Groupe Beneteau includes hybrid and electric craft for 2022
Groupe Beneteau has unveiled several developments across its portfolio. The company announced the introduction of electric and hybrid propulsion systems for the Beneteau, Delphia and Excess brands during the company’s On The Horizon 2021 event in Cannes.
These new technologies are featured on the Excess 15 sailing catamaran on display at Port Canto at the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Beneteau Oceanis 30.1 sailboat that will be displayed at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle, France and Barcelona, Spain.
Revealing Delphia’s new identity and positioning, its general manager Martin Schemkes explains: “Our vision is that 100 per cent electric propulsion will usher in a new phase in boating and our mission will be to create the leadership in electric boating on inland waters. This new chapter is defined by a mindful approach to cruising.”
The first electric motorboat models will be presented in January 2022 and their navigability, interior design and comfort have been fully designed for quiet, electric-driven navigation.
Another innovation, Seanapps, was introduced by Gianguido Girotti, deputy CEO in charge of the brand & product strategy.
“Developed together with our partner Sentinel Marine Solutions, this on-board smart application enables boaters, dealers and charter companies to connect to their boat or fleet at any time. We are very excited to kickstart this solution with a series of Beneteau, Jeanneau and Prestige models. By 2025, all 9,000 boats we build every year will be equipped with Seanapps as standard equipment. It illustrates well our philosophy and our business approach: we are the integrators of a solution developed by our partner, a solution that we deploy on a vast scale,” says Girotti.
Marko Pihlar, CEO of Sentinel Marine Solutions and partner of Groupe Beneteau for the Seanapps solution adds: “As an end-to-end solution provider, we are now able to take the latest connected boat innovations into the mainstream. By partnering with Groupe Beneteau, Sentinel Marine Solutions will expand its global presence and contribute to transform, simplify and enhance the boating experience for thousands of users, with both new and existing boats.”
Wellcraft’s new ranges
Two new ranges have also been announced for Wellcraft. Renowned for offshore fishing, the group says Wellcraft’s offering will comprise three product ranges that reinterpret the brand’s vast heritage: sport fishing, the adventure cruiser (taking people faster and further, wherever they want in style and comfort); and the luxury center console (for day boating in upscale comfort).
“We’re creating a new generation of game-changers in the world of adventure cruisers built for our ultra passionate clients, boats that take their boating that extra bit further, and change the rules of the game. With their triple outboard motors and incredible sea-worthiness, imagine you’re just 1h30 away from so many amazing places, going from Ft Lauderdale to the Bahamas for the day, or from Italy to Croatia, or even further from Buenos Aires to Punta del Este, from Seattle to the San Juan islands, from Hong Kong to Tai Long Wan,” says Nick Harvey, Wellcraft’s GM.
In 2022, Prestige will launch its X60, next to its flagship X70. Next year will also see the launch of the all-new Horizon series for the American brand Four Winns.
