The recreational boating market is undergoing a profound transformation. In 2025, the Groupe Beneteau established a division entirely dedicated to charter services or, more commonly, boat rentals for vacations. Its goal is to transform boating into a lifestyle experience that is accessible, sustainable, and fully integrated into the global tourism industry.
Faced with the explosion in rental demand, which grew from 1.3 to 2 million passengers annually between 2017 and 2024, the Groupe Beneteau is strengthening its organization with a dedicated division. Led by a team of experts, this structure relies on a direct presence at the heart of key markets, such as Greece.
This on-the-ground proximity allows us to anticipate our clients' consumption trends and to best support our network of partners
Clément Dael, Division Director.
The objectives?
Adapting our offer, supporting our operators and building bridges with the giants of tourism (resorts, tour operators) to make the sea the new frontier of the client experience.
From sailing to hospitality: the new faces of charter
Beyond the traditional crewless rental known as "bare boat", aimed at seasoned sailors, the market is expanding.
While this historical segment remains a solid pillar, growth is now driven by two major vectors:
Cabin charter: highly popular among younger generations, this model offers a hotel-like experience. Guests book an all-inclusive stay on a catamaran, with a crew member and a pre-defined itinerary. This shift towards service requires a rethink of design. The launch of the Jeanneau Sea Loft 480, a hybrid concept combining the stability of a catamaran with a monohull hull, is the perfect illustration.
Crewed yacht: on luxury vessels (LAGOON from 60 to 80 feet), the private charter becomes a floating villa offering an exclusive service (captain, private chef, hosts).
The virtuous circle of sustainability: the "refit" era
For the Groupe Beneteau, the use inherent to rental must go hand in hand with responsibility and impact. This vision is embodied in two industrial pillars:
Integrated eco-design: the Group is rolling out the use of new materials, such as high-resistance laminated woodwork, ensuring greater longevity of interiors despite frequent turnovers.
The "Refit by Groupe Beneteau" programme: in 2025, the Group is giving a second life to its iconic models (such as the Lagoon 450) at its Bizerte site, in Tunisia.
The objective is to renovate 30 to 40 units per year. We are extending the life cycle of our boats and thereby reducing our overall environmental footprint. Because in my view, the first ecological gesture is simply not to throw things away.
Clément Dael, Division Director.
Photo credit: Samuel Weber
Placing people at the heart of the experience at sea
Beyond the figures, the Group places people at the centre of its thinking. This involves paying close attention to the working conditions of crews (skippers, hosts) with redesigned cabins to offer a level of comfort befitting this demanding profession. Because the ultimate challenge remains emotion. The sea has an unrivalled power to disconnect and offers a luxury of time and space that the Groupe Beneteau is committed to making more accessible. By blending the codes of sailing and outdoor hospitality, it opens the doors to a dream world where the land is rediscovered through the waves.
