The comparatively short-lived Idylle range was Bénéteau’s fi rst attempt at launching a conventional cruising marque alongside the performanceorientated Firsts. The Idylle 8.80 came fi rst, but Idylle made its début in Britain with the 11.50, in 1983. Designed by Jean Berret, the hull is similar to the First 35 but with a more moderate keel, skeg-hung rudder, moulded shaft log and cut-down rig. The coachroof was raised, extended and fitted with a fixed screen, and the accommodation was more spacious and better fitted out. She had a particularly good chart table, an effective, seagoing saloon and double cabins fore and aft. She was substantially built, but there was a shortage of stowage.

LOA 11.1m (36ft 5in), LWL 9.25m (30ft 4in), beam 3.7m (12ft 1in), draught 1.33m (4ft 4in),
displacement 5,200kg (11,440lb). Price guide: £40,000 to £50,000.