In the rarefied world of high-performance yachting, where cutting-edge technology meets the relentless pursuit of speed and durability, Multiplast stands as a titan. Founded in France in 1981 by the visionary designer Gilles Ollier, Multiplast rapidly distinguished itself by embracing high-tech composite materials to construct some of the most formidable multihulls and monohulls the marine industry had ever seen.
The Origin Story
Gilles Ollier's ambition in launching Multiplast was clear from the outset: to build large, sophisticated yachts using advanced composite materials, specifically focusing on carbon fiber. This pioneering approach allowed Multiplast to immediately position itself at the forefront of the industry, setting a new standard for performance and construction quality. The company's very foundation was built on the premise of pushing boundaries, a philosophy that continues to define its creations.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Multiplast quickly earned a reputation as a world leader in performance boat construction and in the innovative application of high-performance composite materials. Over its history, the company has consistently adapted and grown. In the 2000s, Multiplast strategically diversified its operations, extending its expertise in composite manufacturing beyond the marine sector to include demanding fields such as Industry & Defence, Aeronautics & Spatial, Civil Engineering, and Renewable Energies.
A significant corporate restructuring occurred at the end of 2013, when Multiplast joined forces with the Swiss company Décision SA to establish Carboman SA. This new group further expanded its footprint the following year with the inclusion of Plastinov and Plasteol. The evolution continued into 2022, when the Carboman Group was acquired by Jean-Denis Bargibant and Damien Harle, leading to its integration with other companies, including Ouest Composites Industries. This merger formed a larger international group specializing in composite parts, with a stated objective to bolster Multiplast's leading position in offshore racing while accelerating its diversification across key strategic areas.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Multiplast is renowned for its unwavering commitment to unparalleled performance and the use of high-tech composite materials. The company has become synonymous with cutting-edge multihull and monohull construction, achieving an international record of accomplishments that few other boatbuilders can match. Multiplast-built vessels have not only set Atlantic records but have also triumphed in prestigious events such as the Jules Verne Trophy, the Route du Rhum, and the Volvo Ocean Race.
A cornerstone of Multiplast's identity is its ability to deliver prototypes of exceptional production quality, crucial for the demanding nature of high-level competition. The company operates its own in-house design office, staffed by naval architects, engineers, and R&D specialists. This internal capability is complemented by extensive collaborations with internationally renowned naval architects, ensuring that each vessel, whether designed internally or externally, meets the highest standards of innovation and performance. Gilles Ollier himself is a naval architect, having designed some of Multiplast's notable creations, such as Orange 2. The proximity and collaboration with firms like VPLP have also been instrumental in their design achievements.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Multiplast's legacy is etched in the remarkable achievements of its iconic vessels. The shipyard has been responsible for building nearly half of the world's dozen 30-meter-plus maxi multihulls. Its boats have repeatedly shattered records, being the first to exceed 500, 600, 700, and even 800 miles in 24 hours, and claiming six Atlantic crossing records under sail.
Among its most celebrated creations are the record-breaking trimaran Orange 2 and the maxi-catamaran Club Med. Multiplast also built Groupama IV, a Volvo Ocean Race contender, showcasing its prowess in high-performance monohulls. Another testament to its engineering excellence is Gitana 13, which set a new record for the San Francisco to Yokohama run across the Pacific. More recently, Gitana 17 further underscored the shipyard's continued innovation in ocean racing. The company has also been involved in special projects, including analyzing the protocol and measurement rules for new multihull classes for the America's Cup. Its philosophy for record-breaking boats, including circumnavigators, has remained consistent, as evidenced by projects like those for "The Race."
The Builder Today
Today, Multiplast operates as a vital part of the HBH group, which acquired the Carboman France Group (comprising Multiplast, Plastinov, and Plasteol) in June 2022. With its primary site still located in Vannes, France, Multiplast continues to be a cornerstone of the group's marine sector, strategically aiming to reinforce its leadership in offshore racing while further diversifying its high-tech composite manufacturing capabilities.
The modern Multiplast continues to appeal to an exclusive clientele of racing teams, professional sailors, and discerning owners who demand the ultimate in performance, customisation, and cutting-edge technology for both competitive racing and high-speed cruising. The ownership experience is characterized by a close collaboration with the shipyard's design office and technicians, ensuring that each bespoke vessel is built to the highest standards of reliability and performance. This dedication fosters a strong community among those who share a passion for pushing the boundaries of what is possible on the water.