of engines affects performance, maintenance access and running costs, so the actual display boat's installation should be confirmed on the stand. Promotional power ratings are not equivalent to a measured speed or fuel-consumption result for a loaded boat.
Potential owners should ask for fuel figures at several cruising speeds with realistic guest and equipment weight. They should also check the ease of boarding from a Mediterranean pontoon and the operation of side decks during mooring. Family cruising depends on predictable low-speed handling as much as the maximum number shown on an engine specification.
An 11-metre craft can still generate significant recurring expenses. Marina charges, insurance, winter maintenance, antifouling, servicing and electrical upgrades should be budgeted alongside purchase price. A quotation for the exact engine package and options is more useful than an unqualified catalogue starting price.
What visitors should inspect aboard
Begin with a full circuit from the aft boarding area through the wheelhouse and to the foredeck. Look for safe handholds, adequate headroom, easy access to the helm and clear sightlines across both sides. This is particularly important if the boat will be used by children or guests unfamiliar with boating.
Next, examine the galley, refrigerated storage, bathroom and shower arrangements. Weekend cruising becomes much less comfortable if everyday tasks obstruct the main passage or require moving cushions repeatedly. Ask the representative to demonstrate berth conversions and show where bulky luggage and safety equipment can be stored.
Finally, ask about the sales and support network serving Maltese owners. Spare-part lead times and warranty handling can influence the cost of any modern outboard-powered cruiser. A live show visit is a good time to obtain a written equipment list, not merely to admire the exterior.
Practical show information
Beneteau's event listing names 29 October to 1 November and Dockyard Creek, Cottonera, Malta. Grand Harbour Marina has published a separate announcement placing the show along the historic waterfront and confirming a boating-focused exhibition. Prospective visitors should consult the event organiser or dealer for current ticket and opening arrangements before setting out.
For a buyer comparing multiple boats, a short list of must-have features is helpful: accommodation, propulsion, ease of handling, berth size and service access. Ask the same questions aboard each comparable model so that showroom impressions can be weighed fairly. A test run in appropriate conditions should follow before any final purchase commitment.
The official Beneteau photograph accompanying this article shows the Antares 11 model and does not purport to photograph the particular boat already moored at the 2026 show. The exhibition has not yet opened as of this report. Details of the Malta Boat Show 2026 can also be recorded in the site's Events section.