'It’s near the bridge, on Quai des Greniers, that our grandfather created his boatyard in 1884, on which, of course, figured his name: BÉNÉTEAU.' - Annette Roux.
In the 133 years since that auspicious begining, the Beneteau boat building company has launched over 10,000 yachts. A feat which the founding family may not have even imagined when they attended their first Paris boat show in January 1965.
'No other boat looked like ours..., we felt like we did not belong. Yet, only a few hours after the opening, three business men introduced themselves, claiming that our boats were what their customers were looking for and that no other builder wanted to build them.'
The family that had its origins in fishing boats was now also working its way into sailboat production.
'We wanted to develop the recreational fishing boat. Our customers had learned to sail and they wanted larger boats, comfort on board, and to see the sea from the saloon.'
'There is nothing harder than beginning a new range. My brother André listened to us and I can still see him, after months of thought, when we were visiting a boat show in Germany, drawing an innovative boat on a paper napkin in the restaurant and saying “there’s your boat!” This would be the Evasion 32, followed by the later Evasion 37 and Evasion 28 versions.'
Where is this all leading? To the fact that after 133 years Beneteau is a household name, one that even non-sailors are sure to be familiar with. So if you're a Beneteau owner you're sailing aboard a a boat with a long and interesting heritage. The full story of Beneteau's first 130 years is far too interesting and involved for me to tell you everything, but you can read it yourself and learn more about your iconic sailboat.
In the meantime, remember to Sign Up, or renew your Summer Sailstice registration for 2017, and add your sailing plans. Let's see how many Beneteaus can set sail and celebrate this June. Share this with your Beneteau friends and make sure they're onboard as well. Everyone who signs up is automaticlly in the draw for great prizes from Beneteau and our other sailing-partners. See you out there!
