New Partnership for Le Boat and Beneteau Group
The leading river cruise operator and the global leader in the nautical sector are renewing their collaboration with a decade-long commitment. At the heart of the project is the new boat “Liberty,” joining the fleet next year, and a new phase for Le Boat’s Ownership-Management Program.
Boat Liberty
The “Liberty” will be launched in 2025, with Europe’s largest boat rental company investing over £100 million in the next ten years in Delphia-branded boats, a brand originating from Poland and part of the Group since 2018. Specifically, out of the 400 new Delphia boats to be built in the next decade for Le Boat, 100 will be produced in the next three years and at least 25 in 2025. In addition to the existing Horizon range already in production, there will be 34 units of the new premium boat with one to two cabins. The agreement ensures Le Boat customers an even wider selection for self-guided river cruises. Furthermore, Delphia and Le Boat are expanding into the North American market in new locations for charter vacations and boat sales. Cheryl Brown, Managing Director of Le Boat, describes the relationship with Beneteau Group as a growth opportunity for Le Boat, aiming to develop more appealing boats for customers and explore new opportunities in the North American market.
Esterni Liberty
Additionally, another model with three to four cabins will be launched in 2027, entirely designed in collaboration with Le Boat, which will have exclusive rights for the charter version. It will feature air conditioning in all areas and a high-quality flybridge among its premium features.
Through Le Boat’s Ownership – Management Program,which has tripled its volumes since the launch of the Horizon fleet in 2016, a new or pre-owned boat purchased by the customer is managed and maintained by Le Boat. Owners can enjoy eight weeks aboard their houseboat or similar vessel annually. Departures are available from one of the 33 bases across 9 countries and 17 regions in Europe and Canada, with an additional annual fixed income for the customer, whether the boat is rented out or not, and an option to sell after 7 years.
Erik Stromberg, Vice President of Power & Motoryachts at Gruppo Beneteau, states that Le Boat has been an important partner for many years with its premium Horizon models, and this consolidation will enhance the supply of Horizons and jointly develop an innovative boat. For the Beneteau Group’s intentions, the collaboration with Europe’s leading boat rental company is a strong asset towards innovative, sustainable, and accessible boating, especially in the rental sector, given the growing demand and sensitivity towards the sharing economy.
The new range of Liberty boats – available for booking from June 6, 2024 – will be accessible from selected Le Boat bases in France, Germany, England, and the Netherlands. As usual, no boating license or previous experience is required.
Extra Liberty
Interni Liberty
Cabine Liberty
Starting from 2025, the “Liberty” will represent a new deluxe-class boat, offering exceptional comfort and travel experiences. With a length of 11.23m and width of 3.9m, its standout features will include meticulously crafted details, a unique and easy steering system from any angle, bright and spacious cabins with panoramic windows, extra storage and memory-foam mattresses, air-conditioned and/or heated interiors, a modern kitchen with integrated dishwasher, Nespresso machine, Smart TV, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Additionally, it will feature a large master cabin with a double bed and en-suite bathroom with ceiling shower, a smaller cabin with a double bed, a separate bathroom with toilet, sink, and ceiling shower, and three splendid outdoor relaxation areas, including a large aft deck, an upper deck drawer refrigerator, and deck chairs facing forward, ideal for couples and families.
To stay up to date on LeBoat and Gruppo Benetau collaborations and news, we recommend you visit Cruising Journal.