Groupe Finot

Sailboat designer.

  • Last update: 3rd April 2020
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The 21st century yacht designs that have already become classics – part 1

  • Rupert Holmes
  • February 18, 2020

Rupert Holmes looks at the most influential and trend-setting boats from the first decade of the 21st Century

groupe finot yachts

Beneteau First 27.7 is a delight to sail

By the beginning of the 2000s it was the norm for new yacht designs to have low centre of gravity keels, with generally bigger bulbs than previously, which dramatically improved the ultimate stability of these designs.

This additional stability also helped to reduce the amount of changes of sail area needed in a building breeze, or gusty conditions. Even shoal draught options were often given additional ballast in order to retain the stability of their deep draught sisterships.

Bow and stern overhangs continued to shorten, although it was not until towards the end of the decade that plumb bows were a common sight on new designs. By this time even the large production boatbuilders had started to adopt twin rudders for the first time.

The new millennium also saw continuations of other existing trends. In particular ideas that had originally been developed for the racing sphere – especially solo events across oceans or around the globe – were increasingly adopted by cruising yachts.

Designer profile – Jean-Marie Finot

groupe finot yachts

Jean-Marie Finot (photo by JM Liot)

Jean-Marie Finot is a wide ranging and prolific designer – by the end of the 2010s Groupe Finot had been responsible for the design of more than 30,000 boats, including an astonishing four successive Vendée Globe winners. Like many designers of his age, Finot’s first creations were in the Quarter Ton class, in his case the Ecume de Mer of 1969.

While he continued to produced a string of successful racing designs, right from the outset Finot took a keen interest in cruising yachts and these represent by far the largest numbers of his designs in terms of boats on the water.

They range from Jeanneau’s innovative 28ft 6in Folie Douce of 1970, and more than 60 models in Beneteau’s Oceanis and First ranges, to the ground-breaking Pogo range of ultra-fast cruisers.

Jeanneau Sun Fast 37 – 2000

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Jeanneau Sun Fast 37 (Photo by David Harding)

This model took an already successful hull – the Jacques Faroux-designed Sun Odyssey 37 – and added a deeper, low centre of gravity keel , plus an extra four feet to the height of the rig. The original boat had a well balanced hull shape, married to a powerful and deep spade rudder that held control long after many others had lost their grip.

The additional sail area transformed performance in light airs, while the more efficient keel helped to speed progress to windward. Improved deck hardware also made it easier to control sail shape and to depower the rig in gusts.

As with other models from Jeanneau at the time, this model had a spacious interior – when I tested the original Sun Odyssey version in 1999 it was the first boat of this size I’d sailed with a separate shower stall in the heads, which helped to kickstart a slowly building trend that resulted in this becoming a common feature by the end of the decade.

Hull length 10.96m 36ft 0in Beam 3.70m 12ft 1in Draught 2.07m 6ft 10in Displacement 6,100kg 13,450lb Ballast 1,840kg 4,060lb Mainsail 29.3m2 315ft2 Furling genoa 38.5m2 414ft2 Price £30,000-£45,000 jeanneau-owners.com

Hunter Channel 31 – 2000

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Hunter Channel 31 – desirable when new and sought after now

This masterpiece by David Thomas was to my mind the best boat the British Hunter brand produced. The Channel 31 combined faultless handling with an impressive turn of speed and a commendably well thought out interior.

The well balanced hull shape was offered with a choice of a deep draught and low centre of gravity fin keel, or efficient twin keels which also had bulbs to increase stability. The Channel 31 was one of the boats I most enjoyed testing at that time – it proved rewarding to sail, even short-tacking in a narrow channel when short handed, yet had the feel of a boat with long legs that will cover distances with speed and ease.

Hunter Boats brought Ken Freivokh in to design the interior: the result was a civilised place to relax after sailing, yet a lot of thought clearly also went into making the accommodation work well at sea. Unfortunately the economy had yet to fully bounce back from the 1990s recession and only a relatively small number of boats were built.

It’s perhaps not surprising that owners tend to keep Channel 31s for a long time so they rarely come on the market – but if you’re lucky enough to find one they can be a great choice.

LOA 9.25m 30ft 7in LWL 8.13m 26ft 8in Beam 3.15m 10ft 4in Draught (fin) 1.81m 5ft 11in (twin) 1.24m 4ft 1in Displacement 4,263kg 9,400lb Ballast 1,610kg 3,550lb Price £30,000-£40,000 hunterassociation.org.uk

Hanse 311 – 2001

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Quality build and interior space: Hanse 311 is aimed squarely at cruising (Photo by David Harding)

This model, along with the Hanse 371 and 401, marked a change in direction for this then fledgling brand. In doing so it heralded a period of rapid expansion for the company that had been founded only a few years earlier by former yacht broker Michael Schmidt.

Within four years of the fall of the Berlin wall Schmidt was building boats in Greifswald, a Hanseatic League city with a rich maritime heritage on the Baltic coast of the former East Germany.

Hanse’s first models were adaptations of existing cruiser racers that had gone out of production, however, the plan was always to develop the company’s own line of cruising yachts.

