Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design, like all companies, is having to adapt to the exceptional circumstances here in France that we and the rest of the world are going through.
The health of everyone, employees and customers, is of course the priority. So, in accordance with official instructions, we have been teleworking since Tuesday 17th March.
Our offices in La Rochelle are now closed until 31st March inclusive, and reopening will depend on health and regulatory changes.
Of course, we remain available by e-mail, on our respective mobile phones and on the office number: +33 (0)5 46 45 79 79.
We are fortunate that our profession, which is also a passion, can be practiced remotely without too much difficulty. Having worked for many years with clients on five continents, we’re obviously very familiar with online sharing, video and audio-conferencing tools.
Thus, the team is continuing our work to make your dreams come true, to turn your projects into reality. We’re convinced that we will all emerge from this difficult and complicated period more united, more determined and more creative than ever. As a long-time partner of many shipyards, the Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design crew is and will remain available and active in all circumstances. Today, to face the headwinds confronting the world in general and our sector in particular, as well as tomorrow when we will have to hoist sail with energy and enthusiasm in the calm period that will inevitably follow this storm.
All our talented team remains mobilised and is looking forward to seeing you again very soon.
In the meantime, please take care of yourselves and your loved ones.
At the beginning of 2020, our work within the agency epitomizes our team and the different talents that make it so eclectic: from 20 to over 100 feet, on one hull or two, sailboat or motorboat, production boat or one-off, naval architecture, exterior and interior design, digital images… All our resources, skills, creativity and curiosity are called upon and this is what has fascinated us every day for over thirty years. Read HERE.
With the launch in 2017 of their new 50-foot model, Amel marked an important milestone in their long and rich history, by offering a sloop-rigged sailing boat, equipped with twin rudders. What we, as a team of naval architects, considered to be essential developments at the beginning of this millennium, could be seen as a revolution by the customers of such an iconic brand in the blue water cruising industry.
Less than two years later, the forty or so boats already sold confirms the validity of the approach that has not only attracted loyal customers, but also opened the doors of the yard founded in 1964 by Henri Amel to new owners.
Reassured by the international success of the 50, but still respectful of the company’s DNA and values, Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design have set to work on the Amel 60. Presented at this year’s Boot Düsseldorf, she will be unveiled in autumn 2019 as part of the prestigious Cannes Yachting Festival.
New Amel 60 by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design
Sixty feet is a length fully in line with the exclusive character desired for each Amel unit designed. Like the 50, this all-new boat combines the best of tradition, Amel quality, and the essential evolutions of modern yachting. The increase in volumes forward and aft in particular, provide power, performance, stability and increased interior space.
For naval architecture and exterior design, we have focused on offering a vessel that is easier than ever to sail short-handed, with attractive performance due to her increased length. Performance helped by the use of a mast that is still furling, and still an Amel design, but in carbon this time, for reduced weight aloft. A rigorous study of sail handling manoeuvres and deck layout was carried out to ensure that everything is grouped together in the essential central cockpit, protected by the aesthetic and panoramic shelter over the helm station. The sugarscoop steps allowing access aft, have soft lines, as if suspended, symbolising the care taken in the design of every detail of this new standard-setting yacht.
New Amel 60 Interior by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design
Inside too, the subtle balance between a rich 55-year heritage and the aspirations of a clientele accustomed to the standards of the most modern luxury has mobilized us all. Clearly, the management of naval architecture and interior design within the same firm has facilitated exchanges and helped to optimize all functions. American walnut or light oak joinery will delight both lovers of classicism, and modernists alike. Like a house of mirrors, exceptional beam, central aft owner’s cabin, space prevails everywhere, even in the traditional and impeccable engine room. At maximum beam, midships, a saloon extends the cordon bleu galley to starboard, while to port, the chart table offers space and ergonomics. Forward, the length and volume of the hull design allow for two symmetrical guest cabins, absolutely identical, extended by their own bathrooms with separate showers.
New Amel 60 Owner’s Suite
Being tasked with the design of a new model for a shipyard as famous as Amel is always a challenge. We are happy and proud to have been able to take up this challenge for almost 10 years now. Careful design, impeccable seakeeping qualities, ease of handling, high quality of each item of equipment, and durability of the fittings, are just some of the specifications that we are delighted to bring to each new Amel. Perpetuating, renewing yet remaining genuine, the spirit of blue water cruising as conceived by its founder is a pleasure renewed every time for the entire Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design team.
