Naval Force 3 emerged onto the French nautical scene in 1986, establishing its operations in the vibrant shipbuilding hub of La Rochelle. While specific details regarding the founder's personal background – whether they were a seasoned racer, a master craftsman, or an innovative engineer – are not widely publicized, their vision clearly centered on the burgeoning market for multihull vessels. The company quickly distinguished itself by focusing on the construction of "original multihulls," particularly trimarans. Among its earliest and most recognized creations was the Challenge 30.2, a unique "transportable folding-arm trimaran," signaling an early commitment to innovative and adaptable designs.
History and Evolution
Naval Force 3's history is characterized by its dedication to composite construction, a modern approach that allowed for the creation of lightweight yet robust multihulls. Throughout its operational years, the company expanded its repertoire beyond just trimarans to include catamarans, notably the Tropic series, which comprised models such as the Tropic 56, first produced in 1997, and the Tropic 40. Other notable models included the Boheme 33, introduced in 1999.
However, the company's journey was not without its challenges. In a significant corporate development, the Naval Force 3 shipyard faced liquidation. By 2017, the Commercial Court of La Rochelle made a pivotal decision regarding its future. The shipyard was ultimately taken over by Atlantic Boatyard, a new entity formed by a group of local craftsmen from La Rochelle. This transition occurred despite bids from other prominent marine groups like Neel Trimarans and the Poncin group, highlighting a desire to maintain local expertise and craftsmanship. In its later years, Naval Force 3 had increasingly diversified its activities, specializing in the subcontracting of composite parts for other marine projects. This shift reflects the company's adaptability and the evolving demands of the marine industry.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Naval Force 3 cultivated a reputation for building original and practical multihulls. They were known for creating vessels that offered a blend of performance and transportability, particularly evident in their folding-arm trimaran designs. Their focus on composite materials underscored a commitment to modern construction techniques, providing durability and efficient performance. While the precise identities of all collaborating naval architects are not extensively documented, the Tropic 56, for instance, was noted to be designed by "naval architects," indicating a reliance on professional design expertise. The subsequent involvement of Atlantic Boatyard with "Schionning Design International" suggests a continued appreciation for established design houses within the operations that succeeded Naval Force 3's direct boat-building endeavors.
Iconic Models and Legacy
While production numbers are not readily available, several Naval Force 3 models left a notable mark. The Challenge 30.2 trimaran, with its innovative folding-arm system, stood out for its transportability and design originality, becoming a signature model from the company's inception in 1986.
In the catamaran segment, the Tropic series, including the Tropic 56 and Tropic 40, demonstrated Naval Force 3's capability to produce blue-water cruising catamarans. The Tropic 56, launched in 1997, earned a reputation as a proven blue-water vessel, appealing to those seeking comfortable and capable offshore cruising. The Boheme 33, introduced in 1999, further diversified their sailboat offerings. These models collectively showcased Naval Force 3's versatility in multihull construction.
The Builder Today
The entity known as Naval Force 3, as a primary boat builder, underwent a significant transformation. Following its liquidation, the shipyard assets were acquired by Atlantic Boatyard, a new structure formed by skilled craftsmen from La Rochelle. This transition marked the end of Naval Force 3's direct boat-building activities in its original form. However, the legacy of its designs, particularly the Challenge and Tropic series, continues to be upheld by owners and enthusiasts on the used boat market. While a formal, unified owner community directly associated with the original Naval Force 3 brand may not be as prominent today, the boats themselves are sought after by those who appreciate their design, construction, and multihull advantages for cruising or racing. The expertise in composite work that Naval Force 3 cultivated may have also found a new life within the operations of Atlantic Boatyard.