The 311 is a Judel Vrolijk design that’s much more cruising oriented than Hanse’s early models. However, it quickly drew applause for factors including quality of build, interior space and the distinctive American style coachroof that immediately set the boat apart from the existing European builders.

The bright interior has high-gloss joinery and includes an unusually large galley for a boat of this size.

On deck single-line reefing and an optional self-tacking jib make for easy sail handling, while tiller steered boats make more sense than those with the optional wheel steering.

Before long many more new models joined the new range, propelling the company into becoming one of the world’s larger boatbuilders.

LOA 9.45m 31ft 0in LWL 8.10m 26ft 6in Beam 3.30m 10ft 9in Draught (deep keel) 1.75m 5ft 9in Displacement 3,860kg 8,510lb Ballast 1,250kg 2,760lb Sail area 50m2 538ft2 Price £27,000-£37,000 myhanse.com

Legend 36 – 2001

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Legend 36 – an American design built in Britain (Photo by David Harding)

During the 1990s Florida-based Hunter Marine Corporation became a major international power in the yacht building world. A desire to increase the company’s presence in the European market led to a new state of the art UK factory being established in Portland, Dorset in 2001. This operated under the Luhrs Marine name, with the boats badged as Legend in the UK to avoid confusion with the already established British Hunter brand.

The Legend 36 was launched the same year as the factory opened and offered all the key attributes of the American-built boats, including the distinctive arch for the mainsheet traveller, a backstayless rig and excellent interior volume in a wide beam, high freeboard hull.

For the European market the range also included bilge keel options, which had been missing since the demise of builders such as Westerly, and Moody’s move upmarket into much larger yachts. Again these twin keels had more efficient shapes than earlier bilge keels, and benefited from heavy bulbs at the bottom.

For several years it looked as though the new UK factory would buck the trend of declining British boatbuilding and a comprehensive range of new models was launched.

However the project ultimately proved to be short-lived – with demand falling in North America the decision was taken to consolidate building there after 600 boats had been built in five years of UK production.

LOA 10.85m 35ft 6in LWL 9.35m 30ft 7in Beam 3.74m 12ft 3in Displacement 6,300kg 13,900lb Ballast 2,645kg 5,828lb Draught 1.25m 4ft 3in Sail area 67m2 721ft2 Price £50,000-£60,000 legendowners.com

Beneteau First 27.7 – 2002

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First 27.7 is easy to look after and run (Photo by David Harding)

This was an era in which boats were becoming ever larger, with the result that new designs under 30ft started to become a rarity. However, Beneteau’s First series continued to produce a popular sporty 21-footer and later added a 25-footer.

For anyone looking for a fun boat for weekend sailing, or a summer cruise of a week or two there’s much to be said for the 27.7. It’s a Groupe Finot design that’s easy to look after and relatively inexpensive to run. While the interior fit out is more basic than that of a pure cruising design of this era, there’s still far more volume than earlier designs of a similar size, including berths for up to six and a separate double aft cabin.

More importantly, the boat is a delight to sail, with plenty of form stability and a hefty keel bulb to tame the powerful rig. When I tested the boat we reached speeds of 13 knots with the big asymmetric spinnaker, sailing two-handed and with the boat feeling as though it was running on rails.

Unfortunately, the boat wasn’t perceived as being competitive for handicap racing under the IRC rating rule, so didn’t sell as well as the other X.7 series First models on this side of the English Channel.

However, it’s a first-class choice for anyone looking for a capable and fast cruiser that’s heaps of fun to sail. My personal preference would be for the lifting keel version that gives scope for both creek crawling and fast passages in open water.

Hull length 8.30m 27ft 3in Beam 3.00m 9ft 10in Draught 2.15m 7ft 1in Displacement 2,650kg 8,690kg Mainsail 27.80m2 299ft2 Jib 22m2 237ft2 Spinnaker 60m2 646ft2 Price £22,000-£30,000 boauk.org

SB20 – 2004

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SB20: ergonomically designed for ultimate performance

When originally launched as the Laser SB3 this 20ft sportsboat quickly built a reputation for exhilarating performance and close racing in big fleets.

This was not an example of accidental commercial success – a huge amount of expertise when into refining the concept before putting the boat into production.

Adrian Jones, who was marketing director of Laser at the time, told me a mock up of the cockpit was built in the office in Banbury so they could sit in it during tea breaks.

This facilitated plenty of opportunity to discuss every aspect of the ergonomics and whether each control had an optimal lead for any manoeuvre that might be encountered on the race course including windward spinnaker drops and setting the spinnaker while gybing around a windward mark.

Within four years of launch there were hundreds of boats afloat and it became the largest fleet at Cowes Week, where the class attracted more than 100 boats at its peak.

Designer Tony Castro rescinded the license from the new UK owners of Laser Performance in 2012, when the boat was renamed the SB20. Some 800 boats have now been sold across Europe.

LOA 6.20m 20ft 4in Draught (keel down) 1.50m 4ft 11in Displacement 685kg 1,510lb Mainsail 18m2 194ft2 Jib 9.3m2 100ft2 Asymmetric spinnaker 46m2 495ft2 Price from £5,500 sportsboatworld.com

RM880 – 2006

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RM880 – very much in demand second-hand (photo by David Harding)

Bilge keels have largely remained a peculiarly British phenomenon, with most European boat builders opting for lifting keels for shallow draught models. However, a notable exception is RM Yachts, which started building a 30ft bilge keel performance cruiser in 1989. The RM880 was the company’s fifth design and came at a time of huge growth, with turnover having increased six-fold in the previous four years.

