Jeanneau is one of the most internationally renowned manufacturers of sailing and motor boats and has stood for French boatbuilding tradition in industrial precision for decades. The company was founded in 1957 in Les Herbiers in the Vendée region and developed from a small shipyard into a globally active series manufacturer. A decisive step early on was the consistent switch to glass fiber-reinforced plastics, which gave Jeanneau a pioneering role in modern yacht building and set new standards in production, design, and scalability.
Originally rooted in classic wooden boat building, Jeanneau recognized the potential of new materials and industrial manufacturing methods as early as the 1960s. This strategic orientation not only enabled consistently high quality, but also the development of complete model series for different target groups. Today, Jeanneau is part of the Beneteau Group and produces boats for customers in almost all water sports regions of the world. Despite industrial series production, the demand for sailing characteristics, safety, and workmanship remains a central part of the brand identity.
Jeanneau's range covers a wide spectrum of maritime applications. In the sailing sector, the Sun Odyssey series is particularly well established. It is designed for comfortable cruising and is suitable for both beginners and experienced crews. In the motorboat segment, Jeanneau caters to different usage profiles with lines such as Leader, Merry Fisher, and NC – from sporty day cruisers to family-friendly all-round boats. Typical features of Jeanneau boats are:
Jeanneau continuously invests in the further development of hull shapes, lightweight construction concepts, and production processes. The aim is to further improve efficiency, comfort, and safety without compromising the robustness of the boats. At the same time, the issue of sustainability in boat building is becoming increasingly important. Jeanneau is working on more resource-efficient manufacturing processes, optimized motorization, and the reduction of emissions during operation. With this combination of industrial experience, technical development, and a clearly structured model range, Jeanneau remains a fixture in international yacht building and appeals to sailors and motorboat enthusiasts who value reliable technology, functional design, and long-standing brand experience.