The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 vs Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 comparison sits squarely in the category of decisions where specs alone won't tell the whole story: intended use, storage, and long-term ownership costs all factor in.
Size is the most obvious dividing line here. The Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 measures 62,2 feet overall (2015), giving it roughly 32,2 additional feet of deck space compared to the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 30,0 feet (1989). Weight tells a clearer story for trailering families: the Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 tips the scales at 48 600 lbs - 43 309 lbs less than the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 5 291 lbs. That difference is meaningful if you're working within a half-ton or three-quarter-ton truck's tow rating, especially once you factor in a motor, gear, and fuel.
The Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 tops out at 150 hp. Engine specs for the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 aren't listed - confirm with a dealer before selecting an outboard.
For family outings this is probably the sharpest distinction between the two. The Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 is rated for 18 passengers, while the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 caps at 9. If you're regularly pulling extended family or a group of friends onto the water, the extra seats on the Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 could be the deciding factor.
Displacement is where these two sailboats genuinely part ways. The Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 displaces 48 600 lbs - a 43 309-lb difference over the Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 5 291 lbs. That gap separates two entirely different categories of sailing: the heavier boat is built for offshore passage-making and load-carrying, while the lighter hull rewards performance sailing and easier handling in lighter air.
The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 is rigged as a Fractional Sloop while the Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 carries Sloop rigging - a meaningful difference in sail handling complexity, upwind performance, and the size of crew you'll need to work the boat comfortably. The Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 has a documented auxiliary engine of 150 hp.
Bottom line: The Beneteau Oceanis 60 2015 is the offshore and bluewater choice - at 48 600 lbs displacement and 62 ft it has the load capacity, range, and seakeeping for extended passages. The Beneteau First Class Challange 1989 at 5 291 lbs is the more nimble, accessible option - easier to single-hand and better suited to coastal and inland sailing.