From the outset RM used plywood and epoxy construction, resulting in a multi-chine hull shape that lends itself perfectly to today’s broad hull shapes with marked chines. It’s worth noting that using epoxy is vastly different to earlier plywood construction, as the timber is protected from both water ingress and impact damage.

A further distinguishing feature of the range is the large deck house with big windows that give an all-round view. The interior of the 880 packs in a lot of accommodation for a performance cruiser of this size, including a large galley, double aft cabin, and generous saloon.

Designer Marc Lombard drew high-aspect deep keels with big bulbs on their base. The result is excellent righting moment and an efficient aerofoil section, while minimising wetted surface area.

RM models tend to be in high demand on the second-hand market and prices are further buoyed by the yard’s reputation for an extremely high standard of finish and attention to detail. Production of the 880 stopped in 2013, when it was replaced with the RM890.

Hull length 8.72m 28ft 8in LWL 8.05m 26ft 5in Beam 3.25m 10ft 8in Draught 1.25m 4ft 1in Displacement 3,200kg 7,055lb Ballast 900kg 1984lb Sail area 46m2 495ft2 Price £45,000-£60,000 rm-yachts.com

Beneteau Oceanis 37 – 2008

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Beneteau Oceanis 37 sports many of the attributes found on much newer yachts (Photo by David Harding)

Two decades after the launch of the Oceanis series, the latest generation was sporting many of the attributes now associated with today’s yachts.

While the earliest models were criticised for lightweight keels with low righting moments and therefore small angles of vanishing stability, the Groupe Finot-designed Oceanis 37 benefited from a reassuringly large bulb at the bottom of both the deep draught and shoal draught keels. The former also helped provide far better performance than was previously associated with the Oceanis series.

Chainplates of the fractional rig are taken out to the side of the hull, which reduces loads in the rig and in the hull structure. As a result the sail plan has non-overlapping jibs, which makes for easier handling, particularly after a tack, and further improves windward performance. This is especially true in stronger winds, when a partially furled jib sets with a much more efficient shape than a deep-reefed genoa.

The Oceanis 37’s hull shape owes much to the designers’ experience of producing IMOCA 60s for the Vendée Globe Race, while also providing plenty of accommodation volume. This is enhanced by high freeboard – the trend over time has been for this to increase, to provide both more headroom and a more spacious airy feel to the accommodation.

Finot also designed the Oceanis 31 and 34 as smaller models in the same family. Details that arguably give away the era of these boats include the single wheel, single rudder, lack of chines and no option for a large fold-down bathing platform. Nevertheless, the Oceanis 37 remained in production until 2015, when it was replaced by the Oceanis 38.1.

Hull length 11.11m 36ft 4in Beam 3.91m 12ft 10in Draught 1.40 or 1.90m 4ft 7in or 6ft 3in Displacement 6,354kg 14,000lb Mainsail 33m2 355ft2 Furling headsail 32m2 344 ft2 Price £65,000-£85,000 boauk.org

Jeanneau Sun Fast 3200 – 2008

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Sun Fast 3200 offers stunning performance

This model marked a change of direction for Jeanneau’s Sun Fast brand. Instead of adding more efficient keels and taller rigs to the hulls of the Sun Odyssey range as for previous Sun Fasts, this was a totally new Daniel Andrieu design intended to appeal to the rapidly growing number of short-handed long-distance racing sailors.

The new design offered stunning performance, along with trans-ocean capability, from a boat that’s very easy to handle. The twin rudders give excellent control and allow the boat to be pushed at speeds in the mid- to upper-teens, even when steering on autopilot.

Below decks the accommodation layout was unusual, but by no means novel. The basic format, with two double aft cabins, plus a heads/sail storage area in the forepeak, is the same as that of the Westerly Tempest of 1987.

However, Jeanneau added neat touches, including configuring the chart table seat to allow short-handed sailors to take a quick nap. In addition, the much broader aft sections of the 3200’s hull provide far more space in the aft cabins. On the downside headroom is marginal and the standard of finish was basic on early boats.

An R2 version was launched in 2017, with a carbon mast and a plain lead keel with no bulb. While this may appear to be a step backwards, the weight saving in the carbon rig means there’s no appreciable loss of stability, while the new keel shape has a lot less drag.

The cockpit layout was also refined and Jeanneau offered a kit to retrofit these changes to existing boats. The success of the Sun Fast 3200 should not be underestimated – it’s still in production after more than 10 years and many hundreds have been sold.

Hull length 9.78m 32ft 1in Beam 3.48m 11ft 5in Displacement 3,400kg 7,496lb Draught 1.90m 6ft 3in Mainsail 33.50m2 360ft2 Headsail 28.5m2 307ft2 Spinnaker 83m2 893ft2 Price from £70,000 facebook.com/SunFastOfficial

Foiling Moth – 2002

groupe finot yachts

Sebastien Josse sailing Bladerider Foiling Moth, Concarneau, France. October 2007 (Alamy Stock Photo)

This development dinghy class has a long-standing tradition of pushing the boundaries of technology. As long ago as 1974 Frank Raison had successfully sailed his boat in full flying mode with wooden foils. By 1999 Ian Ward had produced the first centre-line foiling International Moth – this was the first boat to bear close resemblance to current designs.

