When did the Jeanneau shipyard enter the market?
The history of Jeanneau – one of the most prestigious boat brands in the world – began in the late 1950s.Its success is recognized worldwide today with its motor models (Cap Camarat, Merry Fisher, Merry Fisher Sport, NC, Leader or Prestige) and sailing models (Sun Odyssey, Sun Fast and Jeanneau Yachts). But in fact, the success belongs to Jeanneau from its beginnings in the world of boating.
The name of the shipyard comes from its founder, Henry Jeanneau. It all started with his decision to build a wooden hull in 1957. His source of inspiration? He was disappointed by the results of many hulls during his participations in motorboat competitions.
Who is Henry Jeanneau?
Born in 1924, Henry Jeanneau was a raider, flying small planes mainly in Sicily and Africa. He has a great passion for extreme leisure activities – planes, motorcycles and water skiing. Upon his return to France in 1950, he opened a new chapter in his life. At that time, he began to attend motorcycle competitions where he discovered his greatest passion – boats!
How did Henry Jeanneau get into the boat business?
After ordering ten 30 hp engines with friends, he built his first boat in 1955. One year later, he won 12 of 15 competitions. Thanks to this – Jeanneau hulls create a good image with the Motonautique de l’Ouest club of which he is a member.
It is from this moment, that the requests start. This motivated Henry Jeanneau to found his own shipyard, named “Hall Nautique de l’Ouest”. It is a handcrafted construction of boats in mahogany wood.
At the end of the 50’s Henry, convinced of the success of his decision, replaced wood by polyester in the construction of hulls.
This initiative gave birth to the “Sport Polyester”, “Mirage” and “Prelude” models, which managed to please and convince the public that the performance of polyester was equal to that of wood.
Following his studies in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, Henry takes another big decision – to build hulls in an industrial way. For this purpose, he inaugurated a larger, modern factory in 1961.
The evolution of the Jeanneau shipyard from the 60’s to the 80’s
In 1963, Jeanneau launched its first Sea Bird motor series. One year later – the new sailboats with the Alizé.
The 70s – Love Love and Sangria. Jeanneau becomes the leader in the construction of liveaboard yachts. The shipyard marks a huge success with 3,000 units launched.
In 1980 – Jeanneau launches the new range of motor boats: Cap Camarat, – with the first Cap Camarat 575. The following year was marked by numerous successes for the shipyard. In particular – the following awards: 3 first places in the Nyamey-Bamako Rally and thus the renewal of its fleet of water ski boats.
Jeanneau is chosen as the exclusive supplier of the Tour de France à la Voile between 1982 and 1998. This period includes 3 generations of high technology sailboats.
Highly competitive boats built during this period include: Formula 40, maxi-multihulls, 60′ trimarans, One-tonners, America’s Cup boats, Globe challengers, etc.
How Jeanneau became a leader in the nautical industry: key moments in its history
A key moment is the launch of the first cruising yacht in the Sun Kiss range in 1983. Then came the birth of the largest catamaran for 1984 – the Fleury Michon 7. As a result, the following year saw the construction of the first Lagoon catamaran.
In 1987, the shipyard won numerous victories in the world of competitive motorboating. Even more – speed and endurance records in the following races: 24 hours of Rouen four times, 6 hours of Paris, but also in Great Britain and Singapore.
In 1989, Jeanneau launched its range of top-of-the-range motor yachts with the first Prestige model, which has been a real favorite to this day.
In 1991, the Sun Fast racing-cruising range was born with the Sun Fast 52. That year, the Jeanneau shipyards joined the Beneteau and Lagoon groups.
In 1996, the Jeanneau America shipyard opened its doors in the United States. The years 2000 mark the big success of the Sun Odyssey range.
The development of the Jeanneau shipyard since 2008
Just out of the yard, the new Sun Fast 3200 is elected for the Boat of the Year 2008.
Later, Jeanneau creates a subsidiary with Asia Pacific in Hong Kong in 2011. The following year saw the construction of the first boat over 60 feet – the Jeanneau 64! Then in 2013, the new Sun Fast 3600 model is launched.
The year 2016 is filled with innovations with the launch of 3 new ranges: Leader, Velasco and NC. In 2018, Jeanneau launches the new models Sun Odyssey 440 and Sun Odyssey 490. Then the latest addition to the Sun Fast range, the 3300 in 2019. Today, more than 4,000 PRESTIGE sail on all oceans.
Jeanneau continues to surprise us
In the 2021-2022 period, Jeanneau presents 3 new motor models:
- Cap Camarat 7.5 CC Series3
- Cap Camarat 7.5 WA Series3
- Merry Fisher 795 Sport Series2
As well as 2 new sailboats:
- Jeanneau Yachts 65
- the renewal of the Sun Odyssey 380.
Subsequently, Jeanneau launches the first DB/43 model of the Day Boat Premium range.
Jeanneau marks new successes by nominating two Beneteau boat models for the European Yacht of the Year Awards 2023. These are the new Beneteau First 36, launched in 2022, nominated in the “Performance Cruiser” category. And the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60, nominated in the Luxury Cruiser category.
For the 2023 season, Jeanneau continues to surprise us with the launch of its three new boats:
- Jeanneau Yachts 55
- Merry Fisher 1295 Fly
- Cap Camarat 10.5 CC
In addition, these boat models and thus the Prestige M48 and DB43 were exhibited in January 2023 at the boot Düsseldorf. The show is quite symbolic for the Jeanneau shipyard. On the one hand for its 2 nominations, and on the other hand for the exhibition of its new boats and even more – the world premiere of the new DB/37 and Jeanneau Yacht 55.
What are the best used Jeanneau boats?
There are several pre-owned Jeanneau boat models that are considered excellent in terms of performance, comfort and value for money.
Here are some of the best powerboat models from the yard:
- Cap Camarat 10.5 WA
- Cap Camarat 12.5 WA
- Cap Camarat 9 WA
- Cap Camarat 7.5
- Merry Fisher 795 Series 2
- Merry Fisher 1095 Fly
- Merry Fisher 895 Marlin
- Merry Fisher 1295 Fly
- Merry Fisher 1095Flyer 10
- Antares 11 Fly
- GT 45
- GT 41
- GT40
- GT38
- GT 36
- Swift Trawler 48
- Swift Trawler 44
- Swift Trawler 41 Sedan
- Swift Trawler 41 Fly
- Swift Trawler 35
- Grand Trawler 62
- Leader 33
- Leader 36
- NC 33
- NC 37
- NC 11
- NC9
Here are some of the shipyard’s best sailing boat models:
- Sun Odyssey 45.2
- Sun Odyssey 42i
- Sun Odyssey 409
- Sun Fast 3200
- Sun Odyssey 49
- Sun Odyssey 409
Find all our used Jeanneau boats.
If you own a Jeanneau boat and you want to estimate the price, contact us now. You will get a precise and fair estimate of the value of your boat for free!
