Wauquiez Yachts
Wauquiez Yachts is a privately held French luxury sailing yacht manufacturer founded in 1965, building five bespoke 42-58 foot blue water cruisers in Neuville-en-Ferrain for high-net-worth sailors via an international distributor network and direct shipyard sales.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1965
- HeadquartersNeuville-en-ferrain, France
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Wauquiez Yachts does
Wauquiez Yachts (legal entity: Wauquiez Boats, SARL) is a privately held French luxury sailing yacht manufacturer founded in 1965 by Henri Wauquiez, operating from its shipyard in Neuville-en-Ferrain in northern France, with a legal registered address in Attichy and a sister motor-boat brand, Rhéa Marine, in La Rochelle. The company produces five blue water cruising sailing yachts spanning 42 to 58 feet — the Wauquiez 55 (flagship), Pilot Saloon 42, Pilot Saloon 48e, Pilot Saloon 58, and Centurion 57 — each built to order using artisanal joinery combined with modern composite construction (infusion molding, balsa sandwich, carbon fiber) and naval architecture designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design. The product surface integrates premium marine supplier technology: Volvo Penta engines with INTEGREL hybrid energy generation, Yanmar alternatives, Saildrive propulsion, swinging keel options, and Garmin EmpirBus digital switching/automation.
The business operates a sales-led, dual-channel go-to-market combining an international distributor network with direct shipyard sales, including custom configuration consultations, sea trials, and factory tours for high-net-worth individual buyers. Pricing is not publicly disclosed; yachts are bespoke multi-year capital purchases typically exceeding several hundred thousand euros each. The customer base is a long tail of HNW sailing enthusiasts pursuing circumnavigation, blue water cruising, and competitive sailing, with a brand community sustained through owner rallies (Mediterranean via Ettore Yachting, Pacific Northwest) and earned-media coverage in Yachting World, Figaro Nautisme, and Voiles et Voiliers. The Wauquiez 55 received the European Yacht of the Year 2026 award in the luxury cruiser category, the marque's most significant industry validation.
Wauquiez Yachts firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Wauquiez Yachts
- Legal name
- Wauquiez Boats
- Website
- https://wauquiez.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1965
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Wauquiez Yachts is a privately held French luxury sailing yacht manufacturer founded in 1965, building five bespoke 42-58 foot blue water cruisers in Neuville-en-Ferrain for high-net-worth sailors via an international distributor network and direct shipyard sales.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Wauquiez Yachts industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Luxury Sailing Yachts
- NAICS
- Boat Building (336612)
- SIC
- Ship & Boat Building & Repairing (3730)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Luxury Sailing Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAMAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Semi-Custom & Series Production Yacht Manufacturing (IMAJAEAM), Luxury Yacht Hull & Superstructure Fabrication (Composite/Aluminum/Steel) (IMAJAMAG)
Keywords
Where Wauquiez Yachts is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Neuville-en-ferrain
- HQ country
- France
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
Wauquiez Yachts business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Luxury Sailing Yacht Sales: One-time direct sales of luxury blue water sailing yachts to high-net-worth individuals. Revenue generated through initial vessel purchase with extensive customization options. The company produces five distinct yacht models ranging from 42 to 58 feet, each representing significant capital expenditures typically exceeding several hundred thousand euros.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Custom luxury sailing yachts with bespoke pricing |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels10 records
Wauquiez Yachts product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wauquiez Yachts designs, manufactures, and sells handcrafted luxury blue water sailing yachts (42–58 feet) from its French shipyard in Neuville-en-Ferrain. Each vessel is built-to-order with extensive customization in layout, materials, and equipment for high-net-worth individual buyers. The product portfolio centers on the Wauquiez 55 flagship and the Pilot Saloon and Centurion ranges, employing infusion molding, composite construction, and integrated propulsion and energy systems.
