Beneteau

Not to be confused with Beneteau Guitars.

Beneteau or Bénéteau (French pronunciation: [beneto]) is a French sail and motorboat manufacturer, with production facilities in France and in the United States.^[1] The company is a large and recognized boat builder, with its holding company (Groupe Beneteau) now also holding other prestigious brands, such as Jeanneau and its multihull subsidiary Lagoon in 1995.

Beneteau

Company type	Public
Traded as	Euronext: BEN
Industry	Boat building
Founded	1884 in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France
Founders	Benjamin Bénéteau, André Bénéteau, Annette Roux
Headquarters	16 Boulevard de la Mer, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie , France
Key people	Jérome de Metz (CEO)
Parent	Groupe Beneteau
Divisions	Jeanneau Lagoon Excess Delphia Four Winns Wellcraft Scarab Glastron
Subsidiaries	Rec Boat Holdings LLC
Website	www.beneteau.com

History

Shipwright Benjamin Bénéteau [fr] founded the company^[2][3] in 1884, at Croix-de-Vie, France to build sailing trawlers.^[4] In the mid sixties, Benjamin's grandchildren Annette Bénéteau Roux^[5] and her brother André Bénéteau introduced a line of fiberglass boats.

Production

The main production facility is in France, with five factories in the Vendée area. However, they have one US plant in Marion, South Carolina, which produces boats for the American market and opened in 1986.^[6] Since then, the factory has nearly doubled in size to about 250,000 square feet (23,000 m²). By May 2017, the Marion plant had built more than 8,700 boats.^[7] The Marion plant was closed in September 2020 and production was moved to the existing facilities in France.^[8]

Beneteau sailing models

Below is a list of Beneteau yacht models.

Early models

Name	Designer	Years	No. built	Notes
Guppy	-	1964		Dinghy
Fletan	-	1966
Galion	-	1967
Baroudeur	André Bénéteau	1970
Piranha	-	1972
Kerlouan	André Bénéteau	1972
Capelan	André Bénéteau	1972
Baroudeur MkII	André Bénéteau	1973
Cabochard	André Bénéteau	1973
Escapade	André Bénéteau	1976
Chenapan	André Bénéteau	1976
Canot 3.90	-	1977		Junk Rig
Wizz	Jean-Marie Finot	1981		Two Person Dinghy
California 5.20	André Bénéteau	1982
California 4.70	André Bénéteau	1983
California 6.60	André Bénéteau	1983
California 5.50	André Bénéteau	1986
Beneteau Idylle 880[9]	André Bénéteau	1982
Beneteau Idylle 1050[10]	André Bénéteau	1985
Beneteau Idylle 1150[11]	Jean Berret	1983
Beneteau Idylle 1350[12]	Germán Frers	1984
Beneteau Idylle 1550[13]	Germán Frers	1985		(also known as the Mooring 51)

One design racing

Sortable table

Name	Designer	Years	No. built	Notes
Mumm 36	Bruce Farr	1992		European Builder
Beneteau 25 / Platu 25	Bruce Farr	1996		European Builder
First Class 7	Jean-Marie Finot; Jacques Fauroux	1984		Racer/Cruiser
First Class 7.5	Jean-Marie Finot	2003		Racer
First Class 8	Jean-Marie Finot; Jacques Fauroux	1982
First Class 10	Jean-Marie Finot; Jacques Fauroux	1983
First Class 12	Jean-Marie Finot	1986
First Class Europe	Jean-Marie Finot	1989
First Class Challenge	Jean-Marie Finot; Jean Berret	1992
Beneteau Figaro	Jean-Marie Finot; Jean Berret	1994
Beneteau Figaro 2	Marc Lombard	2002
Beneteau Figaro 3	Van Peteghem – Lauriot Prévost	2017–Present

Racer/cruiser - first series

First 25.7

These are racer/cruiser sailboats, with a higher emphasis on the racing aspects, yet are substantially equipped for comfortable cruising. They are equipped with tall fractional rigs, high performance keels and upgraded deck hardware. Introduced in 1976 with the First 30 model designed by Andre Mauric. The current First models being offered include:^[14][15]

