Nestled in the heart of La Rochelle, France, Chantier Ofcet emerged as a dynamic and ambitious boat builder, quickly carving out a reputation for crafting high-performance sailboats. Though its journey proved to be relatively brief, the shipyard left an indelible mark on the cruiser-racer segment, particularly with its innovative designs and competitive spirit.
The Origin Story
Chantier Ofcet was founded in 2014 by Yann Dubé. While specific details about Dubé's background and initial vision are not extensively documented, the immediate focus of the company on "racing and fast cruising sailboats" suggests a passion for performance and modern yacht design from its inception. The company quickly established itself in the vibrant marine industry of La Rochelle.
History and Evolution
From its founding in 2014, Chantier Ofcet rapidly gained traction. The shipyard became known for its commitment to building innovative and efficient projects. Their swift ascent saw them produce "no less than 11 boats" within one year, a testament to their rapid development and market acceptance. Although modern boat builders predominantly use fiberglass, the emphasis was on lightweight, high-performance construction, pushing the boundaries of what was expected from smaller yacht designs.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Chantier Ofcet quickly cultivated a reputation as an ambitious builder, especially in the niche of smaller offshore racers. Their design philosophy centered on blending competitive performance with the comfort and practicality required for cruising. This approach resonated with sailors seeking versatile yachts capable of both spirited racing and enjoyable excursions.
A key to their success lay in their collaboration with renowned naval architects. Chantier Ofcet notably partnered with Etienne Bertrand for their smaller, race-focused designs, and the acclaimed Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group for their larger cruiser-racers. Marc Lombard, known for his "design with passion, sustainable and efficient projects," significantly influenced the aesthetics and performance of Ofcet's offerings.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Chantier Ofcet's legacy is most strongly defined by two key models: the Ofcet 6.50 and the Ofcet 32.
The Ofcet 6.50, designed by Etienne Bertrand, quickly gained acclaim in the competitive Mini Transat fleet. Its racing pedigree was proven when an Ofcet 6.50, sailed by Ian Lapinski, secured a victory in the Mini Transat, showcasing the boat's speed and robust construction. This model cemented Ofcet's reputation in high-performance, short-handed offshore racing.
Building on this success, Chantier Ofcet introduced the Ofcet 32 in 2016. This 32-foot monohull was conceived as a versatile cruiser-racer, designed by Marc Lombard. The Ofcet 32 was offered in both a dedicated IRC racer configuration and a "Sport Cruising" (SC) version, catering to a broader audience who desired a balance of performance and greater comfort for family cruising. The Ofcet 32 was lauded for its offshore capabilities and its suitability for small crews.
The Builder Today
Despite its promising start and the warm reception of its innovative models, Chantier Ofcet's journey came to an unfortunate end. The Commercial Court of La Rochelle pronounced the judicial liquidation of the shipyard. At the time of its closure, the company was reportedly still seeking significant funding to fuel its development, highlighting the challenges faced even by innovative and well-regarded smaller shipyards.
While Chantier Ofcet is no longer actively building, its brief but impactful presence demonstrated a modern approach to sailboat design, focusing on performance, innovation, and the versatile needs of today's sailors. The yachts produced, particularly the Ofcet 6.50 and Ofcet 32, remain testaments to the vision of Yann Dubé and the talented designers and craftsmen who contributed to this ambitious French boat builder.
