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  • 1884 1884 : Benjamin Bénéteau, founder of the company, launched his first sailing trawler
  • 1912 1912 : Forerunner of his time, Benjamin Bénéteau, launched the first tuna boat to combine sail and engine
  • 1964 1964 : BENETEAU opened to yachting and introduced polyester into boat building
  • 1965 1965 : A new boat design, the “fishing/excursion motorboat”, with the Galions, Piranhas, Forbans, and Baroudeurs
  • 1973 1973 : Creation of the Evasion 32, designed by André Bénéteau
  • 1977 1977 : Creation of one of the most famous BENETEAU yachts ranges, with the FIRST 30, designed by André Mauric
  • 1977 1977 : André Bénéteau created the Antarès range: fishing motorboats for cruising, already widely recognized for their seafaring qualities
  • 1978 1978 : The First 30 was voted boat of the year at the Paris Boat Show. This yacht marked BENETEAU's entry into the world of yacht racing. More than a thousand boats were sold
  • 1981 1981 : Launch of the “BENETEAU PECHE” at the International Fishing Boat Show in Nantes
  • 1982 1982 : BENETEAU launched the Idylle range; cruising yachts that were both fast and comfortable
  • 1984 1984 : Centenary year and introduction of BENETEAU securities on the unlisted securities market of the Paris Bourse
  • 1986 1986 : 10 years after the First 30, BENETEAU launched a new generation of yachts at the Paris Boat Show. These were the OCEANIS cruising yachts, based on the concept of “the pleasure of better living conditions at sea”.
  • 1986 1986 : BENETEAU inaugurated the Marion factory in South Carolina
  • 1987 1987 : BENETEAU extended its motorboat range, and developed French-style powerboating with the introduction of the Flyer range. The Flyers took part in the first long-distance water-skiing race
  • 1987 1987 : BENETEAU combined audacity and experience by launching the FIRST 35 S 5, designed by Philippe Starck. From the moment it was launched, it was acclaimed by the sailing industry and elected “boat of the year”
  • 1989 1989 : Creation of the First 45 F 5. This was an outstanding model, co-designed by two legendary talents, Pininfarina and Bruce Farr
  • 1989 1989 : The FIRST CLASS FIGARO Solo was retained as the one-design for the Figaro Single-Handed Race
  • 1990 1990 : BENETEAU presented the Flyer F1, a model co-designed by a legendary talent, Pininfarina
  • 1993 1993 : BENETEAU was selected by the RORC to build the Mumm 36, Admiral's Cup one-design in 1995 and 1997
  • 1994 1994 : BENETEAU launched Antarès 13.80, its flagship. Spacious and high-performing, this open sea speedboat adds luxury to a very sturdy temperament
  • 2003 2003 : Showing of the new SWIFT TRAWLER 42: the traditional trawler concept completely reexamined by BENETEAU. It was to create a new range for travellers of the high seas in search of new horizons
  • 2004 2004 : BENETEAU innovated with the launch of the AIR STEP® hull. Co-inventors: P. Tableau, M. Tronquez, R. Laval-Jeantet
  • 2005 2005 : BENETEAU broadened its ranges by launching the Cyclades, yachts based on a “holidays and freedom” concept
  • 2006 2006 : BENETEAU launched a new generation of Oceanis. Four models from 40 to 50 foot were launched in a year
  • 2006 2006 : BENETEAU launched MONTECARLO, a range of fast Open and Hard Top powerboats
  • 2006-2007 2006-2007 : BENETEAU launched a beautiful yacht, the First 50
  • 2007 2007 : BENETEAU was awarded the highly coveted title of “Yard of the Year” by the European Press
  • 2007 2007 : BENETEAU launched the Swift Trawler 52, its largest powerboat
  • 2008 2008 : Creation of the new BENETEAU YACHT CLUB, the exclusive club for BENETEAU owners
  • 2009 2009 : BENETEAU opened its Asia division in China
  • 2010 2010 : BENETEAU launched a new yacht concept which completely rethinks the way in which we cruise: SENSE – an invitation to enjoy the magic of the sea
  • 2010 2010 : The DOCK & GO revolution: BENETEAU creates the sailboat of the future !
  • 2010 2010 : BENETEAU launches a new range of Sport Cruisers: birth of the FLYER Gran Turismo 38
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1884 : Benjamin Bénéteau, founder of the company, launched his first sailing trawler
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History

11/16/2010

First 45

 The BENETEAU adventure began more than a century ago on the quays of Croix-de-Vie in Vendée.
For 120 years, the core of the Boatyard's profession has been innovation and a passion for yachting. From the first sardine boat to the latest Monte Carlo, from the shipbuilding tradition to more advanced technologies, our expertise has grown. However, it is still the pioneering spirit of Benjamin Bénéteau that is the driving force behind our 2,500 co-workers.
Today, more than 36 000 BENETEAU power boats have sailed the seas of the globe. Steering them, their keen and demanding owners, with whom we share the same values of performance, modernity, safety and respect.