Jeanneau presented four new boat models at the 2024 Cannes Yachting Festival, marking an important year of transition following a record-breaking 2023 and looking ahead to expansion in 2025. The French shipyard, part of the Bénéteau Group, showcased five sailboats and nine motorboats at the festival, including two new versions and two brand-new models.
“Our current trend is increasingly focused on meeting the needs of owners who are asking for customized boats developed according to their specific requirements – explained Samuel Dubois, Chief Sales Officer of Jeanneau, during the press conference held on Wednesday, September 11, at the Cannes Yachting Festival – In doing so, we are leveraging the strength of our extensive network of dealers across Europe. This component is part of our DNA, and the shipyard’s growth is closely tied to collaboration with our dealers. Together with them, we are working to provide ever-improving experiences to our loyal customers”.
Jeanneau is determined to increase the number of owners choosing its boats worldwide, and the new models presented at Cannes are aimed precisely in this direction. The shipyard has a strong presence in Southern Europe (particularly in Spain, Italy, Turkey, and Greece, as well as in France, of course), while “the North is a more challenging area” , Dubois noted. Additionally, the brand is working on expanding into Asia and North America, “which are two very large and interesting markets”. Strategic decisions have been made to launch motorboats like the Merry Fisher 895 Sport Series 2, specifically designed for navigation in colder environments and for sporting and fishing activities, and the Sun Odyssey 350, the smallest in the range, catering to those looking for easier-to-manage hulls at more accessible prices. These two brand-new models are complemented by the two new versions of the Cap Camarat 10.5 WA and 12.5 WA, which have undergone an interesting restyling.
Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350: the easy and accessible sailboat
As mentioned, Jeanneau has expressed its intention to expand into the smaller hull segment, “to allow more and more people to go to sea”, said Dubois. “The market is demanding small to medium-sized boats, and we are responding to that demand”. With this goal in mind, they developed the Sun Odyssey 350, the smallest model in a range that already includes the 380, 410, 440, and 490.
First unveiled at the Düsseldorf Boat Show, where it was met with great success, the Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 350 has quickly become one of the shipyard’s most popular models, earning a nomination for the title of “European Yacht of the Year 2025”. It is a sailboat that features characteristics typically found on motorboats, thanks to the mattresses and cushions on deck, which provide comfortable and relaxing areas.
With the Sun Odyssey 350, Jeanneau has shown that sailing is not incompatible with a luxurious lifestyle, as it successfully combines the sailing experience with the comfort of motor yachts. Featuring a new hull design, the Sun Odyssey 350 has an elegant and modern look, with a wide beam that makes it easy to maneuver in port and to tack in light winds. Its performance and flexibility at the helm set it apart from its predecessor, while innovations like the sloped side decks improve life in the cockpit, making movement and maneuvers easier without creating obstacles onboard. The spaces below deck are surprisingly spacious and comfortable, making the Sun Odyssey 350 ideal for long cruises, despite its small size.
The new motorboats on display
Regarding motorboats, Jeanneau launched the new Merry Fisher 895 Sport Series 2 at Cannes. This boat is specifically designed for adventure and for those who primarily enjoy life outdoors, without neglecting the interior spaces. The classic version of the Merry Fisher 895 was well-received by the market, prompting the French shipyard to develop the Sport version, which features significant improvements, especially in the master cabin, now more comfortable and spacious.
The Merry Fisher 895 Sport Series 2 is fully modular, with foldable seats and numerous storage compartments. It boasts a large aft cockpit, making it easy to prepare sports or fishing gear, as well as an asymmetric layout with a recessed starboard walkway for safer movements and maneuvers. However, the most valuable innovation is the large starboard housing door, a rather rare feature on boats of this size, which simplifies loading equipment and accessing the water. Lastly, at the stern, a large module offers various options for storage, cooking, a grill, or a live bait well, depending on the owner’s needs.
With the Merry Fisher 895 Sport Series 2, Jeanneau is targeting the North American, Asian, and Northern European markets, where it aims to expand. The spacious cockpit is a highly appreciated feature in the East, while the large windows, designed to protect against cold and water, are essential for colder latitudes. These design elements have also been incorporated into the new versions of the Cap Camarat 10.5 WA and 12.5 WA, both showcased at Cannes, further demonstrating that the French shipyard is making serious strides in these markets.
