Nestled in the heart of France's revered "Sailing Valley" within the historic Lorient submarine base, Marsaudon Composites has carved a distinctive niche in the marine industry. Since its inception, the company has evolved from a specialist in composite manufacturing to a renowned builder of high-performance cruising catamarans, expertly blending the thrill of racing with the comforts of long-distance voyaging.
The Origin Story
Marsaudon Composites was founded in 1999 by Samuel Marsaudon. The company strategically established its operations in 2001 within the former U-boat base in Lorient, occupying over 7,000m² of production space [Overview from. Initially, Marsaudon Composites focused on the meticulous manufacture of models and molds for offshore racing boats, showcasing its early mastery of composite materials. This foundational expertise laid the groundwork for their eventual transition into constructing complete, high-performance vessels.
History and Evolution
The trajectory of Marsaudon Composites has been one of continuous evolution, moving beyond its initial role as a composite parts manufacturer to a full-fledged boat builder. This shift allowed the shipyard to apply its deep understanding of advanced composites directly to the creation of its own range of yachts.
A significant milestone occurred in 2018 when Damien Caillau took the helm as Chairman and CEO, setting an ambitious goal to transform the artisanal shipyard into a recognized factory. However, the company faced challenges and was placed in receivership in June 2023. This led to a pivotal change in ownership: the French Grand Large Yachting group, a major player in the marine industry, acquired Marsaudon Composites in 2023. This acquisition included all of Marsaudon Composites' assets, the valuable ORC brand, its molds, and crucially, retained all 65 employees, signaling a new chapter for the shipyard.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Marsaudon Composites has cultivated a formidable reputation as a specialist in high-performance cruising catamarans. The shipyard is celebrated for crafting vessels that are "racy yet comfortable, seaworthy and elegant," effectively creating a true link between the demanding world of racing and the desire for comfortable cruising [Overview from. Their design philosophy centers on building exceptionally light and fast catamarans, leveraging their historical experience in offshore racing to minimize weight without compromising structural integrity.
A key aspect of their construction technique is the mastery of composites, notably the use of carbon-epoxy infusion for both series and custom builds [9, Overview from. This advanced method contributes to the boats' impressive speed and agility on the water. While specific naval architects are not prominently named in available public information, the consistent performance and distinctive characteristics of their yachts reflect a clear and defined design ethos focused on speed, efficiency, and comfort.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The core of Marsaudon Composites' legacy is defined by its range of Ocean Rider Catamarans (ORC). These models represent the culmination of the shipyard's commitment to performance cruising. The range includes popular models such as the ORC42, ORC50, and ORC57. The ORC50, for instance, was formerly known as the TS5, indicating a strategic rebranding to enhance international recognition and align with the shipyard's market positioning.
These catamarans are renowned for their speed and ability to deliver an "adrenaline on the water" experience, often described as among the quickest performance cruising catamarans available. They are designed for both yachting and racing purposes, with models like the TS5 even available for yacht racing charters. The shipyard's expertise in building for competition is evident in the capabilities of its cruising models, some of which are said to be capable of bursts of 22 knots. While specific production numbers are not widely publicized, the impact of models like the ORC50 on the performance catamaran segment is significant, offering a unique blend for sailors who demand both speed and liveability.
The Builder Today
Following its acquisition by the Grand Large Yachting group in 2023, Marsaudon Composites is poised for renewed growth and stability. Grand Large Yachting has expressed its enthusiasm for integrating Marsaudon Composites into its portfolio, aiming to relaunch the brand and welcome current and future ORC owners into their broader sailing community.
Today, Marsaudon Composites continues to appeal to discerning sailors who seek the exhilarating performance of a racing catamaran coupled with the comfort and amenities required for extended cruising [Overview from. The emphasis remains on creating "true sailing machines" that excel in both speed and seaworthiness. The ownership experience is enriched by the supportive community fostered by Grand Large Yachting, ensuring that Marsaudon Composites boats remain at the forefront of the high-performance catamaran market.
