Nestled in the heart of Brittany, France, the boat builder Marée Haute has carved a significant niche in the marine industry since its establishment. Known for its innovative approach and commitment to performance, the shipyard specializes in creating versatile sailboats, particularly recognized for their lifting keel designs.
The Origin Story
Marée Haute, which translates to "High Tide," was officially founded in 2004, though its roots in boat construction trace back over two decades, suggesting a wealth of experience among its founders prior to the company's formal inception. Based in Trégunc, France, the company's vision was to produce yachts that combine speed and comfort with practical features for diverse sailing needs. While specific details about the individual founders and their first boat are not widely publicized, Marée Haute quickly distinguished itself by focusing on lifting keel sailboats and performance cruisers, a hallmark that would define its early identity.
History and Evolution
From its early days, Marée Haute has consistently pushed the boundaries of sailboat design and construction. The company has embraced modern materials, predominantly utilizing fiberglass (GRP) for its hulls, ensuring both strength and efficiency in its vessels. A significant milestone in the company's evolution has been its successful Django range, which has become synonymous with the Marée Haute brand.
In recent years, the Marée Haute Group has also demonstrated strategic growth beyond its core sailboat production. This expansion includes corporate developments such as the acquisition of Belon Marine and a venture into the motorboat sector, indicating a broader vision for its future in the marine market.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Marée Haute has cultivated a strong reputation in the sailing world for producing "innovative and high-performance" vessels. The core of their design philosophy revolves around offering lifting keel sailboats and performance cruisers that are both fast and comfortable. This design choice provides exceptional versatility, allowing their yachts to access shallow waters and optimize performance by adjusting keel depth.
A crucial element of Marée Haute's identity is its enduring collaboration with esteemed naval architect Pierre Rolland. Rolland is the design force behind the acclaimed Django line, including models like the Django 9.80 and iterations such as the D2, a version of the Dingo. His expertise has helped Marée Haute create boats renowned for their robust seaworthiness and remarkable versatility. The Django 7.70, for instance, is lauded as a "very marine and ultra-versatile" boat, capable of even Atlantic crossings due to its stability. This emphasis on high-performance, combined with practical features like lifting keels, sets Marée Haute apart, appealing to sailors who demand both exhilarating performance and adaptable cruising capabilities.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The Django series stands as the most significant and successful range in Marée Haute's history. These performance cruisers, ranging from approximately 6 to 13 meters, have garnered a loyal following among sailors. Key models include:
- Django 6.70: A sport cruiser known for its fiberglass/GRP hull and versatility.
- Django 770 (7.70): Described as a cruising yacht with a Mediterranean cockpit, praised for its stability and offshore capabilities, even suitable for transatlantic voyages.
- Django 9.80: A testament to the continued collaboration with Pierre Rolland, showcased as a modern and fast cruising sailboat.
- Django 12.7 (12.70): A larger sport cruiser, also featuring a fiberglass/GRP hull and a CE certification class (A) for offshore sailing.
These models collectively define Marée Haute's legacy, embodying their commitment to performance, innovative design, and the practicality of lifting keels. While production numbers for individual models are not readily available, their consistent presence on the market and positive reception underscore their impact on the performance cruiser segment.
The Builder Today
Today, Marée Haute continues its operations from Trégunc, France, maintaining its focus on the Django range of sailboats while also expanding into new areas like motorboats through strategic acquisitions. The company positions itself as a builder of high-performance and innovative vessels. Marée Haute's modern boats continue to appeal to sailors seeking a blend of speed, comfort, and the unique advantage of a lifting keel for enhanced cruising flexibility. The ownership experience is characterized by a strong emphasis on the boat's capabilities and adaptability, fostering a community of passionate sailors who appreciate the distinctive qualities of their Django yachts.
