For over two decades, Construction Navale Franck Roy carved out a distinct niche in the marine industry, celebrated for its exquisite neo-classical sailing yachts that blended traditional aesthetics with modern performance. Founded by Franck Roy, a craftsman with a strong background in marine carpentry, the shipyard became synonymous with exceptional build quality and timeless design.
The Origin Story
Construction Navale Franck Roy was established in 1999 by its namesake founder, Franck Roy. Based originally in the La Rochelle area of France, specifically Marans and Marsilly, the shipyard quickly garnered a reputation for its commitment to traditional boatbuilding techniques, specifically involving epoxy wood, while embracing contemporary advancements. Franck Roy's vision was to create yachts that offered both elegant lines and enjoyable sailing experiences, appealing to discerning owners who appreciated classic beauty.
History and Evolution
The company maintained a steady course for many years, solidifying its position as a specialist in neo-classical pleasure boats. A significant milestone occurred in November 2019 when the shipyard underwent a change of ownership, with Romuald Tuffery acquiring the company. This acquisition aimed to further expand the shipyard's reach, including into international markets such as Scandinavia.
However, like many businesses, Construction Navale Franck Roy faced considerable challenges. Weakened by the global COVID-19 pandemic, the shipyard was placed into receivership on June 2, 2021. Despite efforts to safeguard its future, the attempt to save the company ultimately failed, leading to its judicial liquidation.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Construction Navale Franck Roy was renowned for its unique design philosophy, focusing on "neo-traditional" or "neo-classical" aesthetics. The shipyard aimed to produce "exceptional models" that delivered both performance and timeless visual appeal, a challenge it embraced daily. This commitment to a distinctive style set them apart in the yachting world.
The builder was known for its meticulous craftsmanship and innovative use of materials like epoxy wood. They collaborated with notable naval architects to bring their designs to life. For instance, the Seol 27 was developed in conjunction with architect Gildas. While primarily focused on classic sailing yachts, there is also mention of a catamaran designed by Lerouge, indicating a broader design capability.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Over its operational years, Construction Navale Franck Roy produced several highly regarded and iconic models that resonated with classic yacht enthusiasts. Among their most recognized lines were the Solenn and Seol ranges. The Solenn 27 was particularly noted as a classic day-boat. The Solenn 42 showcased the shipyard's ability to create larger, yet equally elegant, vessels.
The Seol line included the Seol 18, which was launched in 2004, and its larger sibling, the Seol 27. Other notable models that contributed to their reputation for neo-classical yachts included the Morgann. The "Monotype," a sailing boat typical of the Bassin d'Arcachon, also features in discussions about their classic offerings. These models cemented the shipyard's legacy for building beautiful, high-performing traditional pleasure boats.
The Builder Today
While Construction Navale Franck Roy, as an entity, was placed into judicial liquidation in 2021, the spirit and designs of its mythical sailboats are set to continue. AP Yachting, a new company founded by Antoine Potier, a former workshop manager at the original Franck Roy shipyard, has announced plans to relaunch the construction of these celebrated neo-classical models, including the Solenn 27. This ensures that the iconic designs of Franck Roy will remain available to new generations of owners.
Concurrently, Franck Roy himself, the original founder, has embarked on a new venture. He established YCR (Yor Classic Yacht Refit) near Auray, Morbihan, leveraging his marine carpentry background to focus on the refit of classic yachts he previously built, and exploring projects involving epoxy wood. This demonstrates a continued dedication to the craft and the legacy of the boats he created. The enduring appeal of Franck Roy's designs is evident in the ongoing interest from passionate customers seeking exceptional, timeless sailing experiences.
