There are boats that simply cannot go unnoticed. Catamarans designed to push the boundaries, combining speed, travel, and pure pleasure. Models that, while not accessible to everyone, inspire dreams and redefine the limits of innovation and sailing enjoyment. Today, we focus on five French shipyards that, each in their own way, break new ground: Excess Catamarans, Tournier Marine, Outremer, Ocean Rider Catamarans (formerly Marsaudon Composites), and Catana, with its Ocean Class. Names that resonate like promises of escape, performance, and pleasure on the water.
Multihulls are no longer just floating platforms. The shipyards presented here have chosen excellence: lightweight design, robustness, bold aesthetics, and cutting-edge technology are at the heart of their DNA. Their common thread? A philosophy: sail far, sail fast, and enjoy every moment.
- Speed: Optimized hulls, high-performance rigging, and innovative materials (carbon, infusion, Compolite) for high average speeds, even in light winds.
- Travel: Layouts designed for long-distance cruising, with modular spaces, adapted energy and water reserves, and enhanced safety.
- Pleasure: Ergonomic helm stations, open cockpits facing the sea, and a direct connection between the crew and the water.
Key Takeaways: What Sets These Shipyards Apart
Key features of the 5 shipyards
| Shipyard | DNA | Flagship Model | Major Innovation | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excess Catamarans | Pure sensations, disruptive design | Excess 13, 15 | Asymmetrical hull, forward mast, optimized natural light | Sailors seeking adrenaline |
| Tournier Marine | High-end craftsmanship, custom-made | Soubise 70’ Carbon Line | 100% carbon construction, extensive customization | Travel enthusiasts and purists |
| Outremer | Fast and safe bluewater cruising | Outremer 55, 5X, 64 | Asymmetrical daggerboards, pivoting helm, extreme lightweight | Demanding globetrotters |
| Ocean Rider Catamarans | Performance and simplicity | ORC 57 | Direct steering, infusion construction, speed > 25 knots | Racers and sporty cruisers |
| Catana (Ocean Class) | Luxury and technology | Ocean Class² | Compolite, open-plan spaces, 360° helm station | Travelers seeking high-end comfort and speed |
Excess Catamarans: Boldness as a Legacy
Born from the initiative of the Bénéteau Group, Excess Catamarans aims to break the mold of traditional catamarans. Here, there is no compromise between comfort and performance: models like the Excess 11 or the Excess 14 feature an asymmetrical hull, a forward mast, and a square-top mainsail for sensations close to a monohull, while retaining the stability of a multihull.
- Design: Sporty lines, untinted glazing for optimal natural light.
- Experience: Factory tours to discover the manufacturing process, from design to finishing.
- Target: Those who want to play with the wind without sacrificing comfort.
“Excess embodies a modern, innovative, and dynamic philosophy for sailors seeking thrills.”
Tournier Marine: Craftsmanship in the Service of Exception
Based in Soubise (Charente-Maritime), this family-run shipyard focuses on customization and carbon sandwich construction. It has been part of the boating history for many years, notably with its famous Freydis catamarans. The Soubise 70’ Carbon Line is a masterpiece of lightness and elegance, designed for a passionate and demanding clientele.
- Expertise: 3 versions available (bare hull, Sailaway, ready-to-sail).
- Innovation: Use of carbon for rigging and structure for optimal performance.
- Spirit: “Passion, Reliability, Performance” – the shipyard’s motto.
Outremer: The Benchmark for Fast Bluewater Cruising
Since 1984, Outremer has embodied the perfect blend of speed, safety, and comfort. Their catamarans, such as the Outremer 45 or the 64, are designed to perform well in light winds and maintain high average speeds offshore.
- Technology: Asymmetrical daggerboards, fine hulls, pivoting helm (4 positions) for optimal adaptation to conditions.
- Community: Annual events (Outremer Cup) and dedicated tools (technical blog, Facebook group).
- Philosophy: “Go fast, go far, enjoy yourself” – a motto that says it all.
“The Outremer 55 pushes the boundaries of innovation, performance, and comfort even further.”
Ocean Rider Catamarans (formerly Marsaudon Composites): Accessible Performance
Formerly Marsaudon Composites, this Lorient-based shipyard has rebranded its range as Ocean Rider Catamarans (ORC). Their ORC 52.2 is a concentration of speed (25-30 knots) and simplicity, with a direct steering system as its signature.
- Innovation: Infusion construction, lightweight materials, complete sail wardrobe (code 0, gennaker, asymmetrical spinnaker).
- DNA: “Simplify, then add lightness” – a philosophy inspired by Colin Chapman (Lotus).
- Target Audience: Racers and cruisers who want to go fast without sacrificing comfort.
Catana and its Ocean Class: Luxury Redefined
With the Ocean Class², Catana introduces an ultra-high-performance and modular catamaran, designed for long voyages. This 50-footer focuses on:
- Materials: Compolite (the first catamaran in the world to use it), carbon infusion, ultra-light composite furniture.
- Space: Open-plan living area, 360° helm station, optimal visibility.
- Evolutions: Version 2 improved based on owner feedback (ergonomics, circulation).
“The Ocean Class is not just a catamaran; it’s a living space designed to last.”
Why Do These Catamarans Inspire Dreams?
1. Groundbreaking Technologies
- Carbon, Infusion, Compolite: Materials that combine lightweight, strength, and durability.
- Asymmetrical Daggerboards, Fine Hulls: For optimal performance, even in light winds.
- Pivoting or Direct Steering: A direct connection with the sea.
2. Comfort Tailored for Travel
- Modular Spaces: Unified indoor/outdoor areas (e.g., Ocean Class).
- Enhanced Autonomy: Water and fuel reserves adapted for ocean crossings.
- Safety: Protected maneuvering areas, controlled power (e.g., Outremer).
3. A Shared Philosophy: Pleasure Above All
These shipyards don’t just build boats. They create experiences:
- Excess: “Sailing sensations and comfort, without compromise.”
- Tournier Marine: “Custom-made boats for demanding enthusiasts.”
- Outremer: “Sail far, sail fast, and with complete peace of mind.”
- Ocean Rider: “Accessible performance, without sacrificing comfort.”
- Catana: “Innovation in the service of nautical excellence.”
In Practice: Where to See Them?
These catamarans are regularly showcased at major boat shows:
- Grand Pavois de La Rochelle (September/October)
- Cannes Yachting Festival (September)
- Salon du Multicoque à La Grande-Motte (April)
Conclusion: Permission to Dream
These five shipyards prove that a catamaran can be fast, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing. Their models, mostly high-end, embody French excellence in offshore navigation, innovation, and pure pleasure.