Jeanneau Boats History & Heritage
In 1957, Henri Jeanneau redirected his passion for speed from planes and cars to boats. After building a wooden powerboat in a small shed in Les Herbiers, he entered it in the famous 6-Hour Paris Race and emerged victorious, marking the beginning of a significant journey in yachting. Henri's hobby swiftly transformed into a business, giving rise to the esteemed name Jeanneau in the world of yachting.
Recognizing the utility and potential of GRP construction, Jeanneau became a pioneer in using this innovative build material for small sports boats. The Mirage and Prelude models marked the initial steps, and in 1965, the first fully-fledged production model, the 16ft Sea Bird day cruiser, was launched.
The production at Jeanneau has remained divided between sail and power throughout its history. In the 1980s, the company ventured into powerboat racing, gaining significant credibility. This era also witnessed the introduction of the Cap Camarat sports boat, featuring a practical center console design that continues to provide plenty of enjoyment on the water.
One of the pivotal moments for Jeanneau occurred in 1989 with the debut of the Prestige sports cruiser. Designed by the Italian studio Garroni, this luxury cruiser quickly became a success, with over 2500 models built to date, firmly establishing Jeanneau in the luxury cruiser market.
In 1996, Jeanneau America was established, focusing on catering to the needs of US boaters. This emphasis on the American market reached a significant milestone in 2017 when the first US-built Jeanneau was produced in Michigan.
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