French boat builders, Jeanneau and Bénéteau have reportedly enjoyed surprising success at the recent Paris 2012 Boat Show. Jeanneau reported over 320 new contracts signed, with around 80% of the orders for motorboats. Many of the sales were made on smaller outboard boats, but given the current economic climate in France this is an impresive performance. The Leader, Merry Fisher and NC ranges all enjoyed success with the new NC9 reportedly doing well.
Jeanneau’s communication director, Roland Fardeau, told MBM that the build up to the show had been quiet, giving no clue as to the near frenzy of business that was to follow.

Similarly French manufacturer Bénéteau secured some 200 orders on new sail and power boat orders. But this success has not changed their opinion of the forthcoming London Boat Show in Excel (whose dates this year clash with the increasingly influential Dusseldorf Show). Beneteau decided not to exhibit in London due to the expense involved.  Instead the company will have a huge presence in Paris and Dusseldorf’, according to Bernard Gallagher of BJ Marine, the Irish Beneteau distributor.