17 April 2018
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Groupe Beneteau celebrated the Singapore Yacht Show from 12-15 April this year with a strong presence as the largest exhibitor, having 14 boats on display to represent six of its brands. Three of these were Asian premieres: the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 440, the Oceanis 51.1 and the Lagoon 50.
At a press conference on the second day of the show, CEO Hervé Gastinel said he is confident of another 10 percent growth this year, after the group reported a revenue of 1.2 billion euros over the 2016-2017 period, translating to a growth of 11.5 percent.
Brand leaders Carla Demaria (Monte Carlo Yachts), Jean-Paul Chapeleau (Jeanneau, Prestige), Vincent Arnaud (CNB), Thomas Gailly (Lagoon), Paul Blanc and Thibaut de Montvalon (Groupe Beneteau Asia Pacific) shared their views about the future of the market in Asia and stressed the importance of the region and their Asian customers.
The Asia Pacific region represents just five percent of the group’s current sales. Present in the region since 2003, the group has lately strengthened its dealer network and moved the group’s Asia-Pacific regional headquarters to Hong Kong. Recent additions are the new dealerships in Vietnam and Indonesia, and the Lagoon Escapades social program.
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Of the Asian premieres, the Oceanis 51.1 already has a strong reputation as a cruiser designed around elegance, comfort and speed. The 51.1 is the first in the seventh generation of the Oceanis line which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. The first Oceanis 51.1 to reach Australian shores will arrive later this year through Flagstaff Marine.
The Lagoon 50, available with up to six cabins, is a compromise between the very popular 450 model and the Lagoon 52. Key features are interior design by Nauta Design, boasting a well laid out living space and great natural light in the aft cabins; a shorter boom for easier handling; and an optimised aspect ratio for the mainsail.
The innovative 440, designed by Philippe Briand and Jean-Marc Piaton, is the latest generation in the French yacht builder’s Sun Odyssey range, in production since 2012.
The group is launching 38 new models in the 2017-2018 period.
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