When nautical innovation combines customer experience and sustainability
The Island Cruising Concept, which has been the subject of reflection within Groupe Beneteau for several years, became a reality in 2024. An innovative boat driving change in boating practices.
Relaxation and conviviality
This innovation was born out of use and customer experience. “We’ve taken our thinking further by looking at how the boats are actually used. Out offer is aimed at people who want to enjoy a moment on the water in paradise islands and be able to manoeuvre the boat easily,” continues Damien JACOB. Innovation on the keel, with a fusion of monohull and multihull, provides stability and performance. With the Island Cruising Concept, the Group has successfully created a floating terrace overlooking the sea. Outdoor kitchen, sun loungers: everything has been designed to ensure that the experience on board is relaxed and friendly, and that the sea becomes a swimming pool. The concept has been very well received, and the challenge now is to expand its marketing. Before considering larger-scale production, the Group’s teams have developed two prototypes of the Island Cruising Concept, which will be built and launched in 2024. It meets a specific need for summer sailing, moving from island to island, with family or friends,” explains Damien JACOB, Product Development Director for the Island Cruising Concept. Our two prototypes are in two distinct key sailing areas, corresponding to the most popular cruising grounds for this type of cruise: in the Adriatic, to access the European sailing population, and in the British Virgin Islands, targeting an American clientele.”
The fact that we've pushed ahead with this concept of a large, open boat that goes at a slower speed shows that the way people go boating is changing, with a marked increase in environmental awareness.
3 questions to Damien JACOB, Product Development Director for the Island Cruising Concept
In your opinion, what are the three key words that best characterise the spirit of the Island Cruising Concept?
DJ: I’d say comfort, sustainability and silence. Comfort, because the living space has been designed and created with this in mind. Guests can hire the Island Cruising Concept to relax and cruise from island to island. Sustainability, because we offer it with electric propulsion. The many solar panels installed are capable of generating 30 to 50% of the energy needed for propulsion and comfort. This means CO2 emissions are also reduced by 30-50%. This concept is in line with the Group’s objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030. The advantage of electric propulsion is its silence. All the customer hears is the sound of water running over the hull. This is a positive aspect that has been highlighted by users.
How do you gather their feedback?
DJ: Every weekend, we interview one of the users who was on board to get their feedback on their experience and the strengths and weaknesses of the boat. The customer is at the heart of the concept and is involved in its development. At the same time, the team monitoring the prototypes receives a wealth of information on a daily basis (boat maintenance recommendations, status alerts) via the Seanapps application. This allows us to optimise the concept development.
Are there any aspects other than silence that are appreciated by users?
DJ: Absolutely. The very pleasant single-storey space is emphasised because it allows fluid circulation between the various spaces. The outdoor kitchen means that everyone on the boat is always together. Solar panels are also popular, particularly because they allow batteries to be recharged silently. Our customers are keenly aware of environmental issues and are prepared to reduce speed in order to cut CO2 emissions. In return, they would like to see a major improvement in on-board comfort. The Island Cruising Concept strikes just the right balance!
