PRIDE

IN A JOB WELL DONE…..

In 1884 : Benjamin Bénéteau, a naval architect, founded the small-scale Bénéteau shipyard in Croix de Vie in order to build sailing trawlers. In 1912, when the first motor tuna boats went to sea, their proud designer was in fact Benjamin Bénéteau. Three generations later, the passion is still the same. Bénéteau presented the Guppy and the Flétan at the Paris Boat Show for the first time in 1965. In their wake, the Gallion, Piranha, Forban, Baroudeur and others, well known for their seaworthiness, began a new concept : the day fishing boat. It was the start of a production in which innovation and quality played the leading parts. Two decades of expansion later, Bénéteau celebrated its centenary in 1984 and was listed on the Paris Stock Exchange. In 1986, the company branched out on the other side of the Atlantic and opened a Bénéteau production unit in the USA at Marion, South Carolina. Bénéteau boats are designed and built to last. They meet the highest criteria (French Merchant Navy, Bureau Véritas, CE standards). Each yacht benefits from the world leader's technical expertise and global ocean experience plus the services of a Research and Development Department for whom every detail is of the utmost importance.

LAMINATION

The mouldings are of vital importance and not just for the sake of appearance. A correctly laid-up hull is safe, strong and long lasting. All rovings (woven fibreglass) are numbered, pre-cut and laid-up by hand.
Accurate resin application and attentive rolling make for excellent lamination. Steady temperature and moisture levels ensure perfect polymerization takes place.

STRUCTURE

Every Bénéteau yacht has the advantage of an integral inner moulding laminated to the hull. This structural inner moulding forms the framework of the boat, evenly distributing rig, keel and rudder stresses. It also includes the engine cradle when applicable. From a practical point of view, this integral moulding technique produces inner lockers that are always clean and easily maintained. The hull/deck joint is achieved with a job-specific polyurethane adhesive, extra fibre glassing and mechanical linkage, fastened to either an aluminium or wooden toe-rail depending on the model. Stanchion and pulpit bases are through-bolted in several places adding to the stiffness. The decks are of a 'sandwich' construction enclosing balsa or closed-cell foam for lightness, rigidity and insulation. Deck hardware fixing points are, of course, solid with extra strengthening plates.

EQUIPMENT

Engines, masts, rigging, deck fittings… Bénéteau works closely with world specialist manufacturers.
It is not just their high-quality equipment, it is their technical backup in ports around the globe that means you will be able to make the most of your Bénéteau. Last but by no means least, Bénéteau as achieved ISO 9002 Certification. Internationally recognised, this certificate proves the quality and expertise of the company and staff of Bénéteau where the true measure reigns: the Spirit of the Sea.

…AN INEXHAUSTIBLE PASSION FOR INNOVATION…

At Bénéteau, 'innovation' does not necessarily mean technological revolution or avant-garde design …we know that, above all, we must respect the sea, that progess is a daily business with pleasurable yachting as a priority inextricably linked with reliability and safety. Pleasure, reliability, safety: these three are the basis of constant research and innovation at Bénéteau just as they are with our partners around the world. Partners that include highly talented naval architects such as Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design , Groupe Finot and Farr Yacht Design; their work on hull-lines - stucture/volume ratios - are a constant reference. At Bénéteau, we endeavour to offer yachtsmen the concepts that have proved their worth in high competition. As a result of this philosophy, new appendices configurations, injection moulded composite rudder stocks and self aligning rudder bearings have made their appearance.
Innovation also means the ability to offer high quality features to be fitted as standard. The Bénéteau woodwork shop combines industrial investment with home-grown talent to produce unequalled wood finishes. Innovative technology, innovative design, innovative service with the 'Sailing for Pleasure Contract®' : our constant aim is to make sailing more affordable and easier still; for this reason Bénéteau has come up with ready-to-sail boats - the 'Clipper' series - and has created the 'packs'- specially selected equipment from the best manufacturers and at the best prices.

...TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.

The legendary Firsts

The architecturally designed sleekness and speed of the Bénéteau Firsts echo that of sea-birds. Designed for racing or performance cruising, their pedegrees in the mini-transat and other prestige events speak for themselves: Admirals Cup, Vendée Globe, Whitbread… In addition to performance, the Firsts bear the products of successful race testing - twin rudders, composite rudderstock… Comfort, speed, beautiful interiors… The Firsts also bear the hallmarks of famous designers such as Philippe Starck and Pininfarina.

Océanis, the Art of Yachting..

Cruising is not necessarily synonymous with slowness… Bénéteau did not hesitate to call upon it 'First' architects to design the Océanis range, thereby breaking new ground in the field of cruiser design and becoming the world reference point in this particular sphere of design. Océanis yatchs sail across the oceans of the world either with their owners or as part of the major charter companies' fleets : a unique mix of performance, reliability, ease of use combined with comfort, elegant accomodation and plenty of living space. Available in 3 models: 36 CC, 40 CC and 44 CC, the central cockpit range appeals to those who love comfort above all else. The central cockpit is the perfect protection from the sea and spray, leaving the aft deck clear and creating a real owner's cabin - a stylish floating apartment. The 'Clipper' version, the latest Bénéteau innovation, sports all the finishing touches from a complete mooring kit (anchor, chain, warps and fenders), including a windlass to even the crockery - and the Océanis is ready to sail away.

One-designs, out and out racers.

Bénéteau's one design programme was launched in 1980 with the First Class 8 and has been evolving ever since whilst remaining true to the original concept: racing in its pure state - on equal terms rather than dependent on the deepest pockets. This philosophy brought forth the Figaro Bénéteau (one-design for the Solitaire du Figaro and the double-handed Lorient - St. Barth transatlantic race), the Mumm 36 (Admirals Cup one-design) and the Bénéteau 25, the hallmark Farr Yacht Design rocket-ship, with an unequalled European Grand Prix circuit.

ACROSS THE WORLD, THE SAME PASSION FOR THE SEA IS FOUND UNDER THE BÉNÉTEAU SIGN

The Bénéteau Network coverage guarantees quality distribution and service assistance across the seven seas… In this spirit, Bénéteau and their dealers and have committed themselves to the 'Sailing for Pleasure Contract®', which guarantees successful sailing on 9 specific points.

300 dealers on 5 continents: the Bénéteau Network - the power behind the world's leading yachtbuilder.