Beneteau plans new Mediterranean refit hub for yachts up to 80ft

A 15,000-square-metre site is being purposed as a new mediterranean hub for large-yacht services and refit by Groupe Beneteau. Canet-en-Roussillon (France) will expand the group’s services for large yachts and its capacity to refit pre-owned boats. The facility is expected to become operational in mid-2029.

The idea is to combine BMS’s expertise with the group’s resources.

BMS, which specialises in the maintenance, customisation and refit of large catamarans, was integrated into the group in October 2025. The new site will extend its expertise to the group’s large yachts. That includes sailing and power catamarans, and monohulls over 60 feet. Preparation and installation of equipment on new boats will also be expanded.

The project calls for approximately 2,200 square meters of built space, subject to the necessary studies and permits with the company noting that the area could be doubled in a second phase, with an optional additional 10,000-square-meter land extension.

This latest development builds on the group’s strategy of organising its service operations at sites with direct waterfront access. (In Les Sables-d’Olonne, the future Port Olona 3 hub is expected to strengthen the preparation, customisation and commissioning of new boats.)

NEO programme targets 130 refits a year

Also set to benefit from the new site is Groupe Beneteau’s NEO programme. That’s all about refitting pre-owned boats and extending boats’ service lives to make refurbished and upgraded boats, restored by their original manufacturer, more accessible. NEO was announced at Cannes Yachting Festival 2026. The plan is for an annual output of 130 refitted boats by 2030.

“We are convinced of the potential of refitting pre-owned boats and see this as a new opportunity to scale up Groupe Beneteau’s NEO programme, with the ambition of making this site a global benchmark in the 60 to 80-foot segment,” says Clément Himily, MD of Groupe Beneteau’s sailing business unit.

Refit offering to expand across three brands

It’s already completed two projects in the first half of the year — the refit of a Lagoon 42 and a Lagoon 450 — and the new site will provide additional capacity and help increase the offering from two to eight models across the Lagoon, Beneteau and Jeanneau brands. By 2030, the Canet site could handle approximately ten large yachts per year, in coordination with the group’s other hubs.

The refit process draws on original plans, composite molds and parts lists indexed by hull number to define the work required and identify the appropriate parts. A comprehensive inspection, adherence to Groupe Beneteau brand standards and the use of the group’s integrated expertise will help ensure quality throughout the process.

Training facilities planned for a later phase

Additionally, in a later phase of development, the Canet-en-Roussillon site could offer a dedicated space for owners and crews to be trained in boat handling, safety and the use of onboard systems, either on their own boat or on an equivalent model.