There are some bold changes in this year’s new superyachts. At the Cannes Yachting Festival, Berret Racoupeau’s yacht design team will present their four most recent production designs: the Amel 50, the Wauquiez PS 42, the Saona and the Océanis 51, as well as other construction projects and one-off designs…. Olivier and Isabelle Racoupeau will also exhibit the design team’s latest creations at the Monaco Yacht Show from September 27th to September 30th.
The Cannes Yachting Festival opens the autumn season of nautical shows. At this unmissable Mediterranean event, they unveil the latest innovations … Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design was once again entrusted with this year’s new designs. It’s a responsibility that Olivier Racoupeau’s entire team has taken on with enormous pleasure, in order to respond in the best way possible to the specifications provided, working closely with the teams in the boatyards in an ongoing quest for excellence.
Amel 50: Change with Continuity With its sloop rig- a first for the La Rochelle boatyard- the Amel 50 reflects the new spirit that Amel’s leadership are looking for: a safe and easy sailing boat for a beautiful experience that is true to the fundamental principles of the brand: refinement and elegance. Change with continuity
Olivier Racoupeau: « The evolution of the on-board technical kit, such as motorised winches, makes manoeuvring a 50- foot sloop far easier and means there does not have to be a ketch rig on a boat of this size. » The hull is also innovative. Its straight and powerful bow guarantees performance whilst offering generous space at the front. The stern is wide and flat with a mid-ship beam that extends all the way to the rear to ensure stability. The twin rudder has been an outstanding innovation and allows a greater manoeuvrability. Lastly, the inverted deck edge, which is extended out to the bow nose, gives the superstructure a refined profile. The Amel 50’s interior design is faithful to the design team’s philosophy. « The interior is understated and opulent, the quality is immediately obvious, especially in the use of various different woods, including rosewood, for an extremely chic design. The detail work on the lighting is very successful, the finish on the upholstery and the cladding on the leather doors bring a beautiful high-end distinction. Attention has been given to on-board ease of movement and ergonomics, « explains Isabelle Racoupeau.
Saona 47: Streamlined comfort, with no concessions The Saona 47 has everything we expect from a Fountaine Pajot: fast and elegant lines and on-board comfort; offering all the pleasure one has come to expect from a modern cruise catamaran. « The Saona is fast and well-balanced, like all Fountaine Pajot catamarans. It is pleasant to helm and performs well. One of its major assets is its spaciousness, both inside and out, » commented Olivier Racoupeau.
The cockpit, which extends out to a rear platform, gives a real feeling of relaxation and play … it’s an on-board beach! There is a large sunbathing area at the front, and the helm extends out to an exceptional 9m2 deck lounge. The view inside the boat is uncluttered and clean. There is space and light everywhere, for a real easy living experience. The integrated ergonomic kitchen blends in with the welcoming harmony of the living area. The cabins are particularly carefully designed, to give them an unprecedented level of comfort. Isabelle Racoupeau: « Every new boat we design for the Fountaine Pajot boatyard is an evolution. The Saona is full of character: powerful, racy, with clear attention to the art of living aboard, nothing is left to chance. It shows us a clear evolution for sailing and life aboard the Saona: it is as sporty as it is comfortable, and very pleasant to live on!
The Pilot Saloon 42: luxury, and smooth sailing The PS 42 is completely faithful to the DNA of the Wauquiez boatyard, whilst also sporting a new, bold style, which shows Wauquiez’ openness to change. The design is even neater than before. « The lines are more aerodynamic and sporty, to provide beautifully smooth sailing, while maintaining safety and ease of manoeuvres, » Olivier Racoupeau.
Pilot Saloon 42 Wauquiez – Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design
The interior design is contemporary chic, and even aims for more luxury, thanks to a combination of light and dark fine wood; combined with the warmth of leather, gloss lacquer and resins. Airy and functional, the layout has been thoughtfully designed, right down to the smallest details. The linings of the interior trims in the cabins extend down to the floor. The wardrobes are suspended, as are the bedside tables and the fitted seating… The handrails are integrated into the backs of the benches and the ceilings, and there is fine leather workmanship in the wardrobes of the cabins. The kitchen is particularly modern and refined, and very spacious. The resin worktop includes a hinged part that covers the gas-cooker when not in use, to create a beautifully clear work area.
The harmony of these details creates an even more refined atmosphere on an exclusive boat. The Pilot Saloon 42 from the Wauquiez boatyard has evolved into a luxurious universe. The first units will be launched in early 2018.
