The evolution of boating holidays with Emerald Star and Delphia,
where innovation meets the waterways.
At Emerald Star, we’ve always believed that boating should be easy, comfortable, and unforgettable. Over the past decade, we’ve been proud to lead the way, pushing boundaries and reinventing what a self-drive boating holiday can be.
Our story with Delphia, now part of Groupe Beneteau, began in 2014 when we set out to find an innovative boat builder who could create a new kind of boat, built for charter, but with the soul of a private cruiser. From 30 boatbuilders, Delphia became the one. Their very first inland waterway model became the foundation of a partnership that continues to transform our business and the charter market itself.
We’re delighted to be building upon our long-standing relationship with Groupe Beneteau to support the next stage of Le Boat’s growth journey. It will allow us to continue developing high-quality river cruisers which our customers will love and enable us both to expand into North America.
Cheryl Brown, Managing Director, Emerald Star
Horizon launch
In 2016, we launched the Horizon 1 and 2 cabin models. They were built specifically for Emerald Star and designed to make boating simple for beginners while delivering modern design and the comfort of home.
The response was immediate and overwhelming:
- Bright, spacious interiors.
- Bow and stern thrusters for unbeatable manoeuvrability.
- Perfect for couples and small families.
- Sold out within three months of going on sale.
This was just the beginning.
“Emerald Star has been a key partner for many years with the premier fleet of Horizon models. This next step continues the supply of Horizon models, as well as a new co-developed boat to support Le Boat’s charter business and boat ownership programme.“
Erik Stromberg, VP Power and Motor Yachts, Groupe Beneteau
Horizon fleet mile stones and the launch of the new Liberty fleet
In 2018, we introduced 3- and 4-cabin Horizon models and adapted 32 boats for our launch in Canada, our first destination outside Europe. In 2019, the Horizon 5 joined the fleet. Today, we’re entering the most exciting chapter yet, with 203 Horizon boats and counting and over €40 million invested.
In 2023, our partnership with Delphia reached a new milestone. Now part of Groupe Beneteau, Delphia is helping us deliver the next generation of innovation, backed by a €100M investment and a plan to build 400 more boats over the next 10 years.
Meet Liberty, our brand-new 2-cabin boat launched in 2025
- Easiest boat to drive: forwards, backwards, even sideways!
- Outdoor excellence: best-in-class seating and dining spaces.
- Total comfort: full A/C, heating, and generator.
- Designer interiors: bright cabins, stunning hull windows, and luxurious memory foam mattresses.
- Eco-conscious living: water filter system, dishwasher, and reduced single-use plastics.
Le Boat: Where will we take you next?
With 11 years of incredible progress and innovation behind us, the future has never looked brighter. We’re not just creating boats, we’re crafting experiences, making boating accessible, sustainable, and exceptional.
As the market leader in self-drive boating holidays, our mission is clear.
To lead. To innovate. To inspire.
Start your journey today. Cruise the scenic waterways of Europe and Canada with Emerald Star and learn more about our Horizon and Liberty boats.
More about Delphia: over 30 years of expertise in boatbuilding
Founded three decades ago in the heart of Poland’s Masurian Lake District (often called the Land of a Thousand Lakes), Delphia has long been a pioneer in building boats for inland and coastal waters.
Since its acquisition by Groupe Beneteau in 2018 and relaunch in 2021, Delphia has embraced a bold new direction, blending innovation with sustainability to create a more peaceful, fluid, and eco-conscious boating experience.
“At Delphia, we call it conscious cruising.“
Martin Schemkes, Managing Director, Delphia
Today, Delphia offers a fleet of 7 models, ranging from 9 to 13 meters (32′ to 43′), each designed for comfort, ease of navigation, and minimal environmental impact.
Every year, Delphia takes another step toward a greener future, with a clear vision of transitioning to 100% electric propulsion, gradually replacing internal combustion engines with fully electric systems.