By 2002, with the class having outlawed foils on the outriggers, John and Garth Illet in Perth, Australia, had added the now familiar bow wand that controls ride height to a centre-line foiling hull. In doing so they solved the control issue the resulted in Ward’s earlier design repeatedly crashing.

Even so, the foiling Moth was not an easy boat to sail at this stage – only a handful of people worldwide could do so. However, that changed when Rohan Veal bought John Illet’s first production model. He spent a huge amount of time learning the boat, trialling different configurations and identified the benefit of sailing with 15-20° of windward heel.

Once the early builders and developers had started to get to grips with sailing the boat they quickly became increasingly adept at teaching others to do so. By 2008, when Alan Hillman opened the Pro Vela Foiling Centre on Spain’s Mar Menor, competent dinghy sailors could learn to foil in a weekend. In less than 10 years the number of people that could sail a foiling Moth went from fewer than a dozen to many hundreds. They now number many thousands, ranging in age from teenagers to those in their 70s and even 80s.

LOA 3.35m 11ft 0in Beam (inc wings) 2.25m 7ft 5in Hull weight 8kg 17lb 13oz Sail area 8m2 86ft2 Price £4,000-£20,000 internationalmoth.co.uk

Design trend: electronics and autopilots

groupe finot yachts

Reliability and accuracy of autopilots improved in leaps and bounds © Graham Snook/Yachting Monthly

Early marine electronics tended to be expensive or unreliable – and in some cases both. However, by this time the waterproofing of cases had improved, while the range of functionality was increasing. One of the biggest changes was in the sophistication of autopilots. Early models in the late 1970s and early 1980s were crude devices that would steer a good course in light or moderate winds, but would struggle in more severe conditions.

However, the needs of the solo racing community – particularly sponsored sailors with big budgets – helped to push development. Improvements in processing power in below-deck course computers, plus more sophisticated software were big steps forward, as were the addition of rudder angle sensors and rate sensing or gyro compasses.

These offered big improvements over the early pilots that only knew the boat’s heading, but not its rate of turn or rudder angle. These improved pilots are undoubtedly big factors in the rise in popularity of short-handed sailing, both cruising or racing.

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Beneteau 423 (2003-2008) Reviews

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Designed by the famous Groupe Finot, naval architects with more production yachts afloat than any other design firm, the Beneteau 423 has both brawn and beauty. A confident bluewater hull combined with extraordinary comfort, gorgeous interior woodwork, loads of volume and plenty of light will satisfy the most demanding sailors whether it is for offshore sailing or cruising in the harbor.  In 2005 Beneteau USA went with the Neil Pryde PBF main (vertical battens) as standard. LOA : 43′ 2″ LWL : 41′ 8″ Beam : 12′ 11″ Mast length (over water) : 54′ 4″ Draft (shoal) : 4′ 9″ Draft (standard) : 5′ 7″ Draft (optional) : 6′ 11″ Ballast (standard) : 5,836 lbs. Ballast (optional) : 5,569 lbs. Displacement : 19,797 lbs. Engine : 55 hp. Fuel Capacity : 53 gal. Water Capacity : 143 gal. Hull / Designer : Groupe Finot Sail Area : 860 sq. ft.  

Cruising World

July 28, 2003 Beneteau 423: Finot Finesse The Beneteau 423 is a big cruiser with deceptively svelte exterior styling by Jeremy McGeary Beneteau’s new line of cruising sailboats underlines how firm is the company’s grasp not only on its customers’ desires but on how to meet them by building well-equipped boats at surprising prices—surprisingly low, that is. For anyone seriously in the market for a new boat in the 40-foot range, $190,000 is a mighty attractive starting point, so let’s look at what it buys. First off, as anyone who follows our Classic Plastic series will be aware, today’s 40-footer is a lot bigger than its 20-year-old antecedent. Much of the extra volume comes from higher freeboard and longer waterlines and is most apparent in vast interior space. http://www.cruisingworld.com/sailboats/boat-reviews/beneteau-423-finot-finesse  

Boat Test September 2003 by John Kretschmer Powerful, high-quality cruiser packed with innovative features and cruising comforts To claim that Beneteau has mastered what it takes to produce successful new boats is a bit of an understatement. The French builder seems to have a direct line into the psyche of sailors the world over. Take the new 423 for example. Groupe Finot is responsible for designing this handsome, versatile 42-foot cruiser that appeals to a broad spectrum of sailors, from hardcore voyagers to casual weekenders looking for a little stress relief with its good performance and great accommodations. http://www.sailingmagazine.net/boat-test/508-beneteau-423  

