img9885Marion, SC: At a ceremony held at the New York Yacht Club in Manhattan March 25th, 2004, Madame Annette Beneteau Roux was honored in appreciation for her contributions to the sport of Sailing. She was previously identified in their newsletter as the "First Lady of Yachting". This honor was given in recognition of her accomplishment in revitalizing the 120-year-old Beneteau family boat business, making Groupe Beneteau a world leader in the design and production of sailing and power yachts (Beneteau and Jeanneau) as well as an important builder of semi-custom yachts (CNB, Laguna, Wauquiez) and professional boats (Voyager Fishing). This is the first time that the revered yacht club has ever so recognized a woman.

Mme. Roux's story began when she entered this male-dominated business at age 22 and took over the management of the near-bankrupt firm from her father in 1963. At the time, female C.E.O's were virtually unheard of, especially in France. (Although, as Mme. Roux is quick to point out, women have been managing households for years.) Through her foresight and organizational skills, it is now a flourishing company with factories in France and the U.S.

Mme. Roux has been a strong supporter of women's rights and she has led the way in Europe with her employment policies, work facilities, and her remarkable relations with Beneteau workers. She is known for repeatedly stopping to exchange greetings with her employees and she rarely misses the birthdays, weddings and childbirths of her extended family.

Mme. Roux has received numerous honors and accolades, such as French Business Woman of the Year, and her support for the boating industry has been extraordinary. She has served on the Federation Nautique board for many years and has been a strong supporter of the America's Cup and many other prestigious races.

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