After its birth in the 50's and its growth with the French yachting industry at the beginning of the 1980s, the Jeanneau shipyard was well established. It was the beginning of a decade of innovations.
Jeanneau and the Tour de France à la Voile: 16 years together
Jeanneau was the exclusive supplier of the Tour de France à la Voile for several years, from 1982 to 1998. During this period, the Vendée shipyard supplied three one-designs that have marked several generations of racers.
The first generation of Jeanneau sailboats used for the Tour de France à la Voile was the Rush Royale. However, this model was quickly replaced in 1984 by the Selection 37, a more modern and efficient yacht, which contributed to the training of many skippers.
Then in 1992, the Selection 37 was replaced by the JOD 35, for Jeanneau One Design of 35 feet. This Andrieu design will remain the official support of the tour until 1998.
The creation of JTA, the cluster for ocean racing
The early 1980s saw the emergence of new classes of ocean racing yachts, such as the Formula 40, the maxi and the racing multihulls. In this context, Jeanneau created the JTA department, or Jeanneau Techniques Avancées, to position itself on this booming market. This department is composed of people who are passionate about racing and high-tech construction. It is responsible for designing and building high-performance, innovative racing yachts.
Formula 40, maxi-multihulls, 60' trimarans, One-tonners, America's Cup boats, Globe challengers: JTA will be involved in all classes of racing yachts.
JTA is also the shipyard that built the first Lagoon, a 55-foot fast cruiser.
Poupon, Arthaud and Costner: the golden age of multihulls at Jeanneau
JTA's know-how quickly became known in the microcosm of ocean racing. A long-term partnership was established between Philippe Poupon and JTA, as no less than five multihulls were built under the colors of Fleury Michon, Poupon's historical sponsor.
Then in 1990, it was the consecration. Florence Arthaud won the Route du Rhum on Pierre 1 er a 60-foot trimaran built by JTA. The shipyard achieved a triple win, as the podium was completed by Fleury Michon and RMO, two multihulls built at JTA.
Thanks to this international showcase, a Hollywood production will call on JTA to build two trimarans for the filming of Waterworld, starring Kevin Costner. Sistership of the Pierre 1 er one is used for shooting under sail, while the second is equipped with a windmill rig.
Offshore and Prestige racing: between speed and high-end motoryacht
While the Vendée-based shipyard has been developing its breakthrough in the world of sailing with talent, it has not forgotten its DNA, namely motorboats. From 1987 onwards, Jeanneau swept all before it on the motorboat racing circuit: speed and endurance records over 24 hours in class 1, victories in the 24 hours of Rouen four times, 6 hours of Paris, but also in Great Britain and Singapore.
In 1988, in collaboration with designer Vittorio Garroni, Jeanneau launched its Leader range, initially consisting of four models ranging from 5 to 7.5 meters. Then in 1989, still with Garroni's support, Jeanneau launched its first Prestige, a small motoryacht intended for the high-end market.
However, financial difficulties will affect the company, until its takeover in 1995 by its great rival, the Bénéteau shipyard, which marks the opening of a new page in the history of the brand.