Sail Magazine

High-volume boatbuilders strive to provide more boat, more conveniences, and more standard features for less money, and the Beneteau 423 made our list because it does just that. It’s a spacious 42-footer that sails well, has comfortable accommodations and sufficient systems, and is equipped with a long list of standard features (many of which are options on other boats) at a price that makes it an excellent value. Because of the low base price, we were on high alert for evidence of corner-cutting, but many features received favorable ratings. We liked the lighting, the ventilation, and the anti-skid on the companionway stairs. Cabins are spacious, though the forward berth could be a bit bigger. The galley is notable for its large size, copious stowage and counter space, generous fiddles, high-volume refrigerator and freezer, and good bracing points. The nav station is comfortable; while the table is too small for a full-size chart book, there is sufficient space to mount electronics. The electrical system is up to snuff, and engine access is good. http://sailmagazine.com/boat-reviews/beneteau_423/ http://beneteauusa.mobi/wps/wcm/resources/file/ebd1714cd6d2ba4/423%20SM%20Sept%2003.pdf  

Neil Pryde Headsail Tuning Guide

http://www.neilprydesails.com/pdfs/423%20Tuning%20Guide.pdf  

Blue Water Sailing

by Quentin Warren June 2003 The new 43-footer from Beneteau is a lively performer with refined living quarters  Two and a half years ago, Beneteau introduced a new member of their offshore cruising-boat fleet to the American sailing market at the 2000 Annapolis (Md.) Sail Boat Show. It was the Beneteau 473, an updated approach to the production cruiser, bringing elements of Open 60 thinking into a genre aimed at families and passagemaking, at sailing in comfort and style. Among those elements were a narrow bow, generous beam and a broad transom, features with which the design office behind the project, Groupe Finot, were only too familiar. BWS shipped aboard hull number one for a 400-mile outing to evaluate how well the concept worked (see “Redefining the Family Passage-maker,” BWS April 2001). Tellingly, Beneteau would take over 70 orders of that boat in the ensuing 10 months. http://www.bwsailing.com/Boat_Reviews/Archives/BWS_Beneteau423_June2003.html  

Groupe Finot Designer Notes

http://www.finot.com/bateaux/batproduction/beneteau/oceanis%20423/oceanis423_ang.htm  

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groupe finot yachts

Installed close to the Vannes harbour (Britany, France) since 2005, finot-conq perpetuates since 2009 the activities of groupe finot in the field of new boats development and design (both crusing and racing, as well as one-off yachts), and is responsible for the maintenance of existing designs.

groupe finot yachts

The team at finot-conq consists of a mix of complementary skills with a common passion : sailing fast ! It is tight-knit and efficient, and totally commits to each project, in order to make of each boat an exceptional object.

groupe finot yachts

Finot-conq has been awarded many prizes over the years

for the quality of our designs.

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Specifications

The First 22, based on “Clémentine”, the Finot Group’s well-received mini-tonner, is primarily a high-performance sailing yacht.

Naval designer :  Groupe Finot

Exterior design

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1977-2022: The Story of the Firsts

With more than 25,000 boats built since 1977, the First line celebrates its 45th anniversary this year and it is still the gold standard of performance cruising.

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With teams for sea trials, financing, customization, events, an after-sales service, and a network of dealers worldwide, BENETEAU delivers the help and expertise every boat owner needs throughout his boating life maintaining an enduring customer relationship.

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Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473

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UNE HISTOIRE

Installé sur l'avant-port de Vannes, finot-conq poursuit depuis 2009 les activités du groupe finot dans le domaine de la création et du développement des nouveaux bateaux (de croisière, de course et yachts), et se charge de la maintenance des modèles existants.

Avec plus de 45.000 bateaux de plus de 200 modèles, finot-conq est depuis 50 ans un des leaders mondiaux de l'architecture navale.

Matérialiste aux Glénans, et diplomé en architecture après les évènements de mai, Jean-Marie Finot dessine l'Ecume de Mer pour son propre usage. Le prototype est construit en aluminium par Huisman en Hollande. En 1969, le chantier Mallard débute une production en série, en matériaux composites. C'est un succès retentissant : 1385 exemplaires seront construits jusqu'en 1980. L'Ecume de Mer remporte la Quarter Ton Cup en 1970 et 1972. Il reçoit le premier titre de "Bateau de l'Année" en 1975.

1968 Ecume-de-Mer-2.jpg

Création du groupe finot en région parisienne.

Révolution remporte l'Admirald's Cup. Entre 1976 et 1979, il est sacré quatre années de suite Champion du RORC.

1975_revolution.jpg

Avec le First 22 débute la collaboration avec les chantiers Bénéteau, qui ne s'est jamais interrompue depuis, et qui a donné naissance à quelques uns des plus grands succès de la plaisance : Entre 1977 et 2019, Bénéteau a vendu plus de 25000 voiliers conçus par le groupe finot et finot-conq.

Pascal Conq rejoint le groupe finot, tout juste diplomé en architecture et auréolé de sa victoire dans le Tour de France à la Voile.

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Pascal Conq conçoit et construit le premier voilier de course à quille inclinable : « Urgent » à la jauge Micro.

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Première victoire à la Mini-Transat avec « Thom’pousse ». Les bateaux "Open", larges et légers, sont nés.

