Jeanneau,
Jeanneau's story by decade
1950
1957
In 1957, Henry Jeanneau, already passionate about aeroplanes and automobiles, had just discovered a brand new passion for powerboating, one that began as he watched a boat pass by his window. Soon afterward, in Les Herbiers, France, home to a rich heritage of artisan work, he began building a wooden hull with which he participated in the 6-hour Paris race, the largest national race at the time. He was first to cross the line, and this galvanized him. So, a past time became a trade.
1958
The shipyard built its first fibreglass hull. This new material, a petrochemicals product, created a technological breakthrough without precedent.
“In the beginning, we built three boats a week. It was very artisanal. We built everything from wooden preforms, from the keel to the ribs. It was necessary to demonstrate to customers that the fibreglass would perform as well as wood. The first model was called, “Sport polyester.” Then came the “Mirage” and the “Prélude.” Fibreglass became the material of choice, definitively.”
Robert Rigaudeau, Naval Architect, Design Department
“In the beginning, we built three boats a week. It was very artisanal. We built everything from wooden preforms, from the keel to the ribs. It was necessary to demonstrate to customers that the fibreglass would perform as well as wood. The first model was called, “Sport polyester.” Then came the “Mirage” and the “Prélude.” Fibreglass became the material of choice, definitively.”
Robert Rigaudeau, Naval Architect, Design Department
1960
1963
First production-line powerboat, the Sea Bird1964
The Jeanneau shipyard produced the first sailboats, with the Alizé, a true success.
1970
1970
This year marked the beginning of the “democratisation” of sailing, and boat production went up.
JThis same year, Jeanneau launched the fabulous Love Love and the Sangria. This last model was a huge success, securing Jeanneau’s position as a market leader in the design and construction of liveable sailboats. 3,000 boats were sold.
JThis same year, Jeanneau launched the fabulous Love Love and the Sangria. This last model was a huge success, securing Jeanneau’s position as a market leader in the design and construction of liveable sailboats. 3,000 boats were sold.
1976
JEANNEAU ENTERS A SINGLE-HANDED TRANSATLANTIC RACE WITH A MELODY helmed by Yves Olivaux. This significant event demonstrated, quite simply, that a production model boat could be sailed across the Atlantic, single-handed, just as Eric Tabarly had done.
LAUNCH OF THE FLIRT
“We place the flirt very high among 6-metre models. It appears solid, well made and very satisfactory in all aspects.”
Neptune Nautisme n° 158 – August-September ‘76
Neptune Nautisme n° 158 – August-September ‘76
1980
1980
THE JEANNEAU SHIPYARD TAKES PART IN POWERBOAT RACING
alongside the company, Transports Graveleau.
For several seasons, the Formule 1 Inshore or Formule 3000 (1984) catamarans, helmed by Michel Rousse, would dominate the competition with their more solid, Kevlar hulls.
For several seasons, the Formule 1 Inshore or Formule 3000 (1984) catamarans, helmed by Michel Rousse, would dominate the competition with their more solid, Kevlar hulls.
LAUNCH OF A NEW POWERBOAT MODEL: THE CAP CAMARAT
The spirit of the Cap Camarat line was born with the Cap Camarat 575 . Called “the 4 x 4 of the seas,” its seafaring qualities were such that that it became legendary. Today, the Cap Camarat line has become an international reference in powerboats for sport and leisure.
The spirit of the Cap Camarat line was born with the Cap Camarat 575 . Called “the 4 x 4 of the seas,” its seafaring qualities were such that that it became legendary. Today, the Cap Camarat line has become an international reference in powerboats for sport and leisure.
1981
Jeanneau won the first 3 places in the Nyamey-Bamako Rally, a test of endurance covering 2,000 km. Specially constructed of Kevlar, the Cap Camarat Niger 510 was the big winner of this African adventure, with Gérard D’Aboville. This same year, the Club Med chose Jeanneau to resupply its fleet of powerboats for water skiing.
1982
JEANNEAU BECOMES EXCLUSIVE SUPPLIER FOR THE SAILING TOUR DE FRANCE
Between 1982 and 1998, Jeanneau was the exclusive supplier for the Sailing “Tour de France”, with 3 generations of sailboats: Rush Royale was replaced in 1984 by the Selection .
Between 1982 and 1998, Jeanneau was the exclusive supplier for the Sailing “Tour de France”, with 3 generations of sailboats: Rush Royale was replaced in 1984 by the Selection .
CREATION OF JTA (JEANNEAU TECHNIQUES AVANCÉES)
Constituted by men and women passionate about competitive sailing and high-tech construction, this workshop developed some 50 prototypes, all high-tech race boats: Formula 40s, maxi-multihulls, 60-foot trimarans, One Tonners, as well as boats for The America’s Cup, The Globe Challenger, etc.
