From its humble beginnings in 1984, Outremer, also known as Atelier Outremer, has carved a distinguished niche in the world of yachting, specializing in the creation of robust, performance-oriented cruising catamarans. This French builder has become synonymous with blue water voyaging, offering sailors vessels designed for comfort, speed, and safety on the high seas.
The Origin Story
Outremer was founded in 1984. The visionary behind Outremer was Gérard Danson, who understood the need for blue water catamarans that balanced performance with the demands of long-distance cruising. While specific details of the very first boat are not explicitly named in available records, Danson's initial designs laid the groundwork for a philosophy that would define the brand: creating yachts capable of ocean crossings and circumnavigations.
History and Evolution
The company's history is marked by a commitment to its core mission and significant corporate developments. A pivotal moment in Outremer's trajectory was its acquisition by the Grand Large Yachting group in 2003. Founded by Xavier Desmarest and Stephan Constance, Grand Large Yachting owns several shipyards in France, signaling a strategic consolidation within the marine industry. This acquisition helped to revitalize the Outremer brand, allowing it to expand its manufacturing capabilities and reinforce its position as a leading performance catamaran builder. The unfortunate passing of Gérard Danson marked a turning point, but the company continued to uphold his foundational principles.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Outremer has cultivated a strong reputation in the sailing world for building performance cruising catamarans designed for serious ocean voyaging. The brand is known for yachts that are simultaneously seaworthy, comfortable, and fast. Key design principles consistently emphasized include safety, reliability, and pleasure in sailing. Outremer catamarans are lauded for their ease of maneuverability, making them suitable for short-handed or even solo sailing. They are built to be robust and resilient, capable of proving themselves on all seas.
A hallmark of Outremer's approach is its collaboration with renowned naval architects and designers. These partnerships have been crucial in shaping the distinctive characteristics of their yachts. Notable collaborators include Barreau/Neuman, who designed the influential Outremer 49, later extended to the 51. More recently, Outremer has partnered with VPLP Design, Patrick Le Quément, Darnet Design, and Saguez & Partners for the design of their newer, high-performance models like the Outremer 52 and 55.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Over its history, Outremer has produced a range of highly successful and iconic models that have become benchmarks in the cruising catamaran segment. The Outremer 45, for instance, is highly regarded for its ease of handling and offshore capability, designed for safety and efficiency on long voyages. The Outremer 51 is a best-selling model, recognized as a benchmark cruising catamaran for families undertaking world voyages, having received awards such as European Yacht of the Year and Boat of the Year. It is an extended version of the earlier 49, further solidifying the Outremer philosophy.
Other significant models include the Outremer 52, which combines the best features of previous iconic models, and the Outremer 5X. The more recent Outremer 55, announced in 2020, represents a new generation of performance cruising multihulls, designed for improved ergonomics and fluid circulation. The company is also venturing into larger designs with the upcoming Outremer 7X, a 70-foot flagship catamaran, which will be the largest vessel ever built by the shipyard, further emphasizing performance and crewed voyages.
Since its inception in 1984, nearly 400 Outremer catamarans have been built and sailed across the globe, establishing the brand as an undisputed world benchmark in blue water catamarans.
The Builder Today
Today, Outremer continues to operate under the umbrella of the Grand Large Yachting group, maintaining its focus on building high-quality, performance cruising catamarans. Modern Outremer boats appeal to those seeking genuine blue water cruising capabilities, often for extended voyages, sabbaticals, or circumnavigations. The ownership experience is highly personalized, as each finished boat, while originating from identical hull mouldings, is carefully shaped to meet the specific requirements of its owners.
Outremer prides itself on fostering a strong and unique community of owners, numbering over 300 catamarans worldwide. This "Outremer Family" consists of passionate, fun-loving adventurers who share experiences, insights, and advice, creating a supportive network for those embarking on grand voyages. This vibrant community underscores Outremer's ongoing impact and appeal in the global market for serious cruising multihulls.
