The early years

The creation of a sailing yachts industry
Through ups and downs, the company tried to reinvent itself at the 1965 Paris boat show. The next 7 years would be dedicated to investments in new products and the testing of new ideas. In 1973, Beneteau focused on a new project: Recreational fishing boats. Fishing was not just a trade, it has become a pleasant hobby and boats needed to serve different needs now. Fishing boats had to increase in size and thus in comfort.
Find the best yachts
OCEANIS 46.1
- Builder/Yard
- Beneteau
- L.O.A.
- 14.60 m
- Beam
- 4.50 m
- Engine
- 57 HP
OCEANIS 51.1
- Builder/Yard
- Beneteau
- L.O.A.
- 15.94 m
- Beam
- 4.80 m
- Engine
- 80 HP
As years went by a new generation of customers appeared that was after something more than fishing. They wanted to sail faster and further. They sought an adventure. Beneteau did what it does best and adapted once again, focusing now on a new project. The company started developing its first high-performing sailing yacht. The name of that yacht was First and it was a complete revelation at the 1976 Paris boat show. It gradually became a class on its own and until today it is considered an iconic sailing yacht.Beneteau kept growing in size and innovation. In 1987 it was the year for another signature Beneteau sailing yacht and that was no other than Oceanis. Oceanis was (and still is) a game-changer in its category and has known huge success. Fast forward in 2019, the range has 7 different models, each one designed to serve a different need or taste.
In 1995, Beneteau proceeded with the huge buyout of Jeanneau and its subsidiary Lagoon. Jeanneau was Beneteau’s biggest competitor in France and with that move, new opportunities and challenges emerged for the company. Beneteau was now in the catamaran game, a new vast market.
Continuous innovation
“Being one step ahead” is the best description for Beneteau. Through continuous improvements, investments and the implementation of new ideas, Beneteau challenges itself and the whole market.The innovations applied are probably only a fraction of what the company has been engaged with. Beneteau invests in new technologies, in the environment (by reducing the ecological footprint of their boats and with “cleaner” procedures in production) and in new architectural designs. Only the fact that Oceanis 46.1 won the “2019 European Yacht of the Year” award speaks volumes for the position of Beneteau amongst the world’s leading yacht companies.
Interested in sailing yachts?
Buying a sailing yacht is a lifetime investment. Choosing Beneteau for that will offer you safety and peace of mind. Vernicos Yachts is proud to be an official dealer of Beneteau sailing yachts in Greece and we will be happy to help you choose the one that best suits your needs.