1983
Launched in 1983, the Sun Kiss quickly becomes a reference among large cruising sailboats.
1984
Construction of the “Fleury Michon 7,” the largest catamaran ever built at that time, was a product of the beautiful relationship between Fleury Michon, Jeanneau and great skippers, such as Philippe Poupon. The Fleury Michon 8, 9, 10 et 11 would win numerous titles, including the Route du Rhum (single-handed transatlantic race) in 1986 and the transatlantic sailing record in 1987.
1985
The 1st Lagoon catamaran1987
Jeanneau cements its international leadership in the world of powerboat racing, beating world records for speed with a production model engine (170.21 Km/h) and for endurance over 24 hours. Jeanneau accumulated victories in the 24-hour race of Rouen four times, in the 6-hour race of Paris, as well as in Great Britain and in Singapore.
1989
Jeanneau cements its international leadership in the world of powerboat racing, beating world records for speed with a production model engine (170.21 Km/h) and for endurance over 24 hours. Jeanneau accumulated victories in the 24-hour race of Rouen four times, in the 6-hour race of Paris, as well as in Great Britain and in Singapore.
1990
1990
Aboard her “Groupe Pierre 1er” trimaran, Florence Arthaud completed an incredible race and was first to finish, ahead of Fleury Michon and RMO. It was a triple win for Jeanneau, who built all three boats on the podium.1991
The Jeanneau One design (JOD) replaced the Sélection as the official boat of the Sailing Tour de France.
1995
JEANNEAU IN CINEMA
Two replicas of “Pierre 1er” were produced to meet the enormous production needs of the American film, “Waterworld,” with Kevin Costner.
Two replicas of “Pierre 1er” were produced to meet the enormous production needs of the American film, “Waterworld,” with Kevin Costner.
BIRTH OF THE SUN FAST LINE OF RACER-CRUISERS
The first Sun Fast made its debut with the production of the Sun Fast 52, a Jeanneau racer-cruiser sailboat designed by Philippe Briand in collaboration with Philippe Poupon.
The first Sun Fast made its debut with the production of the Sun Fast 52, a Jeanneau racer-cruiser sailboat designed by Philippe Briand in collaboration with Philippe Poupon.
Chantiers Jeanneau joins Bénéteau. This is also the year that Microcar (licence-exempt vehicles) and Lagoon (catamarans) join the group.
1996
Creation of Jeanneau America in the United States.
2000
2000
With the Sun Odyssey line, the 2000s would see dynamic growth in a line of sailboats featuring signature Jeanneau qualities : elegance, comfort, innovation and seaworthiness.2005
Our site dedicated to the construction of large Jeanneau models is expanded. Jeanneau would now have the world’s largest shipyard for the construction of production-model boats, extending over 40 hectares.
2008
Jeanneau launched the Sun Fast 3200, designed by Daniel Andrieu, which went on to be named “European Yacht of the Year.”
2010
2011
Creation of the Asia Pacific Jeanneau subsidiary in Hong-Kong.2013
JEANNEAU ANNOUNCES THE 18TH SUN FAST MODEL with the new Sun Fast 3600. Without a doubt, this new sailboat is a fine addition to an impressive family line!
DONGFENG RACE TEAM, FOR WHOM JEANNEAU IS THE OFFICIAL SUPPLIER, represents China in the Volvo Ocean Race.
2014
JEANNEAU OFFERS THE FIRST PRODUCTION YACHT OVER 60 FEET: THE JEANNEAU 64 ! It is an audacious move made possible by the experience and capabilities of the Jeanneau team, and one that has been very well received by customers. Customer loyalty continues to be an essential source of our motivation, enthusiasm and confidence, and has been since 1957.2015
JEANNEAU, LEADING THE RACE
The Sun Fast line dominates the podium in 3 out of 4 divisions, and 10 are among the top 12. Such beautiful results for this line that combines speed, performance and technology!
2016
Jeanneau has become a key player in the market of inboard powerboats. We are continually renewing our product offer and creating new product lines that immediately find their audience: the Leader, Velasco and NC lines each offer their share of innovation.
2017
BUILT IN THE USA Jeanneau begins production of the NC 895 in Cadillac, Michigan.2017
60 YEARS OF BOAT BUILDING
Jeanneau hits a major milestone in 2017, celebrating 60 Years of boat building!
2018
WALK-AROUND SERIES
Jeanneau introduces a new concept for cruising sailboats -- the walk-around decks. Starting with the launch of the Sun Odyssey 440 followed by the Sun Odyssey 490 and 410, these sailboats have won international awards all around the world.
2019
SUN FAST 3300 ARRIVES
The newest addition to the extremely successful Sun Fast line, the 3300 is the brain child of Guillaume Verdier and Daniel Andrieu, whose collaboration guarantees high performance and success under a variety of rating rules.