Beneteau
specification
The French shipyard Beneteau, as the flagship of the Beneteau Group's network, is a major player in the global yachting industry. It specializes in the construction of sailboats and motor yachts made from composite materials, with lengths up to 19 meters. Beneteau yachts are known for their practicality, comfort, and quality, all offered at relatively accessible prices.
Country
France
Type of yachts
Length (m)
30-40
Gross tonnage (GT)
<499
Hull material
GRP
History
In 1884, young Benjamin Beneteau established his own boatbuilding business in the small town of Croix-de-Vie in Vendée, a western province of France. The first customers were local fishermen.
Adapting to changing demand, the company transitioned to building sailboats, which eventually gained immense popularity among clients. By its centenary, Beneteau had achieved global recognition and made two pivotal decisions that shaped its future: expanding into composite motor yachts and opening a factory in the United States. This move not only significantly increased the order book but also allowed the company to pursue its ambitious plan of expanding production capabilities and its model range through acquisitions of new shipyards and yacht brands.
Today, Beneteau Group is a leading shipbuilding conglomerate, encompassing popular yacht brands such as CNB, Lagoon, Jeanneau, Four Winns, Glastron, Wellcraft, Scarab, Monte Carlo Yachts, Excess, Seascape, Delphia Yachts, and Prestige. In 2018, the group's yachting business turnover exceeded €1 billion, with the Beneteau brand alone accounting for €290 million. The majority of sales (about 60%) are in Europe, while 25% are in the U.S. market.
Adapting to changing demand, the company transitioned to building sailboats, which eventually gained immense popularity among clients. By its centenary, Beneteau had achieved global recognition and made two pivotal decisions that shaped its future: expanding into composite motor yachts and opening a factory in the United States. This move not only significantly increased the order book but also allowed the company to pursue its ambitious plan of expanding production capabilities and its model range through acquisitions of new shipyards and yacht brands.
Today, Beneteau Group is a leading shipbuilding conglomerate, encompassing popular yacht brands such as CNB, Lagoon, Jeanneau, Four Winns, Glastron, Wellcraft, Scarab, Monte Carlo Yachts, Excess, Seascape, Delphia Yachts, and Prestige. In 2018, the group's yachting business turnover exceeded €1 billion, with the Beneteau brand alone accounting for €290 million. The majority of sales (about 60%) are in Europe, while 25% are in the U.S. market.
Facilities
Beneteau Group operates more than twenty production facilities across France, Italy, Poland, the USA, Brazil, and China, employing over 7,500 people. However, the company's main production and headquarters are still located in Croix-de-Vie, France.
Each year, around 4,000 yachts and boats of various classes and sizes are built at the group's shipyards.
The group also boasts a comprehensive global network of representatives.
Each year, around 4,000 yachts and boats of various classes and sizes are built at the group's shipyards.
The group also boasts a comprehensive global network of representatives.
Range
Beneteau offers a wide range of sailboats and motor yachts made from composite materials, with lengths ranging from 4 to 19 meters. The model lineup includes:
Sailing Yachts:
Motor Yachts:
The best-selling models to date are the First 265 (over 500 units sold), First 235 (over 600 units sold), and Oceanis 321 (over 800 units sold).
In 2023, Beneteau introduced two new models: the flagship Antares 12 and the special PILOT EDITION project within the Flyer series.
Sailing Yachts:
- Oceanis: Mediterranean-style cruising yachts (9-16 meters).
- Oceanis Yacht: Long-distance cruising yachts (17-19 meters).
- First: Sporty yachts (4-17 meters).
- First SE: Gliding speedboats (4-8 meters).
- Figaro: Racing yachts with foils for regattas, including the 11-meter BENETEAU 3.
Motor Yachts:
- Flyer: Day cruisers with a central helm (6-11 meters).
- Antares: Cabin cruisers with hardtops and gliding flybridge yachts (6-13 meters).
- Gran Turismo: Cruising yachts with hardtops (10-15 meters).
- Swift Trawler: Semi-displacement trawlers (11-19 meters).
The best-selling models to date are the First 265 (over 500 units sold), First 235 (over 600 units sold), and Oceanis 321 (over 800 units sold).
In 2023, Beneteau introduced two new models: the flagship Antares 12 and the special PILOT EDITION project within the Flyer series.