This figure includes €77.8m for IRM, a mobile home manufacturer that was consolidated in the group's accounts as of January 1, 2007.

The French group says growth has been driven by all activities. For its Bénéteau, Jeanneau, CNB-Lagoon and Wauquiez boats, it reported an 8.4% increase from €531.7m to €576.1m. On a constant exchange rate basis, this growth comes out at 9.2%.

The third quarter saw further acceleration, climbing from 6.9% over the first half of the year to 11.5% on a constant exchange rate basis.

‘In light of the sales recorded over the first nine months, the level of the order book for boats and the upturn seen on other activities,’ said the Bénéteau statement. ‘The group is able to confirm its annual growth forecast for around 20%; €985m, compared with €826.2m last year.’