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Début de l'aventure Vendée Globe. Alain Gautier sur Generali Concorde subit une avarie de gréement alors qu'il est largement en tête. Il finit 6ème de cette première édition. Les bateaux signés groupe finot gagneront les 4 éditions suivantes (1992, 1996, 2000, 2004).

Le groupe finot conçoit le nouveau monotype de la Course du Figaro : Le Figaro Bénéteau. Il sera utilisé jusqu'en 2002.

1990_figaro beneteau.jpg

Un grand cru chez Bénéteau, c'est l'année de naissance du fameux First 210 qui, sous ses différentes incarnations sera produit 28 années durant.

Pascal Conq se "délocalise" au plus près des coureurs et des chantiers, et s'installe à Vannes.

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Le Pogo 2 ouvre notre collaboration fructueuse avec le Chantier Structures. Il remportera 5 fois la Mini-Transat (classement Série).

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Vincent Riou mène PRB à la victoire dans le Vendée Globe. C'est le premier et toujours le seul IMOCA à faire le doublé : Michel Desjoyeaux avait gagné en 2000 sur la même monture

2004_prb riou2.jpg

Un nouveau bâtiment est construit par le groupe finot sur l'avant-port de Vannes. L'équipe vannetaise de 4 personnes y emménage, Pascal Conq , David de Prémorel, Pierre Forgia, Erwan Gourdon ainsi que plusieurs autres entreprises du nautisme.

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Alex Thomson sur Hugo Boss bat le record de vitesse sur 24h en monocoque de 60 pieds, en franchissant la barre des 500 milles.

La SARL finot-conq est créée à Vannes. Elle prend la suite du groupe finot pour l’étude des yachts, des bateaux de croisière, des bateaux de course et pour la maintenance des modèles existants. Le groupe finot continue cependant d'exister, et se consacre plus particulièrement à la recherche, aux projets variés (habitat d'urgence, habitat fluvial,...) et aux dériveurs.

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Benoit Marie sur le mythique mini 667 porte à 6 le nombre de nos victoires dans la Transat 6.50

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Nous sommes honorés par une récompense internationale :

Notre 100 pieds Nomad IV reçoit le Show Boat Design Award dans la catégorie Naval Architecture-Sailing Yacht à Kitzbühel en Autriche.

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Avec l'Oceanis 46.1 nous remportons pour la 7ème fois le trophée du European Yacht Of The Year

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2014 Beneteau Oceanis 37

$149,900.

Beneteau OCEANIS-37 image

Introducing Sidney , a beautifully maintained 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 37 ideally suited for cruising the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Sidney blends performance with comfort with her sleek grey hull,  shoal draft , and modern upgrades. Whether you’re setting out for a weekend getaway or planning an extended cruise, her spacious interior, advanced electronics, and ease of handling make her a joy to sail. Meticulously cared for, lightly used, and equipped with thoughtful features like reverse cycle air conditioning and recent canvas updates , Sidney is ready for her next adventure on the water.

Shoal draft for versatile cruising in shallow waters

In-mast furling mainsail for easy sail management

Reverse cycle heat and air conditioning

New Bimini, Dodger, and Connector (2018)

Simrad electronics, including chart plotter, autopilot, and AIS

Sidney is the perfect balance of style, comfort, and functionality, ideal for Chesapeake Bay sailors looking to explore in both luxury and ease.

Specifications

Additional info, basic boat info, engines / speed.

  • Make: Yanmar
  • Model: 3YM30
  • Fuel: Diesel
  • Engine Power: 29hp
  • Type: Inboard
  • Propeller Type: 3 BladeBronze
  • Drive Type: Direct
  • Engine Hours: 140

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

6'4" Headroom

Alpi Mahogany Wood

Graphite Ultrasuede Cushions

U-shaped Dinette to Port

Settee to Starboard

Salon Table w/ Folding Leaves

Leather Covered Handrails

Wood Companionway Steps

Nav. Station

L-shaped Galley

Solid Surface "Sand" Countertop

Double Stainless Sink

Hot and Cold Pressurized Water

2-burner Propane Stove w/ Oven

Microwave at Nav. Station

12 v Refrigerator

Centerline Double Berth (6'11" x 1'5" - 6'2")

Hanging Locker

Dressing Table

Double Berth (7'5" x 5'3")

2 Opening Ports

Large Head , updated plumbing to use on-board fresh water

Watertight One-piece Mold

Worktop w/ Washbasin

Sink Faucet Doubles as Shower Faucet

Upgraded Electric Toilet

Electric Shower Drain

Neil Pryde 105% Genoa

Neil Pryde Furling Mainsail

Custom 2" Drain-Dri Cockpit Cushions (Light Grey)

Custom Wheel/Binnacle Cover - Navy (New 2018) 

Custom Bimini, Dodger, Connector (New 2018)  

