A sailmaker's know-how for an artisanal sailmaker
In the heart of Le Pouliguen, a stone's throw from the SNCF train station, Voilerie Marine Pro was born less than two months ago. Behind the name is a seasoned professional: Romain Bellet, 32, a former top-level sportsman with a solid background in light sailing and sport catamarans. Trained at La Rochelle, then a member of the Pôle France, he won a youth world championship in SL16 in 2008. Today, this performance-oriented culture is reflected in his artisanal approach to sailmaking.
Competition and workshop expertise
Before setting up Voilerie Marine Pro, Romain Bellet worked for almost ten years in a company specializing in the construction and sale of sport catamarans. There, he developed an in-house sailmaking unit alongside the composites and rigging divisions. It was in this technical environment that he honed his skills: manufacturing, repairing, training employees and developing mass-produced sails.
Today, his own workshop reflects his dual experience as a regatta racer and technician. He has installed four machines, including a new one, on a 140 m² surface, with a layout designed to optimize workflows and guarantee responsive production.
Voilerie Marine Pro: local production, outsourced digital cutting
While the sails are made locally, the cutting is outsourced. Romain Bellet designs the models on computer before having them laser-cut in La Rochelle. This method ensures greater precision and adaptability to demand. Once the panels have been received, assembly is carried out by hand in the Le Pouliguen workshop, according to customer specifications.
Since opening, some forty sails have already been produced, along with covers and other textile accessories. Business is set to continue to grow, with hiring envisaged as soon as the production rate allows.
A dedicated offer for small boats and pleasure yachts
Romain Bellet has a particular affinity for small catamarans and light dinghies, sectors he knows well having sailed them for many years. This focus on technical and sporty craft enables him to meet a demanding clientele, particularly in a region that is active in these types of boats.
He is also planning to expand his business into seamanship, with custom-made mooring lines, sheets and textile fittings. This complementary offer is aimed at yachtsmen who are concerned about the ergonomics and reliability of their equipment.
A two-level range to reach a wider audience
In addition to its made-to-measure sails, Voilerie Marine Pro is now a Sailonet agent. This partnership enables Romain Bellet to offer a range of entry-level products, in addition to his custom-built products. This dual positioning reflects a balanced development strategy: on the one hand, advanced customization, and on the other, an accessible catalog for yachtsmen looking for fast, economical solutions.