Océanis 51: Elegance, Space, Performance.. Elongated lines, clear decks, surfaces built for speed: the Océanis 51 is the first of the new generation of Océanis. Its tuliped hull gives it elegance and unparalleled inside space. The Océanis 51 has been designed to offer the most innovative new design for cruising.
Oceanis 51.1 Bénéteau Yachts
Everything has been designed to facilitate navigation and manoeuvres (reefing mast, self- tacking jib, Dock & Go …). The uncluttered deck, the spacious cockpit, the relaxation areas and access to the aft bathing platform were all priorities for the architects.
The « first line » version with an elongated carbon (or aluminum) mast, with a one- third increase in sail area, a 2.80m keel sail and the corresponding equipment, will give an incredible sailing and gliding experience with a marked increase in performance.
The Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design team will be present at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 12th to 17th and at the Monaco Yacht Show, in the heart of the Designer Gallery, from September 27th to September 30th.
The big event of the world of multihulls is approaching … The opportunity to discover the 2017 innovations including Fountaine Pajot’s new 47 and China’s Ruying Yacht 110-foot prototype, both designed by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design. Isabelle and Olivier Racoupeau will at the show at La Grande Motte from the 19th to 23rd of April. Among the Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design innovations to be launched this year you have a production and an unusual one off prototype: the Fountaine Pajot New 47 and the Ruiying Yacht 110.
Ruiying Yacht 110 ‘: exceptional The construction of the Ruiying Yacht 110 has just begun in China. The major challenge for the Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design team in building this one off is to successfully integrate a voluminous and comfortable owner living area whilst maintaining discreet and aesthetic design lines. The challenge has been met. Everything has been designed so that the navigation aboard this unique catamaran is a real pleasure: a truly spacious cockpit-lounge, a huge platform with panoramic view with a relaxation area, a fly-bridge with jacuzzi, jet ski, etc. This innovatively designed catamaran is the very first collaboration between the architects from La Rochelle in France and the Chinese shipyard for a sailboat of this size.
Le New 47 Fountaine Pajot : refined The novelty for Fountaine Pajot boat builders in 2017 will be unveiled at the International Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte next week. Comfort and refinement were the key words of the specifications for the 47-feet boat, which remains true to the Fountaine Pajot trademark catamarans: performance. « We have continued to evolve the interior and exterior design, bringing more and more details of style to the boat’s lines and furniture design, » explains Isabelle Racoupeau. The result is « chic » and marine.
Designer and stylish can be used to describe the latest edition coming out of the company based in La Rochelle and the focus in on offering generous spaces to relax on board: the cockpit has extended by a vast platform, while a spacious sunbathing area stretches forward. And an exceptional 9 square metre lounge deck area has been created at the helm position. Comfort and refinement always, inside, the living area, in muted colours, with a perfectly integrated galley with ergonomic stowage and cabins designed for unparalleled comfort.
Boat handling and performance are however well and truly on board this perfectly balanced cruising yacht.
Technical specification Ruiying Yacht 110’ Builder Ruiying Yacht Length33.42 m Waterline length 32.00 m Beam max 14.85 m Draft 2.30 m Sail Area 576m² Engine 2×475 hp
New 47 Fountaine Pajot Builder Fountaine Pajot Boat Length 13.94m Beam 7.70m Weight 13 300.00kg Mast height 21.56m Main Sail 75.00m2 Genoa 52.00m2 Engine 2 X 40 CV
Illustration copyrights: New 47 Fountaine Pajot : Fountaine Pajot
Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design will introduce a number of new models including the Wauquiez PS 58 and the Sense 57 at the Yachting Festival of Cannes, the first show of the Autumn. The latest Fontaine Pajot model – the New 47, is the first catamaran of this size to be equipped with a hydraulic platform on the transom. Allures Yachting’s first design, the Allures 45.9 with a retractable keel will also be on show as will be the Océanis 62 Yacht, Beneteau’s first in the new “sea lifestyle” range.
Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design’s expertise, creativity and ability to deliver is revealed throughout the 2016 new designs. The company is able to calculate the fine balance in technical innovation, performance and boat seaworthiness, whilst achieving perfect harmony of the living spaces through design, lifestyle and comfort.
Walk the pontoons to see these latest designs at the Yachting Festival de Cannes from 6 – 11 September.