Anodized Aluminum Double Spreader Roller Furler Mast

Anodized Aluminum Boom

Split Backstay

Rigid Boom Vang

Roller Furling Headstay

Adjustable Jib Tracks

2 x Harken #46 2-speed, Self-tailing Genoa Winches

1 x Harken #35 2-speed, Self-tailing Starboard Cabintop Winch

1 x Harken #30 2-speed, Self-tailing Port Cabintop Winch

Simrad NSS8 Multi Display Chartplotter

IS20 Graphic Display

IS20 Wind Display

IS20 Masthead Wind Instrument

DST 800 Speed and Depth Transducer

Simrad Autopilot

Simrad RS25 VHF w/ AHK05 Remote Mic

Fusion Stereo w/ Sonic Hub, I-pod Dock, Salon and Cockpit Speakers

AIS Receiver

Full Winter Cover 

Window Grey Hull w/ White Graphics

Rubrail w/ Stainless Steel Striker

Quick Electric Windlass

35 lb. Delta Anchor w/ Chain and Rode

Outboard Motor Bracket

Remote Control Courtesy Lighting

7 gal. Hot Water Heater

2 Bilge Pumps - 1 Manual / 1 Electric

Fenders and Docklines

Batteries - 2 house batteries replaced in 2023

50 amp “Y-splitter” and (2) 30-amp power cords

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Home | Our Shipyards

Our Shipyards

526.000 square meters, 150.000 covered. a perfect synthesis between craftsmanship and technology, the maximum expression of the group’s stylistic avant-garde and production efficiency..

Experience, creativity and innovation meet to give life to technologically advanced yachts with a refined but essential design with a conscious approach, giving an authentic contact with nature in comfort and style.

AVIGLIANA

The headquarters and main shipyard, it covers an area of 121.000 sqm and it is specialized in the construction of fiberglass yachts of up to 23M.

savona (1)

The Azimut service, outfitting and delivery center located in Savona’s Marina.

livorno-shipyard

The shipyard and styling lounge dedicated to the production of Azimut Yachts over 24M and of the Benetti Superyachts from 24 to 100M. Viareggio is also the Lusben historical headquarters for the refit&repair of yachts up to 30M.

LIVORNO

Benetti’s facility for the construction of superyachts from 24 to 100M, to date it is the largest active shipyard in the world. Here, Lusben is able to operate refit&repair projects for Gigayachts up to 120M.

FANO

The shipyard is dedicated to the production of the Magellano and S Series of Azimut.

DJI_0149_ (1)

The shipyard is dedicated to the production of Azimut Yachts of up to 30M.

Over the years, the Azimut|Benetti Group has obtained the certifications in the Health sector and Safety in the workplace, first compliant with the international standard BS OHSAS 18001 and, with the migration in December 2020, to the new ISO 45001-2018 standard; this certification constitutes an absolute record in the yachting sector for multi-site Groups.

Azimut|Benetti is also in possession of the quality certification, compliant with the ISO 9001 -2015 standard for all the offices of the Business Line Yachts, R&D Varazze and, from December 2021, the Lusben area of Viareggio.

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CRANCHI YACHTS

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Azimut Yachts Russia is an exclusive distributor of Azimut Yachts in the territory of Russia.

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COMMENTS

  1. groupe finot

    Ce site présente le cabinet d'architecture naval du Groupe Finot et Finot-Conq, leurs derniers voiliers, leur succès dans les régates ainsi qu'une description de nombreux bateaux

  2. finot-conq architectes navals

    FINOT-CONQ. Installed close to the Vannes harbour (Britany, France) since 2005, finot-conq perpetuates since 2009 the activities of groupe finot in the field of new boats development and design (both crusing and racing, as well as one-off yachts), and is responsible for the maintenance of existing designs. OUR HISTORY.

  3. Groupe Finot, yacht designers

    This is the website of Groupe Finot, French yacht designers. Their latest designs, their achievments, the latest news about Groupe Finot. Contact - French version - Archives. 16/02/10. story of a dream 60', discover the world of "Ourson Rapide" : carbon, innovations, automatisms, everything for the pleasure of cruising and speed. ...

  4. YACHTING

    NICA. She will blow you away. « Nica is a real fast cruiser for a couple, capable of fast passagemaking in all the comfort you want, easy to handle and very forgiving when sailing in high winds and seas. This meets and exceeds our expectatons.

  5. finot-conq architectes navals

    FINOT-CONQ. Installé sur l'avant-port de Vannes, finot-conq poursuit depuis 2009 les activités du groupe finot dans le domaine de la création et du développement des nouveaux bateaux (de croisière, de course et yachts), et se charge de la maintenance des modèles existants.

  6. HISTORY

    HISTORY. Installed close to the Vannes harbour (Britany, France) since 2005, finot-conq perpetuates since 2009 the activities of groupe finot in the field of new boats development and design (both crusing and racing, as well as one-off yachts), and is responsible for the maintenance of existing designs. At the time responsible for the boats ...

  7. Group Finot

    Groupe Finot - Conq. Website. www .finot .com. Group Finot is a French boat design company based in Jouy-en-Josas. Founded by Jean-Marie Finot, the company specializes in the design of fiberglass sailboats. [ 1] The company also collaborates with designer Pascal Conq as Groupe Finot - Conq, based in Vannes, France. [ 2]

  8. YACHTS

    Les yachts et superyachts de finot-conq architectes navals. Le tour du monde à 80 ans Les mots du client : « Je ne pourrais jamais faire assez de compliments sur le design et la performance de Kiwi Spirit II.

