A new-generation weekender on show
Barcelona International Boat Show's official on-water catalogue includes the new BENETEAU Antares 9 from 14 to 18 October 2026. The organiser lists the model at 9.12 metres overall with a 2.99-metre beam, putting it firmly inside Leisure Boat Guide's sub-twelve-metre remit. The updated design adapts features from larger Antares models while remaining suitable for family trips and smaller marina berths.
BENETEAU describes an updated wheelhouse profile with large windows and an aft cockpit protected by an extended coachroof. The boat was named a finalist in the 2026 Motor Boat Awards, although that recognition should not be regarded as an inspection certificate. The exhibition allows owners to assess a real hull rather than rely on an artist's rendering.
Cockpit seating that responds to the activity
The manufacturer highlights a cockpit measuring approximately 1.7 metres by 2.4 metres, where L-shaped seating becomes a U-shaped gathering area through an additional seat. It can also convert into a sunpad. This versatility is particularly useful in a small cruiser, where an area reserved for meals in the morning may be needed for swimming or lounging later in the day.
Potential owners should ask for a demonstration of the conversion, including how seat bases, tables and cushions are secured while under way. The access to cleats and the bathing platform should remain straightforward, and the cockpit should provide adequate drainage in rain. A comfortable appearance at the boat show is only part of a good design.
Overnight accommodation needs a realistic assessment
The Antares 9 includes sheltered interior seating and below-deck sleeping arrangements intended for short coastal stays. Large saloon glazing improves the feeling of space and visibility, but actual comfort depends on berth dimensions, ventilation and the fitted galley. Visitors should inspect the position of the head, storage for clothes and provisions, and the ability to reach the foredeck safely.
The difference between rated daytime passenger capacity and comfortable overnight accommodation is significant. A boat might carry friends for lunch while providing private sleeping arrangements only for the immediate family. Buyers should match cabin choices to the people who will most often travel, not to the largest group that might visit occasionally.
The inspection should go beyond finishes
Outboard power offers familiar support in many marinas, but owners still need accurate fuel consumption, service arrangements and a well-balanced engine installation. A short sea trial at comfortable cruising speed can reveal more about noise and stability than a single high-speed figure. Electronics and manoeuvring aids may be optional rather than standard.
Barcelona provides a convenient comparison with other nine-metre wheelhouse cruisers as well as the larger Antares 11 Fly. The current Antares 9 offers an interesting balance of outdoor seating and weekend shelter, with its suitability dependent on how a specific family's boating programme fits that arrangement. Final pricing and delivery should be confirmed in a dated dealer quotation.