Beneteau takes over Seascape: First milestone for the renewal of the First series

The announcement that Beneteau sent out to the financial world yesterday evening may seem surprising at first glance. What does the world's largest shipyard, which has a turnover of well over one billion euros, want with a 4.2 million euro tiny boat? And why is Seascape, known for its fast and unconventional boats, getting into the arms of a giant?

In fact, there are good reasons for both partners to get married. The main one: With Seascape, Beneteau is beginning the rebuilding of the legendary First series, which was decided a good two years ago. This is an affair of the heart for Madame Roux, who remains the grande dame of the world market leader to this day.

With the models from the shipyard in Sion, which has already been nominated three times for European Yacht of the Year and has won the title twice, the French are making a kind of flying start. The Seascape 14, 18, 24 and 27 will form the basis of Beneteau's performance cruiser programme in future. Which indirectly implies an announcement: The product managers around Managing Director Gianguido Girotti are moving away from the previously rather conservative orientation of the First line and breaking new ground.

In this respect, the expertise and ideas of Sescape founders Andraz Mihelin and Kristian Hajnsek are also highly relevant for Beneteau. The two former Mini-Transat sailors have plenty of experience from the extreme end of ocean sports. In this respect, it would be a surprise if the First development did not lead to high-performance designs.

According to YACHT information, both sides are already working on a new model around or over 30 feet, which should combine the DNA of the previous Seascapes with a higher level of comfort and aesthetics - in a way, the interface between the trailerable boats and what is to follow at First in the future.

So it is no wonder that Groupe Beneteau CEO Hervé Gastinel spoke of an "important development" in his press release to the financial press.

Here is the original wording of the Groupe Beneteau announcement from 10 July

On 9 July 2018, Groupe Beneteau acquired the Slovenian company Seascape d.o.o., which specialises in the development, construction and marketing of performance sailboats. This acquisition is part of the strategy to expand the Group's product range with the "Transform-to-Perform" plan. It will further strengthen the Group's global leadership in monohull cruising boats by including performance cruisers. Seascape currently offers four models, from 4.30 to 8 metres, and generated €4.2 million in sales in 2017.

Thanks to their innovative design and sophisticated ergonomics, these affordable performance sailing boats combine fun and speed with easy handling and transportability. They offer multifunctional and adaptable designs that enable a wide range of sailing programmes - from regattas to family cruises and flotilla events.

The acquisition enables Groupe Beneteau to offer a specialised range of small sailing boats for both beginners and enthusiasts - often younger people who are first-time owners. Seascape will be integrated into the Group's business from the date of acquisition.