“I’m thrilled to say I’ve been part of the Beneteau Group for over eight years now!” Said Erwan Her, in his Hong Kong office recently. “When the Group acquired Rec Boat Holdings from Cadillac in the US [in 2014], I joined as a Sales Executive; I spearheaded the development of Four Winns and Scarab brands across the Asia-Pacific.

“My passion for the industry fuelled my quick climb to Sales Manager for the Beneteau brand, where I initially focused on driving sales growth in the outboard segment. This experience led to my current role as Sales Director for Beneteau Sail, Inboard, and Outboard since 2021 – in which I supervise the sales and the marketing across the region, and manage the distribution network. Additionally, I am running the Group office operations where we are a team of eight.”

Time to Restructure Distribution

While this sounds like quite an exercise in multitasking, Erwan also spoke of the restructuring of Beneteau brand’s distribution in APAC – saying that the challenges of logistics, and increase of exposure to boating during the Covid pandemic, made change the sensible way to go forward.

“This is a very busy year for Beneteau in the Asia-Pacific,” he admitted. “My primary focus has been leading the transformation of our distribution network across key markets like Hong Kong, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore. This revamp will ensure we deliver an exceptional customer experience throughout the region.

“We’re not stopping there, though. We’re also revamping our distribution in China and entering the Indonesian market, further expanding our reach.

“As the Beneteau brand continues to evolve, we’re building a network with targeted expertise to ensure a personalised experience for every customer. In Hong Kong, Asiamarine is now our dedicated sailing partner, while NextWave Yachting focuses on power boats.

“Similarly, Taiwan is served by Amal Yachting, and Thailand will be by Primus Marine. I’m thrilled to welcome these new partners – we’ll undoubtedly learn a lot from each other. Together, our shared goal is to provide an unparalleled level of service and expertise to our valued owners.”

Meaningful Milestone

“The shipyard celebrates 140 years this year – an exceptional milestone in our industry and very few shipyards have this kind of history!” exclaimed Erwan, with palpable excitement. “To celebrate this anniversary, with the cooperation of the dealers in the region, we have organised lots of special events: 140 years races in Hong Kong, Sydney and Gold Coast, VIP and owners parties during boat shows in Auckland, Sanctuary Cove and Sydney and dedicated anniversary parties such as the one recently held by First Marine in Japan. Check with local Beneteau dealers – there will be more celebrations until the end of year. On top of this, we are running a special anniversary offer not to be missed.

“Beneteau has always been one of the pioneers of the boating industry and it all started as a wooden fishing-boat shipyard back in 1884, founded by Benjamin Beneteau in the quaint fishing town of Croix-de-Vie. Benjamin’s vision for better boats, including the pioneering use of gas-powered engines in 1909, set a precedent for daring innovation that continues to define Beneteau today. It’s fascinating.”

Changes In Boaters Habits

“We see a swift change in the usage of our boats starting from the US and Europe where time sharing, syndication and boat clubs are gaining a lot of interest and developing fast,” Erwan explained. “One of the missions of our new network is to study the feasibility of these systems in Asia, while Australia and New Zealand have already implemented some of them.”

“Sustainability is another stronger present focus that is a very important concern for new buyers,” he added. “The Group is aware of its environmental impact through its activities and is focused on reducing them through concrete measures and actions.” While reduction of air emissions, waste reduction, eco-design of boats and accommodation, and protection of biodiversity are all a part of this mission, “at the Beneteau brand level, we are studying new material for the next generation of boats,” Erwan revealed.

“We have launched our first sailboat prototype, the First 44e with a recyclable resin called Elium, fitted with Torqueedo pods – a serial hybrid technology [of engine] and a new iroko-wood deck material, which we call Iro-Deck, that replaces teak.

New Beneteau Models In The Region

“This year, we have the premiere of the awaited Antares 12 in Hong Kong and in Gold Coast, Australia. It’s the flagship of the range: a family cruiser with a real all-rounder capability. 

“She is a very versatile boat, packed with functionalities and with a timeless design. It’s ideal for any country in the region with an enclosed cockpit protecting from the cold weather in Victoria or the heat in Hong Kong thanks to the AC and genset [generator] options. Able to accommodate six to eight people comfortably, with a smart saloon, she offers the best weekends on the water in all weather for cruising, watersports and relaxing. Current Antares 11 owners will be amazed by the difference in volume with the 12.

“At Cannes Yachting Festival this year, we are also launching the latest newcomer in the Swift Trawler range, the brand new Swift Trawler 54. Our dealers had the chance to see the first hull during our annual convention last June in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie. 

This boat is an eye-catcher! She has unrivalled outdoor and indoor living space and is a perfect passage maker with excellent stability thanks to the Sleipner Vector third-generation fins. “Do not hesitate to contact your local Beneteau representative to book a VIP tour during the Cannes Yachting Festival.”

beneteau.com
asiamarine.com
nextwaveyachting.com

Images courtesy of Beneteau Group

This story was first seen on Yachtstyle.Co.

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