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A history of champions
It was during the Montreal Olympic Games in 1976 that Jean-François Fountaine and Yves Pajot met. The first one was selected Olympic and world champion of Half Tonner, while the second one was medalist in Flying Dutchman at the previous Games in Munich.
Like an American success story, their meeting led to the creation of a small shipyard in the family garage. The two partners, joined by Daniel Givon and Rémi Tristan, put their knowledge of light sailing to good use by building 420, 470 and 505 boats.
Their composite sandwich manufacturing process allowed them to quickly become a reference on the light sailing circuit. In 1978, the company moved to a site that it still occupies today, in Aigrefeuille-d'Aunis.
In order to follow the trend of the early 80's, the young shipyard diversified and started designing sailboards. True to their racing DNA, the four partners also launched a few half-tonner boats.
The shipyard will illustrate itself for the first time in the world of offshore multihulls by building the trimaran Royale and then the racing catamaran Charente Maritime, a 20 m monster which will win several transatlantic races between 1982 and 1984
A successful foray into the yachting market
In 1983, the shipyard turned to pleasure boating and launched its first production cruising catamaran. The market was then occupied by an Anglo-Saxon production, which produced comfortable and welcoming models, but without any notion of performance under sail.
The two competitors from La Rochelle called on the Joubert-Nivelt architectural team to design their first model. The Rochelais innovated and designed the first fast cruising catamaran. Made of sandwich, low freeboard and equipped with retractable daggerboards, the Lousiane 37 was a commercial success, as 90 boats were built.
Encouraged by this first success, Fountaine Pajot developed its range by launching 3 new models between 32 and 43 feet. Hulls with fixed fins, inboard engines, a large nacelle linking the hulls: the modern, easy-to-use catamaran was born.
Intelligent exploitation of the multihull market
The 90's were marked by several innovations that affirmed the reputation of the shipyard on the international market. Launched in 1992, the Venezia 42 benefits from a refined aesthetic, and is the first model to be equipped with a cap, a distinctive sign of the shipyard. With 109 units produced, it was very popular with both yachtsmen and charter companies.
Fountaine Pajot was also one of the first shipyards to offer catamarans adapted to professionals, by designing boats for charter. The Tahiti 75, with its huge platform, could accommodate a large number of passengers for a day-charter program.
In 1997, the shipyard diversified its range by launching its first motorized trawler. The Maryland 37, then the Greenland 34 were the precursors of a market with great potential.
Evolution of the production chain, external growth and IPO
In 2002, Fountaine Pajot revolutionized its production tool by adopting injection molding for the hull and deck of the Lavezzi 40. This innovation was followed a few years later by the implementation of infusion for the hulls and deck of the Mahé 36.
In 2008, as proof of its good financial health and strong potential, the site was listed on the Alternext market, which is reserved for small and medium-sized companies in the euro zone.
This introduction will finance the creation of the flagships range, which includes the largest units designed by the shipyard.
In 2018, Fountaine Pajot acquired the Dufour shipyard, another figure in the Charente shipbuilding industry. The shipyard will expand its outsourcing in 2022, creating a subcontracting partnership with the Couach shipyard, based in Gujan Mestras and specializing in yacht and professional shipbuilding.
The site in a few figures
Since its creation, the yard has produced more than 3000 units. Spread over 30,000m2, production is carried out by a team of 600 employees. In 2021, Fountaine Pajot generated a turnover of approximately 220 million euros.