Product overview
Wauquiez Boats is a French luxury sailing yacht manufacturer founded in 1965, producing blue water cruising yachts through artisanal craftsmanship combined with modern naval construction technology. The current product portfolio consists of two distinct ranges: the Pilot Saloon series (Pilot Saloon 42, 48e, and 58) featuring the signature raised deck saloon concept for panoramic views, and the Centurion series (Centurion 57) representing classic luxury performance sailing. The flagship Wauquiez 55 stands apart as a singular design with unprecedented layout including an independent owner's suite with direct aft deck access. All vessels are built in France at the Neuville-en-Ferrain shipyard using techniques including infusion molding, sandwich balsa construction, and carbon fiber components, with equipment sourced from premium marine brands.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Rhéa Marine: A French shipyard located in La Rochelle that manufactures motor boats with neo-retro aesthetics, inspired by traditional wood boats from the Atlantic coast.
- Pilot Saloon
- Centurion
Products and services
- Wauquiez 55 Flagship 17.58m blue water cruiser distinguished by its reverse sheerline, raised knuckle, and portholes running the full length of the hull. Features include twin Volvo D2 engines (50hp or 75hp), Saildrive propulsion, INTEGREL hybrid technology, GARMIN EmpirBus digital switching, swinging keel (draft 1.7m to 4.2m), and a three-zone deck plan. The SA/D ratio of 19.88 places it among the top blue water cruisers.
- Pilot Saloon 48e 14.95m luxury offshore cruising sailboat blending interior and exterior spaces with panoramic views through the Pilot Saloon deck saloon. Features a powerful hull designed for demanding sailing conditions with 2.10m standard draft and 2.35m deep keel option, 104 m² upwind sail area, 36-litre cockpit refrigerator option, and spacious owner accommodations.
- Pilot Saloon 58
- Pilot Saloon 42 12.99m luxury offshore sailing yacht and the foundational model of the Pilot Saloon range. Built in France using traditional joinery combined with modern construction technology including carbon fiber, infusion molding, and 3D software. Features a central fully-glazed deckhouse and excellent forward visibility. Over 300 Pilot Saloon units have been delivered worldwide since 1991.
- Centurion 57 17.70m luxury sailing yacht marking the return of the legendary 'Centurion' line to the prestige segment. Features a powerful and versatile hull with 2.5m bulb keel, Sparcraft racing mast, Harken winches and blocks, retractable carbon bowsprit, Yanmar 110hp engine with shaft drive (Volvo D3 150hp optional), and twin helm wheels with state-of-the-art consoles. Designed for offshore sailing with classic yacht elegance.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 200 nautical miles per day sailing performance
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Wauquiez Yachts
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles1 record
Wauquiez Yachts technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature9 records
Wauquiez Yachts partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Ettore YachtingcoreEttore Yachting operates under the umbrella of Wauquiez's Mediterranean base, organizing and hosting Wauquiez owner rallies and events. This partnership provides exclusive rally experiences for Wauquiez owners in the Mediterranean region, including events from Port Camargue base.
- Rhéa MarineminorRhéa Marine is a heritage French shipyard located in La Rochelle, sharing the Wauquiez Group's passion for artisanal boat building. Both companies operate under similar philosophies of traditional craftsmanship meeting modern innovation.
- Berret-Racoupeau Yacht DesigncoreRenowned French naval architecture firm responsible for designing hulls and sail plans for Wauquiez yachts including Pilot Saloon 42, 48e, 58, Centurion 57, and the W55 series.
- Volvo PentacoreEngine supplier providing Volvo D2 engines (50hp or 75hp options) and Saildrive propulsion systems for Wauquiez yachts. Partnership includes INTEGREL technology integration for energy generation.
- YanmarcoreEngine supplier for Centurion 57 providing Yanmar 110hp engine (standard) and Volvo D3 150hp option (alternative) for motorization.
- HarkencoreDeck hardware supplier providing winches and blocks for Wauquiez yachts. Harken equipment selected for quality and efficiency on luxury sailing yachts.
- SparcraftcoreMast and rigging supplier providing Sparcraft racing masts for Wauquiez yachts, ensuring optimal sailing performance.
- GarmincoreElectronics and marine technology partner providing EmpirBus system for monitoring, digital switching, and automation on Wauquiez yachts.
- AndersencoreWinch supplier providing standard well-sized Andersen winches for Wauquiez yachts, selected for quality and durability.
