July 21, 2026

Groupe Beneteau pays tribute to Dieter Gust, founder of Construction Navale Bordeaux (CNB) and a key contributor to the development of LAGOON multihulls. 

Groupe Beneteau announced with deep sadness the passing of Dieter Gust on Wednesday, July 8, after a courageous ten-year battle with illness. 

Founder of Construction Navale Bordeaux (CNB) in 1987 alongside Olivier Lafourcade, Dieter Gust left a lasting mark on the history of shipbuilding, CNB and Groupe Beneteau. A great sailor, visionary entrepreneur and hands-on leader, he was one of the notable figures in the boating world. 

In 1992, he joined Groupe Beneteau, where he first served as Chief Executive Officer of CNB and later as Chief Executive Officer of Groupe Beneteau’s Boat Division until 2019. Through his industrial vision, market knowledge and strong development mindset, he helped bring emblematic projects to life and supported the sustainable growth of several of the Group’s key businesses. 

Among his most significant achievements, Dieter Gust notably created CNB Yacht, dedicated to the construction of large aluminum sailing yachts, and played a decisive role in the development of LAGOON multihulls, whose international success reflects his ability to imagine boats that left a lasting mark on their era. 

Born in Germany, Dieter Gust had a singular path. A former goalkeeper for the German Olympic team and then a professional football player, he later became a ski and windsurfing instructor in the south of France before fully dedicating himself to the sea. Sailor, welder in a large sailing yacht shipyard, skipper of large yachts and pioneer of crewed charter, he founded CNB in 1987. With the construction of Mariccha II, he gave rise to a company recognized for its excellence and spirit of innovation. 

“Today, CNB has lost its founder. Dieter profoundly shaped our history and passed on far more than a vision of shipbuilding: a passion, high standards, and trust in the women and men who bring this shipyard to life every day. We owe him a great deal and will continue to keep his spirit alive within CNB.” Clément Himily, Chief Executive Officer, Sailing Business Unit 

“On behalf of Groupe Beneteau, we respectfully and gratefully honor the memory of Dieter Gust and all that he brought to our Group.” Bruno Thivoyon, Chairman of the Management Board, Groupe Beneteau 

Groupe Beneteau extends its most sincere thoughts to his wife, his two daughters, his loved ones, and all the employees who knew him and worked alongside him over the years.