Founded in 1977, the Plasmor shipyard has established itself as a key player in the construction of sea kayaks and small, transportable sailboats in France. Among its iconic creations, the Skellig range of sailboats stands out for its traditional design and ease of use, appealing to coastal sailing enthusiasts and nautical touring lovers.
The Plasmor shipyard was born
In the late 1970s, recreational boating in France experienced a significant boom, with a growing demand for accessible and versatile vessels. It was in this context that Plasmor was founded in 1977, with the ambition of designing boats suitable for nautical excursions and exploring the coastline. The founders, passionate about sailing, emphasized the simplicity, robustness, and safety of their boats—values that would become the company’s core identity.
In 1981, Plasmor launched the Catchiky, the first modern French sea kayak, marking a major milestone in the shipyard’s history. This innovation demonstrated the company’s commitment to offering products tailored to the needs of paddlers, while also contributing to the development of sea kayaking in France.
Key moments in the history of the construction site
Over the decades, Plasmor has innovated and diversified its production to meet the expectations of boating enthusiasts. In 1992, the shipyard introduced the Belouga, the first stable sea kayak, which quickly became a benchmark for those who enjoy water sports.
In 2001, Plasmor expanded its range by launching the Skellig 1, its first transportable sailboat. This model was an immediate success thanks to its elegant design and ease of use, paving the way for a series of sailboats suitable for coastal cruising and fishing.
However, in October 2018, the shipyard faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy. Despite an attempted takeover by a group of clients, the company temporarily ceased operations.
Finally, in May 2019, Thomas Neveux, a former employee of Plasmor, took over the reins of the company, injecting new energy and perpetuating the shipyard’s expertise.
The construction site today
Since its acquisition, Plasmor continues to manufacture its boats in Brittany, in a 690 m² workshop located in Bains-sur-Oust. The company maintains artisanal production, emphasizing quality and the customization of each boat. Skellig sailboats, in particular, are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with around ten units sold in 2023, demonstrating the shipyard’s solid reputation in the recreational boating market.
Plasmor distinguishes itself through its commitment to environmentally friendly and accessible sailing. In 2022, the shipyard launched the Gavrinis, a dinghy designed to be accessible to people with reduced mobility, thus illustrating its desire to innovate while remaining true to its core values.
The most popular models from the Plasmor shipyard
- Skellig 1 (2001): First sailboat from the shipyard, designed for coastal cruising.
- Skellig 1.4 : Small family sailboat ideal for day sailing along the coast, in bays, on lakes or rivers.
- Skellig 3 Sloop Transportable sailboat with cabin offering two berths, suitable for nautical excursions of a few days.
- Skellig 5 Inspired by the Skellig 3, this model offers a more spacious cabin with three adult berths and one child berth, a kitchen area and a chemical toilet, ideal for coastal cruising and family holidays.
Each of these models reflects Plasmor’s commitment to offering boats that combine tradition, safety and the pleasure of navigation, meeting the needs of boating enthusiasts in search of adventure and discovery.