  9. FINOT-CONQ

    Installé sur l'avant-port de Vannes, finot-conq poursuit depuis 2009 les activités du groupe finot dans le domaine de la création et du développement des nouveaux bateaux (de croisière, de course et yachts), et se charge de la maintenance des modèles existants. Avec plus de 45.000 bateaux de plus de 200 modèles, finot-conq est depuis 50 ...

  10. Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot)

    Electric Yacht. SeaWaterPro. SBD App Non-BR. top 1 ads row1. top 2 ads row2. top 3 ads row2. Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) ... His firm, Goupe Finot, was formed in 1969. Pascal Conq joins Groupe Finot in 1985. Groupe Finot became Finot-Conq in 2009. Sailboats Designed By Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot)

  11. Groupe Finot (Jean Marie Finot)

    Groupe Finot was a yacht design office from France founded by Jean Marie Finot.The sailboats they designed were in particular build by Bénéteau (France) and Del Pardo, Cantiere (Italy). Contact: www.finot-conq.com; Paris - France; 18 specifications of sailboat, between 14 ft (4.4 m) and 33 ft (10.2 m), designed by Groupe Finot are available on Boat-Specs.com:

  12. The 21st century yacht designs that have already become classics

    Jean-Marie Finot is a wide ranging and prolific designer - by the end of the 2010s Groupe Finot had been responsible for the design of more than 30,000 boats, including an astonishing four successive Vendée Globe winners. Like many designers of his age, Finot's first creations were in the Quarter Ton class, in his case the Ecume de Mer of ...

  13. Beneteau 423 (2003-2008) Reviews

    Beneteau 423 (2003-2008) Reviews. Designed by the famous Groupe Finot, naval architects with more production yachts afloat than any other design firm, the Beneteau 423 has both brawn and beauty. A confident bluewater hull combined with extraordinary comfort, gorgeous interior woodwork, loads of volume and plenty of light will satisfy the most ...

  14. FINOT-CONQ

    HISTORY. Installed close to the Vannes harbour (Britany, France) since 2005, finot-conq perpetuates since 2009 the activities of groupe finot in the field of new boats development and design (both crusing and racing, as well as one-off yachts), and is responsible for the maintenance of existing designs. READ MORE.

  15. FIRST 22

    The First 22, based on "Clémentine", the Finot Group's well-received mini-tonner, is primarily a high-performance sailing yacht. ... is primarily a high-performance sailing yacht. Naval designer : Groupe Finot. Exterior design. Interior design. Specifications. Download the brochure. News News.

  16. Used Beneteau Oceanis Clipper 473 for Sale

    The Beneteau 473 is a mid-sized cruising sailboat that was designed by naval architects Groupe Finot and built by the French boat manufacturer Beneteau. It was introduced in the early 2000s and quickly gained popularity among sailors looking for a comfortable and seaworthy vessel for cruising. ... MORE BOATS FROM BVI YACHT SALES. Hanse 470e US ...

  17. HISTOIRE

    UNE HISTOIRE. Installé sur l'avant-port de Vannes, finot-conq poursuit depuis 2009 les activités du groupe finot dans le domaine de la création et du développement des nouveaux bateaux (de croisière, de course et yachts), et se charge de la maintenance des modèles existants. Avec plus de 45.000 bateaux de plus de 200 modèles, finot-conq ...

  18. 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 37

    Introducing Sidney, a beautifully maintained 2014 Beneteau Oceanis 37 ideally suited for cruising the Chesapeake Bay and beyond. Sidney blends performance with comfort with her sleek grey hull, shoal draft, and modern upgrades. Whether you're setting out for a weekend getaway or planning an extended cruise, her spac...

  19. Our Shipyards

    The shipyard is dedicated to the production of Azimut Yachts of up to 30M. Over the years, the Azimut|Benetti Group has obtained the certifications in the Health sector and Safety in the workplace, first compliant with the international standard BS OHSAS 18001 and, with the migration in December 2020, to the new ISO 45001-2018 standard; this ...

  20. Russian oligarch Andrey Melnichenko berths superyacht in UAE

    Italian authorities in March impounded Russian coal and fertilisers magnate Andrey Melnichenko's $600mn Sailing Yacht A after Russia invaded Ukraine. Another yacht, the $300mn Philippe Starck ...

  21. CRANCHI RUSSIA

    Яхты CRANCHI. First Yacht Group официальный дилер в России и СНГ. Запись на тест-драйв. Покупка в кредит и лизинг. Брокераж, сервис, аксессуары для яхт.

  22. ABERTON Moscow Russia Official Dealer

    Azimut Yachts Russia is an exclusive distributor of Azimut Yachts in the territory of Russia. Head compartments. Sales Charter Brokerage Maintenance. General info. Contacts. Leningradskoye sh.39 str.7 125212 Moscow, Russia. Tel: + 007-495-9807700. Email: [email protected]. Website: azimutyachts.ru. Social:

  23. Groupe Finot, yacht designers

    This is the website of Groupe Finot, French yacht designers. Their latest designs, their achievements, the latest news about Groupe Finot-Conq . Contact - French version - Archives. 16/02/10 . story of a dream 60', discover the world of "Ourson Rapide" : carbon, innovations, automatisms, everything for the pleasure of cruising and speed. ...