The location, of the Groupe Beneteau headquarters building, says much about the importance of the Beneteau family business to the economy of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
Sitting, as it does, centre stage on Boisvinet beach at the harbour mouth. Enjoying sea views south to the Ile de Re. Built in the style of a contemporary colonnaded villa.
In 1884, the success of the local sardine fishery prompted Benjamin Beneteau to start building trawlers. His company prospered. Recognising early the opportunities of a nascent 1960’s leisure market.
Much as the Ford Motor Company had done for the car industry, Groupe Beneteau applied the principles of mass production to boat building. Their prices and designs attracting a broad customer base, previously unable to aspire to ownership.
The parallels, between the two pioneers within their respective sectors, do not end there:
Bread and butter models necessarily tend toward the pedestrian, rather than aiming to set pulses racing. However, where the Ford Motor Company spawned and nurtured the mighty Mustang; Groupe Beneteau begat and evolved the fabled Figaro. (See Ad Lib 63)
Where 'sensible shoes' Ford harboured the radical, everyman-road-racer, RS division (RIP); Beneteau has its 'First' sub-brand. Revived from a corporate-coma by the purchase of the Solvenian Seascape yard. Who have, in quick succession, raised sailors’ heart rates with the First 36 (pictured) and the First 30.
The Firsts are simple (relatively) affordable designs, hungry to eat the lunch of the specialist Breton performance yards: Pogo and JPK. Their populist mission is to put speed induced smiles on the faces of as many sailors as possible. Through the reinvention of the Cruiser-Racer. The hot hatch of the seas. Missing in action since the early noughties.
Both designs are from the board of Sam Manuard. Whose Pogo RC has been shaking up the offshore world, often with its creator at the helm (fist raised, big smile, claiming line honours in the Cap Martinique). The man who brought the scow bow to the IMOCA class, with Armel Tripon's L'Occitane. And whose Mach40 designs are the ones to beat in the competitive Class40 fleet.
Stargazer's skipper hopes to investigate the First 36 further. Following an open invitation, to visit, from Bretons Thomas and Hugo. Who sail out of the epicentre of French short handed racing, Lorient La Base.
Picture Credits
1964 Ford Mustang advert; courtesy of Ford Motor Co.
Beneteau Figaro, First 36 under sail, First 36 interior; courtesy of Groupe Beneteau
Sam Manuard, first across the line in the Cap Martinique; courtesy of Marc Misillon / Disobey
Thomas & Hugo's First 36; courtesy of Thomas & Hugo
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