A story of passion
Founded in 2015, Vent d'Ouest Naval Shipyard is a story of enthusiasts. After training as marine carpenters in Basse-Normandie, the two partners, Gwen Cariou and Damien Buon, gained experience at the Hénaff shipyard in Le Guilvinec, then at the Atelier d'Archimède in Isigny.
Attracted by the potential of the Mediterranean basin, the two carpenters crossed France and offered their services all around La Ciotat. Initially traveling by truck, like many craftsmen in the area, they eventually set up their workshop in Carnoux en Provence.
Maintaining the Mediterranean maritime heritage
Their motto is to work exclusively with wood, in all its forms. They focus on and take an interest in the maritime heritage of Provence. Soon, one project followed another. Requests poured in. Most were for work on barquettes and other pointus boats. Corine, Rachel, Marie-Édith, Lou Pei Coua, Aurore: many of them are being pampered by the young associates' expert hands.
But their expertise doesn't stop at Mediterranean vessels. Grand Banks, Requin and vintage runabouts have also been taken care of by the Vent d'Ouest team, as Gwen explains:
" We can repair or maintain any type of wood on any boat. From hulls to interiors, decks and rigging ".
The craze for neo-classical boats, with their many varnishes, is also an asset for the young shipyard.
A construction site in Carnoux en Provence
To meet growing demand, the two managers had to expand and recruit a team of carpenters. Vent d'Ouest is based in Carnoux en Provence, near Cassis and La Ciotat. It is here that the team takes charge of the transportable units, or shapes certain parts before installing them on board.
For larger units, part of the work has to be decentralized to the surrounding land, as in the case of the classic Christmas, whose bridge has to be rebuilt.
" When we're entrusted with this kind of boat, it's a real guarantee of quality and recognition of our work. A classic like Christmas needs to be monitored and pedigreed by recognized professionals. The fact that we have been chosen to completely rebuild the deck is an important step in the renown of our business " .
From restoration to new boat building
In association with naval architect François Vivier, Chantier Vent d'Ouest also offers a catalog of new boats, built of course in wood. Sailing or motoring, these new boats are offered using a variety of construction techniques: plywood clapboard on plywood bulkheads, small battens on a glulam frame, or traditional construction, i.e. straight planking on bent frames. The yard recently completed Ebihen, an attractive 4.8 m cutter for an Italian customer.
