CNB Yacht Builders

Semi-custom

Founded: 1987
Headquarters: Aquileia, Italy
Shipyard location: Same as headquarters
Official website: https://www.cnbyachts.com/en/

Sailing Yacht

Image: CNB Yacht Builders, from the brand's official site

Brand Overview

French builder of custom and semi-custom sailing yachts, founded in Bordeaux in 1987, formerly part of Beneteau Group and now owned by Solaris.

Overview written fromcnbyachts.com/en/history/read 9/12/2026

YachtCodex Analysis

AI-generated

An independent reading of this builder written by AI. Unlike the specifications and descriptions elsewhere on this page, it is interpretation rather than a sourced fact — treat it as a starting point, not a citation.

What this builder is

CNB is a French builder of large semi-custom and custom sailing yachts, founded in Bordeaux in 1987 and historically known for bespoke Philippe Briand-designed projects before shifting to a semi-custom range (Bordeaux 60, CNB 66, 76). Long part of the Beneteau Group, it was acquired by Solaris in 2021, positioning it as a premium, small-series builder of 60-90ft bluewater cruisers distinct from mass-production sailboat brands.

Who sails them

CNB owners are typically experienced sailors or owners with professional crew who commission semi-custom bluewater cruising yachts in the 60-90 foot range for long-distance passages and world cruising. These yachts are usually privately owned rather than chartered, often used for extended family cruising or ocean crossings.

Signature models

CNB 62, CNB 68, CNB 78 and CNB 88 -- the current range; Bordeaux 60, CNB 66 and CNB 76 are the semi-custom predecessors.

Strengths

CNB is well regarded for its craftsmanship inherited from custom-yacht building, strong build quality, and a track record of best-selling semi-custom models like the CNB 76 that sold in significant numbers within their class.

Considerations

As a semi-custom builder now under a new owner (Solaris) after decades within Beneteau Group, buyers should weigh a relatively small, low-volume range, longer build/delivery times typical of semi-custom yachts, and a brand transition period as it integrates into Solaris's structure.

Analysis generated 9/12/2026