Wauquiez PS 58 – always more comfortable
Wauquiez boat builders renewed the Pilot Saloon range in 2015 with the PS 48. This continues this year with the introduction of the PS 58 which will be on show for the first time at the Yachting Festival de Cannes. The PS 58 incorporates the best of its little brother and focuses on increased comfort. A raised cockpit with panoramic views from the comfort of the saloon and an owner’s cabin with office space and private head.
On the design front, the interiors are both light and luxurious. The materials are those one identifies with the brand; teak and leather for the furniture, wenge hardwood for the floor. “We have stayed true to the style that we developped for the Wauquiez Centurion 57″ says Isabelle Racoupeau. « The design is simple and elegant; we worked horizontal lines for furniture that we highlighted with indirect lighting to embellish the sketch design.”
The Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design team worked on the entire project: architecture, exterior and interior design. The aim was to offer real comfort on board coupled with providing ease for short handed boat handling.
Sense 57 – performance and sea view terrace
The Sense 57 is luxurious, innovative and comfortable for offshore sailing. The big novelty on the cruising monohull is the “terrace kitchen”… the rear cockpit on the Sense 57 is in fact set out like a true terrace equipped for entertaining and cooking. The innovative concept is aimed at heightening enjoyment at sea and living space on board and will be on show at the Yachting Festival de Cannes.
Seaworthy and powerful, the boat has a generous sail plan with clean deck layout and an overall stylish design.
New 47 – lifestyle and comfort
Resolutely dynamic, the Lucia 40 already set the tone last year; the New 47 takes it a step further. Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design worked on the project throughout: the architecture, the exterior and the interior design to meet Fountaine Pajot’s objectives and to offer more comfort at sea for a resolutely modern and playful approach whilst maintaining a sturdy seaworthy cruiser.
This is a novelty that will likely be emulated: New 47 is the first catamaran of this size to be equipped with a hydraulic rear platform fully integrated into the lines of the boat for maximum enjoyment of the sea and true onboard comfort. In terms of performance and looks, the New 47 boat carries well its name with new bow shapes and design lines. The interiors are light and spacious providing quality comfort.
Allures 45.9 – a keelboat for Allures Yachting
This is a revolution for Allures Yachting boats who has produced it first keel boat. The 45.9, which replaces the Allures 45, is available in two versions: with a fixed or lifting keel.
This first construction for the boat builder, traditionally specialised in offshore centreboard cruising boats, has been designed by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design. The elegance of the aluminium hull shell is conceived for long sailing passages and depending on the voyage you have the option of the centreboard or lifting keel.
Oceanis 62 Yacht – the art of living the sea The Oceanis 62 Yacht is the first in the new range by Bénéteau boat builders and focuses on looking at the true art of shared living at sea. Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design has brought its expertise and know-how by focusing attention on performance, safety and manoeuvrability making these the cornerstones for the design. A unique mix that brings new meaning to « sea lifestyle”. With a chine hull and twin rudders for improved performance and stability, together with elegant furnishings and a stern deck and hydraulic annexe locker to further enhance the living experience at sea.
The 110 ‘ Ruying Yacht – the elegant giant
The big challenge of this first collaboration between the La Rochelle office and the Chinese boat builder for a yacht of this size was to succeeded in integrating a large and comfortable owner area with an elegant double deck and streamlined aesthetic features. There are a choice of several styles available for the interiors; classic or modern, and always with the offer of fine materials and an extremely meticulous finish. ________________________________________
The latest designs by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design at the Yachting Festival de Cannes Production Wauquiez PS 58 new at Yachting Festival de Cannes Sense 57 new at Yachting Festival de Cannes Fountaine Pajot New 47 the first catamaran of its size with a stern platform Allure 45.9, the first Allures Yachting keelboat Oceanis 62 Yacht, the first in the Bénéteau lifestyle range
Custom Ruying 110, a first Chinese build for Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design
Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design What strikes one the most at the offices of Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design is how harmonious the team is. You see the team members’ eyes light up when they talk about their work: « There is never a dull day, never a feeling of routine and we are continually challenged. It is very fulfilling. » Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design, is made up of a team of 10 naval architects, designers and engineers with complementary expertise. Major projects and numerous boat owners have have been entrusting the design of their yachts to the company for the past 25 years. The strength of this multidisciplinary team is its ability to understand a project in its entirety: naval architecture, exterior and interior design. At each phase, the project takes shape bringing into account all of the specifications and the constraints: by having solid and coherent foundations in the team, each stage can be thoroughly optimised.