- IONOSminorWeb hosting provider for the Wauquiez website (www.wauquiez.com), located in Sarreguemines, France.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Wauquiez Yachts competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Jeanneau: Major French sailboat and motorboat manufacturer (Beneteau Group subsidiary) producing a wide range of sailing yachts. Overlaps in sailing yacht category but positioned at broader price points rather than Wauquiez's luxury HNWI niche.
- Dufour Yachts: French sailing yacht builder offering cruising yachts in the 35-60 foot range. Comparable on product category and French shipyard heritage, though positioned in the volume premium segment rather than Wauquiez's boutique luxury tier.
- Beneteau Group: Largest French boat manufacturer with a broad sailing yacht portfolio including Lagoon catamarans, Oceanis, and First. Larger incumbent operating in the same French sailing yacht space but with mass-market scale rather than Wauquiez's boutique luxury positioning.
Direct peers
- Garcia Yachts: French builder of aluminum blue water cruising yachts (sailing and motor) for serious offshore sailors. Comparable on geography, customer base (HNWI circumnavigators), and blue water cruising positioning.
- Amel: French luxury blue water sailing yacht manufacturer also producing custom-built ocean cruisers for HNWIs. Most direct comparable on product, customer segment, and French artisanal positioning — competes head-to-head in the 50-foot blue water cruiser segment.
- X-Yachts: Danish premium performance-cruising sailing yacht manufacturer producing yachts in the 40-60 foot range for affluent owners. Comparable on product positioning, customer profile, and premium pricing tier.
- Hallberg-Rassy: Swedish manufacturer of premium blue water cruising sailing yachts with a multi-decade heritage (founded 1940s). Direct competitor in the same HNWI blue water cruiser niche with similar pricing and craftsmanship positioning.
- CNB Yachts: French builder of luxury sailing yachts and superyachts, producing semi-custom blue water cruisers for HNWIs. Comparable on geography (French shipyard), customer base, and product positioning in the 50-70 foot segment.
- Contest Yachts: Dutch luxury semi-custom sailing yacht builder serving HNWI buyers in the 50-70 foot segment. Comparable on product category, custom-build business model, and target customer segment.
- Allures Yachts: French aluminum blue water cruising yacht builder offering semi-custom sailing yachts to HNWI buyers. Comparable on product (blue water cruisers), customer, and French shipyard craftsmanship heritage.
Market position
Strengths1 record
Weaknesses1 record
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Wauquiez Yachts social profiles
Digital presenceWauquiez Yachts financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Wauquiez Yachts leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Wauquiez Yachts funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Wauquiez Yachts M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Wauquiez Yachts
What does Wauquiez Yachts do?
Wauquiez Yachts designs, manufactures, and sells handcrafted luxury blue water sailing yachts (42–58 feet) from its French shipyard in Neuville-en-Ferrain. Each vessel is built-to-order with extensive customization in layout, materials, and equipment for high-net-worth individual buyers. The product portfolio centers on the Wauquiez 55 flagship and the Pilot Saloon and Centurion ranges, employing infusion molding, composite construction, and integrated propulsion and energy systems.
Is Wauquiez Yachts a public or private company?
Wauquiez Yachts is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Wauquiez Yachts founded?
Wauquiez Yachts was founded in 1965. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Wauquiez Yachts based?
Wauquiez Yachts is headquartered in Neuville-en-ferrain, France, in the Europe region.
How does Wauquiez Yachts make money?
One revenue line is on record: luxury Sailing Yacht Sales.
Who are Wauquiez Yachts's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Jeanneau, Dufour Yachts and Beneteau Group. Direct peers are Garcia Yachts, Amel, X-Yachts, Hallberg-Rassy, CNB Yachts, Contest Yachts and Allures Yachts.
Does Wauquiez Yachts have an API?
No public API is recorded for Wauquiez Yachts.
What industry is Wauquiez Yachts in?
Wauquiez Yachts's product category is Luxury Sailing Yachts. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAJAMAC, Luxury Sailing Yacht Manufacturing, with a secondary code of IMAJAEAM, Semi-Custom & Series Production Yacht Manufacturing. Its NAICS code is 336612 and its SIC code is 3730.