TUI Marine, the world largest charter operator with over 2500 yachts sailing from bases worldwide, wanted a new boat for their Le Boat inner waterways fleets in France and other European countries.

J&J was approached to create a completely new design to perfectly suit not only their clients, but also the requirements of their maintenance people and local charter bases. It would be built by Beneteau, which at the time was in a production lull during the height of the 2008 crisis. 

We attacked the project with enthusiasm and passion. Knowing less than necessary of this market, we visited sixteen bases round Europe and interviewed Le Boat marketing, base management and technical/maintenance staff. The Beneteau development team was intimately involved, especially with their house-building (O’Hara and IRM) and hybrid (diesel-electric) expertise. Preliminary drawings were discussed also outside the development team with charter agents etc.

The design brief called for Le Boat 1500 to be the maximum size both workable at the bases and able to sail through the tunnels on the French canals. They offered 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-cabin modular layouts. Originally driven by VW marine engines and ZF/Beneteau hybrid pod systems, the electric system accommodated a full range of 220 V AC household comfort items. The cabins were spacious with hotel-room convenience, each with an ensuite bathroom. The production process was optimized for a large-scale roll-out and efficiency; value and comfort offered to clients at a competitive price. 

The TUI/Le Boat 1500 project was extremely interesting for us—it opened a completely new landscape of knowhow and enabled us to focus more on the convenience and green aspects of boating.