FLIBS Award: Beneteau’s iPad Dealer App Receives Top Honors

The Marine Marketers of America (MMA) presented Beneteau its Marketing Innovation Award for the yacht builder’s Global iPad Dealer App. Beneteau collaborated with Jester Communications of Hilton Head Island, SC to develop and launch the new application in the Spring of 2011.

“The award created quite a buzz during the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS),” said Maryline O’Shea, marketing director for Beneteau Powerboats division and the project manager for the application’s development. We created the app with Jester Communications specifically for our North American dealers. It has been such a success, we’ve decided to expand the tool and provide it to all our Beneteau dealers worldwide.”

Chuck Laughlin, owner of St. Barts Yachts and a Beneteau Power & Sail dealer explained, “It’s no surprise that Beneteau has brought the same spirit of innovation to its communication tools as it brings to its yachts. The bottom line is an iPad app that streamlines the purchasing process for the dealer as well as the customer.”

The Global iPad Dealer Application is a professional app which is only available to Beneteau powerboat and sailboat dealers. It features detailed product information (including photos, videos, virtual tours, equipment lists and full specifications) and the ability to quickly and easily generate and email a customized quote. Since it’s a native application the content resides on the iPad; therefore, an internet connection is not required to use most of its features.

Beneteau is known worldwide for its sleek design, quality construction and innovation in the manufacturing of seaworthy sailing and power yachts. The Beneteau story began more than 120 years ago when Benjamin Bénéteau started building fishing trawlers in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, France. Today, the company continues to thrive under the leadership of Benjamin Bénéteau’s granddaughter, Madame Annette Beneteau-Roux. Beneteau has grown to 20 manufacturing facilities in France and in Marion, South Carolina. Another production facility for powerboats is under construction in Brazil.

Denison Yacht Sales is the exclusive Beneteau Swift Trawler & Beneteau Flyer G.T. Dealer for South Florida.