Beneteau launched the Oceanis 47 and Oceanis 52 as next-generation cruising sailboats, and introduced the First 60 as the largest First model ever built. The brand also unveiled the Oceanis 37.1 with electric propulsion and the Swift Trawler 54 for enhanced autonomy.
Oceanis 47 — world-premiered at Boot Düsseldorf 2025
Oceanis 52 — world-premiered at Boot Düsseldorf 2025
First 60 — launched within the last 12 months
Oceanis 37.1 — premiered at Miami Boat Show 2024
Swift Trawler 54 — premiered at Miami Boat Show 2024
First 24 — worldwide debut in Rhode Island
First 18 — worldwide debut in Rhode Island
Frequently asked questions
Where are Beneteau boats built?
Mainly in France, where Beneteau has been based at Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in the Vendee since 1884. A plant in Marion, South Carolina built boats for the American market from 1986 until it closed in 2020.
Who owns Beneteau?
Beneteau is the founding brand of Groupe Beneteau, the French boating group that also owns Jeanneau and the catamaran builder Lagoon. The group grew out of the family yard started by Benjamin Beneteau in 1884.
Can you charter a Beneteau yacht?
Yes. Beneteau sailboats, especially the Oceanis line, are a mainstay of charter fleets, and motor models such as the Gran Turismo and Swift Trawler are chartered in many cruising areas.
Beneteau has built boats at Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on France's Vendee coast since 1884 and is today a major international producer of sail and motor yachts. The business began with wooden fishing boats and turned to leisure sailing in the 1960s. Its name also heads Groupe Beneteau, parent of Jeanneau and catamaran builder Lagoon.
Fishing boat origins in the Vendee
Benjamin Beneteau opened the yard in 1884 to build sailing trawlers, adding motor tuna boats early in the twentieth century. Pleasure boats took over in the 1960s, when fiberglass cruisers found a fast-growing market, and by the 1990s Beneteau had become the umbrella brand of Groupe Beneteau. For the American market, the company ran a plant in Marion, South Carolina that built more than 8,700 boats between 1986 and its closure in 2020.
Current sail and power ranges
Sailing ranges include the Oceanis and Oceanis Yacht cruisers, the First performance line with its smaller SE versions, and the Figaro. On the power side, Beneteau builds Gran Turismo sport cruisers, Flyer and Antares dayboats, and the Swift Trawler and Grand Trawler families for longer passages. The boats are built in series at the company's French plants.
Beneteau on the charter and used market
Large production runs mean deep secondhand supply, and charter fleets in most cruising regions run Beneteau sailboats, the Oceanis line above all. GetBoat carries Beneteau listings for both charter and purchase, alongside boats from sister brands Jeanneau and Lagoon.
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★ 4.4Sailboat Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 15.94mThe Beneteau Oceanis 51.1 is a spacious, adaptable cruising yacht with strong charter appeal and a versatile 5-cabin layout. Its wide beam, modern deck layout and optional 110 hp engine make it practical and easy to live with, though performance depends heavily on configuration and it is not a true high-performance cruRead review →
★ 4.3HadarThe Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 is a modern family cruiser with a very spacious layout, strong 45 hp diesel power, and flexible 2/3/4-cabin configurations. It suits relaxed coastal and charter use best: easy to manage, comfortable at anchor, and capable enough under sail, though not a pure performance yacht.Read review →
★ 4.3Sailboat Beneteau First 53 16mA fast, modern performance cruiser with strong sailing credentials, generous sail area, and a spacious 3-cabin layout. It is better suited to owners who prioritize sailing feel and premium fit-out than those seeking the lowest operating cost or easiest marina access.Read review →
★ 4.2PiggybankA capable and well-balanced 2011 Beneteau cruiser with the Oceanis 43’s proven family-friendly layout, solid sailing manners and good liveaboard comfort. The listing data appears unreliable, but the underlying boat remains a practical, competitive option for coastal cruising and charter use.Read review →
★ 4.2Beneteau Oceanis 40.1 ChampagneA spacious, easy-to-live-with cruiser with modern styling and strong family appeal. It favors comfortable passagemaking and simple sailhandling over lively performance, making it a solid choice for relaxed coastal cruising and charter use.Read review →
★ 4.2BENETEAU FLYER 8.8 SPACEDECKA fast, versatile dayboat with genuine overnight capability, the 2016 Beneteau Flyer 8.8 SpaceDeck stands out for its 500 HP rating, shallow draft, and flexible open layout. It is strongest as a sporty family cruiser and entertaining platform; interior comfort is good for the size, but not as roomy as larger cabin boatRead review →
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