The Espace Vag shipyard, founded in 1989 by Olivier Louédec and Jacky Milville in Concarneau, left its mark on the history of French yachting through its innovations and the quality of its construction. Specializing in the repair and construction of composite and plywood boats, the shipyard distinguished itself by producing high-performance and innovative sailboats, such as the Ikone 6.50 and 7.50. These models, appreciated for their design and sailing performance, won over many boaters. This article retraces the history of the Espace Vag shipyard, from its creation to its liquidation, highlighting its key moments and most iconic models.
The shipyard’s origins: the context of the leisure boating market at the time, the founders’ DNA, and the first catamarans
Context of the recreational boating market
In the 1980s, recreational boating in France experienced significant growth. Sailing enthusiasts sought reliable and high-performance boats capable of meeting their expectations in terms of navigation and comfort. It was in this context that the Espace Vag shipyard was founded, with the ambition of offering quality sailboats adapted to the needs of recreational boaters of the time.
The founders’ DNA
Olivier Louédec and Jacky Milville, graduates of the Naval Construction BTS program in Saint-Nazaire, are the founders of the Espace Vag shipyardPassionate about sailing and shipbuilding, they decided to create their own shipyard in 1989 to meet the growing demand for pleasure sailboats. The construction site is being set up in Concarneauin Brittany, and quickly specialized in the construction of composite and plywood boats, measuring up to 12 meters.
The first sailing ships
The Ikone 7.50, in particular, is a small twin-keel family cruiser that was voted Sailboat of the Year 2016.
Key moments in the history of the Espace Vag construction site
In 2009, the Espace Vag construction site was taken over by Pierrick de Kervenoael, who developed the catboat range by designing the Ikone 7.50. Under his leadership, the shipyard achieved an average annual turnover of around €600,000 and produced about a dozen units per year. The Ikone 7.50, in particular, was a commercial and technical success, winning the title of Sailboat of the Year 2016.
Judicial liquidation
In 2019, the Espace Vag shipyard was placed in receivership, marking the end of production of the Ikone 6.50 and 7.50.Several factors contributed to this liquidation, including manufacturing delays, unpaid invoices, and financial difficulties. The shipyard, which employed eight people, was forced to cease operations, bringing to an end a decades-long entrepreneurial venture.
The construction site today
The Espace Vag shipyard has disappeared, but its legacy lives on through the many sailboats still sailing. These boats are testaments to the shipyard’s excellent craftsmanship.These boats are prized by enthusiasts and undergo meticulous restoration. The shipyard, although closed, remains a landmark in the history of French yachting.
The most popular and sought-after models
Here is a list of the most iconic and sought-after models from the Espace Vag shipyard, with their launch year and architect:
- Ikone 7.50 (2016) – Architect: Julien Marin.
- Icone J (2007)
- Ikone 6.50 (2018) – Architects: Frédéric Neumann and Christophe Barreau.
These models, renowned for their quality and durability, continue to appeal to sailing enthusiasts and testify to the excellence of the Espace Vag shipyard.
The Espace Vag shipyard, founded by Olivier Louédec and Jacky Milville in 1989, left its mark on the history of French yachting through its innovations and the quality of its construction. Iconic sailboats such as the Ikone 6.50 and 7.50, designed to meet the needs of recreational sailors, have stood the test of time and continue to sail today. Although the shipyard is no longer in operation, its legacy lives on through the many sailboats still sailing and the tributes paid to it.