From its roots in post-war France, the name Edel has long been synonymous with accessible and well-designed sailing vessels. While the modern company, Edel Catamarans, is celebrated for its multihull expertise, its story is deeply intertwined with a rich history that began with popular monohull cruisers. This journey from single hulls to efficient catamarans showcases a builder consistently adapting to the evolving demands of the marine industry.
The Origin Story: Maurice Edel's Vision
The narrative of Edel begins around 1956 with the visionary brothers, Maurice and Pierre Edel, in France. Maurice Edel, a central figure in the company's early days, was not only a builder but also a designer, crafting many of the first-generation models himself. His philosophy centered on creating boats that would endure, famously stating, "All these boats will outlive me!".
The company's first notable success in the realm of production boats came with the Edel 3. Launched in 1967, this 25.59-foot (7.80 m) monohull cabin cruiser was designed by the renowned French naval architect Philippe Harlé. Constructed from fiberglass, the Edel 3 represented an early foray into mass-produced GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) yachts, offering an affordable entry into sailing for many enthusiasts.
History and Evolution: A Shift to Multihulls
The original Edel company, "Constructions Nautiques Edel SA," established a reputation for robust and practical monohulls throughout the 1960s and 70s. Models like the Edel 540 (first built in 1974) and the Edel 665 (introduced in 1984) further cemented their place in the market. A Canadian subsidiary also operated between 1978 and 1982, expanding the brand's reach.
However, the late 20th century brought significant changes. Following a period of uncertainty and ultimately bankruptcy for the original company in 1983, Maurice Edel and his brother Bernard, along with Sylvester Langevin, embarked on a new chapter, recognizing the burgeoning potential of multihulls. This pivotal transition saw the Edel shipyard, which according to some sources, eventually "disappeared" in 2011 as the original monohull entity, effectively reborn with a singular focus on catamarans. The new endeavor initially produced smaller multihulls like the Edel Cat 15 and 26, laying the groundwork for more ambitious designs.
More recently, the Edel shipyard has been "taken again by ADN," now represented by Bernard Lelièvre and Alban Vigner. This strategic acquisition ensured the continuation of the Edel catamaran legacy, headquartered at their facility in Cherbourg, France.
Design Philosophy and Identity: Practical Cruising Catamarans
Edel Catamarans quickly carved a niche for itself by offering what were considered "rustic" yet "affordable" cruising catamarans. Unlike some of their more contemporary counterparts with expansive, integrated coachroofs, early Edel catamarans, such as the Edel 33, featured distinctive split superstructures. This design choice contributed to their unique aesthetic and practical layout, appealing to sailors looking for straightforward, semi-offshore capable vessels.
The brand's identity is built on providing reliable and practical catamarans that prioritize seaworthiness and ease of handling for cruisers. While detailed collaborations with external, widely recognized naval architects for their catamaran lines are less prominently documented than for some larger production builders, Maurice Edel himself, alongside Sylvester Langevin, was instrumental in shaping the early catamaran designs, particularly the successful Edel 33.
Iconic Models and Legacy: Catamarans for the Masses
The shift to multihulls proved to be a defining moment for Edel. Several catamaran models gained significant popularity and remain sought-after in the used boat market today:
- Edel Cat 33: Launched around 1985, this model was ahead of its time, quickly becoming a popular choice for both charter companies and private owners. Its design, distinct from modern catamarans, offered a robust and affordable platform for semi-offshore sailing. Many Edel 33s have proven their blue-water capabilities, undertaking extensive voyages.
- Edel Cat 35: Building on the success of the 33, the Edel Cat 35 continued to impress with its design and performance, securing an "impressive career" in both the rental and private ownership sectors. These catamarans, often equipped with four cabins and two bathrooms, have been a popular choice for extended cruising and even transatlantic crossings.
- Edel 36: This model further refined the Edel catamaran line, offering a slightly larger platform for cruising. Like its predecessors, it emphasized practicality and space, making it a viable option for those seeking a liveaboard or extended cruising catamaran.
While not as prolific in sheer numbers as some larger manufacturers, Edel's impact lies in making multihull cruising more attainable for a broader segment of the sailing community, proving that capable and comfortable catamarans didn't have to come with an exorbitant price tag.
The Builder Today: A Resilient Legacy
Today, Edel Catamarans operates from its Cherbourg facility, carrying forward the legacy of its founders. Under the guidance of Bernard Lelièvre and Alban Vigner from ADN, the company continues to focus on manufacturing new catamarans, maintaining a presence in the global market for accessible multihulls.
Modern Edel catamarans, while retaining the brand's core values of practicality and seaworthiness, appeal to a diverse range of sailors, from those seeking coastal adventures to long-distance cruisers. The ownership experience is often characterized by a strong sense of community among Edel owners, who value the boats' reliability and no-nonsense approach to cruising. As the demand for comfortable and stable multihulls continues to grow, Edel Catamarans remains a noteworthy player, building upon a unique history of adapting, enduring, and delivering genuine sailing pleasure.