Market fluctuations don’t stop the Beneteau Group, which showed up in Cannes with 19 new models, including 14 world premieres. The boating giant knows well that the desire to sail never fades, not even in times of uncertainty like these, and that’s why it chose to attend the French show in full force. After all, the company’s plans are ambitious: with 66 models scheduled between now and 2027 (50% more than the previous cycle), Beneteau Group is accelerating and reaffirming its commitment to making boating accessible and sustainable.
As industry insiders know, inflation, interest rates, and U.S. tariffs are putting increasing pressure on operators in the sector. That’s why, like all luxury markets, boating has to face the challenges of price elasticity and the growing need to become more accessible while at the same time improving its value. This awareness is the starting point of Beneteau Group’s plan: “The boating market is not facing a crisis of demand, but a crisis of confidence. The desire to be on the water is still very strong – said CEO Gianguido Girotti – That’s why we need to make accessible what is no longer so, while enriching the experience where it really matters”.
The strength of the Beneteau Group
With nine brands and 6,500 employees operating across three complementary markets, the Beneteau Group has the expertise and financial strength to innovate and adapt. The Group boasts €250 million in net cash, a network of 1,200 distributors, and a solid balance sheet. “Being a family-owned company for over 140 years, with a long-term strategy, is a true strength”, emphasizes Bruno Thivoyon, Chairman of the Management Board.
“Our mission is clear: to focus on what we call the right proposition for every customer, i.e. Meaningful Boating. It means designing and innovating for the right willingness to pay. It means making boating accessible to as many people as possible, without compromising on quality”, adds Gianguido Girotti – But the right proposition for each client is not limited to price: it is also about creating real value for our customers, designing experiences that matter, and integrating sustainability at the heart of everything we do”.
The 19 premieres unveiled at Cannes 2025
This new chapter for the Beneteau Group takes shape in 19 new models, including 14 world premieres unveiled in Cannes. Boats that cover all segments of the multi-specialist group, from entry-level models to the most expensive and luxurious yachts.
The Beneteau Group’s key word is price accessibility, but without compromising on quality or innovation. That’s why five new models (Sun Odyssey 415, Oceanis 47, Oceanis 52, Lagoon 38 and Trawler 37) are offered at a discount of 10% to 15% compared to their predecessors, making boating more accessible while maintaining high standards of design and performance. These boats have been designed to be easier to own, charter, and handle, thanks to modular layouts and ergonomic features that simplify life on board.
Also worth noting in the motorboat segment is the launch of the new Four Winns TH33 and TH38, which are driving a significant evolution in the entry-level and mid-range segments. As for the top of the line in motor yachts, the Beneteau Group has focused on refined design, sustainable materials, and extensive customization options. The most luxurious segment is represented in Cannes by the Beneteau Gran Turismo/Alpine series, the GT Trawler 63, Lagoon 82, and the Prestige M7. The latter is the group’s flagship yacht, embodying space, elegance, and the sophistication of high-end motorboating.
There are also major new developments in sailing yachts, where the Beneteau Group is the world leader, offering a complete range to meet every expectation: from the Beneteau First 30, accessible starting at €100,000 and designed for both racing and sporty cruising, to the new First 60, a 60-footer that combines performance with elegance. Also winning over visitors at the French show was the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 415, which stands out for its accessibility in both use and price, along with the new Beneteau Oceanis 47 and 52, which blend cruising comfort with cutting-edge innovations.
Finally, in the multihull segment, the Lagoon 38 represents an affordable entry point into modern catamarans, especially for charter. At the other end of the range is the Lagoon Eighty2, the largest catamaran in the Beneteau Group, designed with a strong focus on high-level customization. Another newcomer is the Excess 13, which adds even more excitement to the sailing experience.
Jeanneau Sealoft 480, the floating loft from the Beneteau Group
One of the main new entries unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival deserves a chapter of its own: the Sealoft 480, which launches a brand-new range for the Jeanneau brand of the Beneteau Group. Designed as a floating loft, this boat redefines the boating experience. Based on real navigation data and tested by 120 boaters across Europe and North America, every detail of the Sealoft 480 has been conceived to improve life on board: modular living spaces that promote circulation, simplified maneuvers, and a 30 to 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to conventional boats.
“This is not just a boat. It’s a new category — a floating loft, a fluid space, a complete ecosystem of autonomy and simplicity”, Gianguido Girotti concludes by describing the company’s new creation, which offers a fresh way to experience the sea: accessible, intuitive, and responsible.
