Slowdown in the sailing market, impact on sales
With a decline of 26.5%, the Group's sailing business, which accounts for almost half of all yacht sales, suffered from lower demand, particularly in the monohull segment for professional charterers. The multihull market, after strong growth in 2023, has returned to normal. Nevertheless, the Excess brand maintained its performance, and Lagoon continued its premium positioning with the launch of the Lagoon 60.
On the environmental front, the development of recyclable materials continued, with the introduction of Elium resin on the Beneteau Oceanis Yacht 60, marking a step towards more sustainable boats.
The engine segment holds up well thanks to the move upmarket
Engine sales, representing 51% of total sales, fell by 32.5%, mainly due to dealer inventory management. However, sales to end customers rose by 4%, driven by growing demand for units over 40 feet.
Top-of-the-range models such as the Beneteau Antares 12 and the Merry Fisher 895 performed well, while the Prestige range benefited from the success of the Prestige F4.9. The power catamaran segment also enjoyed strong growth, with deliveries tripling in one year.
Recovery expected in the second half of 2025
Although the first half of 2025 will continue to be affected by ongoing destocking and the slowdown in the sailing market, the Group expects a gradual improvement in the second half. The introduction of 20 new models and the normalization of dealer inventories should support the recovery.
Among the new models, the Prestige M7 and Lagoon 82 will be presented at the Cannes Yachting Festival, while the entry-level range will be strengthened with the Beneteau First 30 and Lagoon 38. On the engine side, Beneteau will be renewing its outboard range with the Antares 9, while Prestige will be introducing the F4.3 model to attract a new clientele to top-of-the-range yachting.
Towards a new phase of growth
Despite a year marked by inventory adjustments and a slowdown in demand, Beneteau continues to invest in the renewal of its offer and sustainable development. The year 2025 will be key to triggering a new growth cycle, with a strategic move upmarket and diversification of market segments. The Cannes Boat Show 2025 promises to be a decisive step in confirming or disproving this dynamic.
