Orakei’s Finest in France

	There is no better way to experience something than first hand. So with that in mind, Orakei Marine decided to send two of our mob up to the Jeanneau factory for a whistle stop tour of how things are done at the Global Headquarters for boat production.Producing yachts since 1957, and part of the Beneteau group since 1995, Jeanneau is one of the world leaders in Yacht design as well as being a known and respected boat builder.Contrary to many modern brands, Jeanneau, Prestige, Lagoon an CNB (all available through Orakei Marine) are French designed and built. Many companies outsource the boat building to Asia nowadays, but the French have always taken pride in their work. Scott and Tom got to see some of that up close on their trip to Europe.
After adjusting to the time difference, missed flights, lost baggage AND the language barrier!… The boys finally arrived safe and sound in Les Herbiers.There was no time for pleasantries, as they got hurled straight in at the deep end.  Visiting the production line of Lagoon Catamarans, they came away very impressed with the scale of the operation, not to mention the efficiency.Orakei have just recently secured a deal for a new Lagoon 42 to be delivered in time for Auckland on Water Boat Show this year.  It wasn’t there for Scott & Tom to see yet, but it was great to see where it would be coming from.  The attention to detail from everyone involved was a credit to the long standing French manufacturers
	Then it was on to another factory – The Prestige Factory.  New Zealand has received this French brand of power boat with open arms, the Prestige 500 being one of the most popular models down here.  3 of them are already cruising the Gulf and the Bay of Islands, one getting set up for delivery later this year, and another contract being signed just this month.It was a good opportunity for Scott & Tom to see the amount of precision and care that goes into such beautiful boats.  Their build techniques are second to none.  With an impressive view of the whole process from hull molds being shaped to seeing a few near finished models on the enormous trial pool… Prestige ensures the highest quality finish on a boat that is truly seaworthy after such rigorous testing.

As well as visiting the factories, they boys were treated to a few seminars on building techniques, hints and tips on repairs, and given a run down on some of the products the boats across the range use such as Fusion Stereos, an Garmin navigation systems.
After a crash course in superior boat building techniques, as well as getting by on a handful of French phrases, the Factory Visit was coming to an end.

So what trip to Europe would be complete without a quick stop to soak up some culture, hit the slopes, and let your hair down.

Both Scott & Tom enjoyed their time abroad very much, and have come back older, wiser, and better equipped than ever to field any question you can come up with. So come and see us about buying your new boat, or even servicing your existing one… we’d be happy to help.