Founded in 2003 by Antoine Houdet, the Tricat shipyard has established itself as a leader in the design and manufacture of folding trimarans in France. Combining innovation, performance, and environmental responsibility, Tricat has won over enthusiasts of coastal and offshore sailing. This article retraces the shipyard’s history, its key moments, its current market position, and its most iconic models.
Birth of the Tricat shipyard
In the early 2000s, the recreational boating market in France was booming, with a growing demand for lightweight, high-performance, and transportable vessels. It was in this context that Antoine Houdet, a passionate sailor and regatta enthusiast, decided to transform sports catamarans into trimarans by adding a central hull he had built himself. This innovation improved the stability and load capacity of the boats, thus meeting the expectations of boaters seeking new experiences.
Key moments in the history of the construction site
- two thousand two : Antoine Houdet, in collaboration with naval architect Jack Michal, designed the Tricat 22, the brand’s first trimaran, which met with immediate success.
- two thousand three : Official creation of the Tricat shipyard, dedicated to the production and marketing of the Tricat 22.
- two thousand six : Launch of the Tricat 25, a family cruising trimaran that expands the brand’s customer base.
- two thousand eight : Sport version of the Tricat 25, meeting the expectations of sailors looking for increased performance.
- two thousand nine : Introduction of the Tricat 23.5, combining comfort and ease of transport thanks to an innovative mounting system.
- two thousand thirteen : In partnership with the company Kairos, Tricat is producing Gwalaz, the first eco-designed trimaran made of bio-composites, demonstrating the shipyard’s commitment to the environment.
- two thousand twenty : Launch of the Tricat 6.90, a versatile model suitable for both sporty sailing and family cruising.
- two thousand twenty-two : François-Xavier Tillier takes over the Tricat shipyard, ensuring a smooth transition and continuing the development of the brand.
The construction site today
Today, Tricat is renowned for the quality of its folding trimarans, combining performance, safety, and ease of use. Based in Brittany, the shipyard enjoys a solid reputation among French and international boaters. Its commitment to eco-construction and innovation continues to attract environmentally conscious customers seeking new nautical experiences.
The main trimarans from the Tricat shipyard
- Tricat 22 (2002): Designed by Antoine Houdet and Jack Michal, this sporty trimaran marked the beginning of the shipyard.
- Tricat 20
- Tricat 25 (2006): This family cruising trimaran expanded the brand’s customer base.
- Tricat 23.5 (2009): Offering comfort and ease of transport, it appealed to sailors in search of versatility.
- Tricat 6.90 (2020): This versatile model is equally suited to sporty navigation and family cruising.
- Tricat 30 (2016): This modern trimaran, made in Brittany, benefits from very high quality construction and equipment.
In short, the Tricat shipyard has evolved over the years, constantly innovating to offer trimarans adapted to the needs of boaters, while respecting the environment. Its reputation and the quality of its models make it a key player in the French nautical industry.