Name	Designer	Years	No. built	Notes
GENERATION 1
First 18	Groupe Finot	1979
First 22	Groupe Finot	1978
First 24	Jean-Marie Finot	1983
First 25	Jean-Marie Finot	1980
First 26	Jean-Marie Finot	1984
First 27	André Mauric	1978
First 28	Jean-Marie Finot	1981
First 29	Groupe Finot	1984
First 30 & 30E	André Mauric	1977		[16]
First 32	Jean Berret	1981
First 38	Jean Berret	1982
First 42	Germán Frers	1981
GENERATION 2
First 235	Jean-Marie Finot	1986
First 265	Jean-Marie Finot	1991
First 285	Jean-Marie Finot	1987
First 305	Jean Berret	1985
First 310	Groupe Finot	1990
First 325	Jean Berret	1984
First 345	Jean Berret	1984
First 375	Jean Berret	1985
First 405	Jean Berret	1986
First 435	Germán Frers	1985
First 456	Germán Frers	1983
First 51	Germán Frers	1987
GENERATION 3
First 32S5	Jean Berret	1988		Philippe Starck
First 35S5	Jean Berret	1988		Philippe Starck
First 35.7	Jean Berret	1992		Philippe Starck
First 36S7	Jean Berret	1995		Philippe Starck
First 38S5	Jean Berret	1989		Philippe Starck
First 41S5	Jean Berret	1989		Philippe Starck
First 42S7	Bruce Farr	1994		Philippe Starck
First 45F5	Bruce Farr	1990		Sergio PININFARINA
First 53F5	Bruce Farr	1990		Sergio PININFARINA
GENERATION 4
First 210 Spirit	Jean-Marie Finot	1992
First 211	Groupe Finot	1998
First 260 Spirit	Groupe Finot	1995
First 300 Spirit	Groupe Finot	1994
First 31.7	Finot Conq et Associés	1998
First 33.7	Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design	1996
First 36.7	Farr Yacht Design	2001
First 40.7	Farr Yacht Design	1997
First 44.7	Farr Yacht Design	2003
First 47.7	Farr Yacht Design	1999
GENERATION 5
First 21.7	Groupe Finot	2004
First 21.7S	Finot Conq et Associés	2007
First 25.7	Jean-Marie Finot	2004
First 27.7s	Groupe Finot	2002
First 34.7 (10R)	Farr Yacht Design[17]	2005
GENERATION 6
First 20	Finot-Conq Architects
First 25	Finot-Conq Architects
First 30	Juan Yacht Design	2010		Nauta Design
First 35	Farr Yacht Design[18]	2008		Nauta Design
First 40	Farr Yacht Design[19]	2007		Nauta Design
First 45	P. Briand Yacht Design	2007
First 50	P. Briand Yacht Design	2006		Veerle Battiau
GENERATION 7
First 53	Biscontini Yacht Design	2019–Present		Styling: Lorenzo Argento

Sense series

Introduced in 2010, the Sense range is a modern interpretation of a cruising yacht, incorporating several industry firsts, while the company continued to produce the more conventional Oceanis cruising range. It introduced innovations to the deck, superstructure, and interior design.

• Sense 50 (First built in 2010)
• Sense 43 (First built in 2011)
• Sense 55 (First built in 2012)
• Sense 46 (First built in 2013)
• Sense 57 (First built in 2016)

Oceanis Series

A Beneteau Oceanis 473 (47.3 feet)

View from a bosun's chair towards the ship decks of two slightly different Oceanis Clipper 411, from a height of around 15 m, the full mast height of the 41 feet (c. 12 m) long yacht. The photo was taken while a broken line running over the top of the mast had to be replaced during a sailing trip.

Name	Designer	Years	No. built	Notes
GENERATION 1 (Launched 1986-1991) [20]
Oceanis 320	Philippe Briand	1987
Oceanis 350	Philippe Briand	1985
Oceanis 370	Philippe Briand	1989
Oceanis 390		1987		[21]
Oceanis 430	Philippe Briand	1985
Oceanis 500	Philippe Briand	1987
GENERATION 2 (Launched 1991-1995)[22]
Oceanis 281	Jean-Marie Finot	1994
Oceanis 300	Jean-Marie Finot	1991
Oceanis 321	Jean-Marie Finot	1994
Oceanis 351 / 352	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	1993		Armel Briand
Oceanis 400	Jean-Marie Finot	1992
Oceanis 440	Bruce Farr	1991
Oceanis 461	Bruce Farr	1995		Armel Briand
Oceanis 50	Bruce Farr	1995		Armel Briand
Oceanis 510	Philippe Briand	1992
GENERATION 3 (Launched 1993-2003)[23]
Oceanis 36CC	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	1996		Armel Briand
Oceanis 40CC	Jean-Marie Finot	1994		Armel Briand
Oceanis 42CC	Jean-Marie Finot	2001
Oceanis 44CC	Bruce Farr	1994		Armel Briand
Oceanis 57	Bruce Farr	2002		Franck Darnet Design
GENERATION 4 (Launched 1995-2008)[24]
Oceanis Clipper 311
Oceanis Clipper 323
Oceanis Clipper 331
Oceanis Clipper 343
Oceanis Clipper 361
Oceanis Clipper 373
Oceanis Clipper 381
Oceanis Clipper 393
Oceanis Clipper 411
Oceanis Clipper 423
Oceanis Clipper 473
Oceanis Clipper 523	Jean-Marie Finot	2004
GENERATION 5[25]
Oceanis 34	Jean-Marie Finot	2008		Nauta Design
Oceanis 37	Jean-Marie Finot; Pascal Conq	2007		Nauta Design
Oceanis 40	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	2006		Nauta Design
Oceanis 41	Finot - Conq & Associés	2011		Nauta Design
Oceanis 43	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	2006		Nauta Design
Oceanis 46	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	2007		Nauta Design
Oceanis 50	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	2005		Nauta Design
Oceanis 50 mk2	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	2009		Nauta Design
Oceanis 54	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	2008		Nauta Design
Oceanis 58	Jean Berret; Olivier Racoupeau	2009		Nauta Design
GENERATION 6[26]
Oceanis 31	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 35	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 38	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 45	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 48	Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design			Nauta Design
Oceanis 55	Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design			Nauta Design
Oceanis 60	Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design			Nauta Design
GENERATION 7[27]
Oceanis 30.1	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 35.1	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 38.1	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 41.1	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 46.1	Finot - Conq			Nauta Design
Oceanis 51.1	Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design			Nauta Design
Oceanis 55.1	Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design			Nauta Design
Oceanis Yacht 62	Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design			Andreani Design

