/ 
Groupe Beneteau has taken a new step in the structuring of its services in France, with the acquisition of Sailing Atlantic Services and the creation of a dedicated center in Les Sables d'Olonne. This operation is part of a wider move to integrate high value-added services around the preparation, optioning and maintenance of boats, in particular catamarans produced in the Vendée region.
Integrating a long-standing partner to secure the commissioning chain
Sailing Atlantic Services, founded in 2000 and based in Les Sables d'Olonne, has been working alongside the Vendée-based manufacturer for 25 years. Every year, the company prepares between 130 and 150 boats, mainly for charter fleets in France and abroad.
Its missions cover the installation of navigation and safety equipment, customization of units, maintenance and storage. It employs 11 people and achieved sales of ?1.8 million in 2025.
For Groupe Beneteau, the stakes are clear. To secure internally a strategic stage between leaving the factory and going into operation. Les Sables d'Olonne occupies a key position for Lagoon and Excess catamarans built in the Vendée region. Direct control of this phase limits the number of interfaces and enables better management of deadlines and quality.
Following on from the integration of BMS in Canet en Roussillon in October 2025, this acquisition confirms the Group's strategy of locating in sites with direct access to the water, as close as possible to navigation basins.
Port Olona 3, a real estate investment to change scale
In parallel with the acquisition, Groupe Beneteau is investing in the Port Olona 3 zone, as part of the extension of the port of Les Sables d'Olonne.
A promise to sell was signed on February 17, 2026, for a firm 7,000 m² plot, plus a 5,000 m² option to be exercised within five years. The building permit is due to be submitted in September 2026, with commissioning scheduled for December 2027.
The investment budget is ?3.3 million, rising to ?4.5 million if the land option is exercised. The future building will be sized to accommodate larger catamarans, notably under the Lagoon, Excess and Prestige brands.
The operational objective is to increase annual launching capacity from around 120 units today to 300 units in the future. This increase in capacity presupposes an adapted logistics organization, optimized preparation areas and nautical access compatible with deep-draught, wide multihulls.
Optioning and customizing, a margin lever for the builder
In addition to launching, the project aims to enhance boat optioning and customization. This stage represents a strategic segment for yacht builders.
Installation of additional electronics, energy packs, comfort equipment, specific adaptations for charter or blue water cruising: these services generate value and enable us to adjust units to the expectations of end customers or fleet operators.
By further internalizing these operations, Beneteau consolidates its control over the quality of execution and its relationship with professional customers, in particular charter companies, who demand controlled lead times and homogeneous configurations.
A site with enhanced environmental requirements
The specifications for the future center include a number of environmental provisions. The building will feature photovoltaic panels, a green roof and optimized surfaces to limit soil sealing.
The project also mentions compliance with ART 2020 standards. For professionals, these elements are part of an underlying trend. Port and industrial zones are now subject to more stringent requirements in terms of energy performance, stormwater management and architectural integration.
Against a backdrop of increasing regulatory and societal pressure on nautical activities, these choices determine the acceptability of port extensions and new facilities.
A services strategy that complements our industrial facilities
With 16 production sites and sales approaching ?850 million by 2025, Groupe Beneteau is continuing to diversify its activities beyond construction.
The structuring of a service center in Les Sables d'Olonne illustrates a shift in the company's business model. The aim is no longer simply to deliver units from the factory, but to support the entire lifecycle, from initial configuration to maintenance.
For the Vendée nautical industry, this project consolidates Les Sables d'Olonne's position as a technical hub for multihulls. And for professional operators, it opens up the prospect of a single point of contact, from construction to commissioning.
It remains to be seen, between now and December 2027, how this increase in capacity to 300 launches a year will fit into a constantly evolving global catamaran market.