Seascape

In 2018 Beneteau purchased Seascape^[28] and rebrand it products under the Beneteau First brand.

Beneteau Powerboats models

Swift Trawler series

These are trawler yacht powerboats. The Swift Trawler 42 was the company's first trawler yacht and the first Beneteau powerboat to reach the U.S. Market.^[29]

Outboard motorboats

These are outboard powered motorboats in three different models: Antares cabin cruisers, Barracuda seafishing boats and Flyer console boats.^{[citation needed]}

Notable boats or models

Beneteau 361

• Beneteau 31
• Beneteau 361
• Beneteau First 235
• Beneteau First 285
• Beneteau Oceanis 321
• Mumm 36
• Platu 25

See also

• List of sailboat designers and manufacturers
• Jeanneau
• Lagoon

References

1. "Beneteau Swift Trawler 42". Yachting Magazine. Retrieved 2017-11-18.
2. Le Spectacle du monde. Spectacle du monde. 2003.
3. Gilbert Tarrab; Jacques Salzer (1987). Voix de femmes: le pouvoir féminin en France. Québec/Amérique. ISBN 978-2-89037-365-5.
4. Le nouvel ECONOMISTE. 1996.
5. Le Figaro magazine. Figaro. January 2007.
6. BusinessWeek. McGraw-Hill. 1987.
7. Imbimbo, Jessica. "Groupe Beneteau celebrates 30 years of boat building in Marion". SCNow. Retrieved 2017-11-18.
8. "Beneteau closing South Carolina plant". Ocean Navigator.
9. "IDYLLE 8.80 (BENETEAU) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com".
10. "IDYLLE 1050 (BENETEAU) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com".
11. "IDYLLE 1150 (BENETEAU) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com".
12. "IDYLLE 1350 (BENETEAU) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com".
13. "IDYLLE 1550 (BENETEAU) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com".
14. "Sailboats and luxury yachts - Sailing Yacht Beneteau America". www.beneteau.com. Retrieved 2017-11-18.
15. "Sailboats built by Beneteau by year on Sailboatdata.com". sailboatdata.com. Retrieved 2017-11-18.
16. "Sailboats built by Beneteau by year on Sailboatdata.com". sailboatdata.com. Retrieved 2017-11-18.
17. "FYD | Beneteau First 10R (Design 543)".
18. "FYD | Beneteau First 35 (Design 622)".
19. "FYD | Beneteau First 40 (Design 608)".
20. "Oceanis Yacht heritage | Bénéteau | Beneteau".
21. "Sailboats Oceanis 390 - Sailing Yacht Beneteau". www.beneteau.com. Retrieved 2018-09-18.
22. "Second generation of oceanis yachts | Bénéteau | Beneteau".
23. "Third generation of Oceanis yachts | Bénéteau | Beneteau".
24. "Fourth generation of Oceanis yachts | Bénéteau | Beneteau".
25. "Fift genration of Oceanis yachts | Bénéteau | Beneteau".
26. https://www.beneteau.com/en/gamme/oceanis-- ^{[dead link]}
27. https://www.beneteau.com/en/gamme/oceanis-- ^{[dead link]}
28. "Beneteau buys Seascape >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News".
29. "Beneteau Swift Trawler 42". Yachting Magazine. Retrieved 2017-11-18.

External links

• Official website