From the rugged coastlines of La Rochelle, France, RM Yachts has carved out a unique and esteemed position in the marine industry. Renowned for its distinctive, fast, and robust cruising yachts, the shipyard has championed an innovative construction method, delivering vessels that are as at home on an offshore passage as they are in a quiet anchorage.
The Origin Story
RM Yachts was founded in 1989 by Jean-Claude Audrey in La Rochelle, France. From its inception, the company set itself apart with a commitment to building sailing yachts from marine plywood and epoxy, combined with GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) decks. This choice of material, unusual for production boats, aimed to create light-displacement vessels optimized for performance and comfortable passage-making. The very first model introduced by RM Yachts was the RM900, swiftly followed by the RM800. The RM 800, first built in 1992 or 1993, saw 24 hulls produced until 2003. This pioneering approach established RM Yachts' core identity: innovative, strong, and highly capable cruising yachts.
History and Evolution
Over the decades, RM Yachts has consistently refined its unique construction technique. The use of marine plywood and epoxy for the hull provides excellent stiffness, insulation, and a significant weight advantage, contributing to the yachts' renowned performance. The method also boasts practical benefits, such as eliminating the risk of osmosis or delamination, issues sometimes associated with traditional fiberglass hulls. RM Yachts stands as a testament to this method, having built over 500 sailboats using the plywood-epoxy technique.
A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in February 2020 when RM Yachts joined the Grand Large Yachting group following a takeover at the Commercial Court. This strategic acquisition placed RM Yachts alongside other distinguished brands such as Allures, Garcia, Outremer, and Gunboat, all known for their ocean-going capabilities and innovation. The shipyard in La Rochelle spans 5,400 square meters, with the capacity to produce between 45 and 50 yachts annually.
Design Philosophy and Identity
RM Yachts has cultivated a strong reputation in the sailing world for producing "fast, light displacement, passage-making cruising yachts." Their vessels are celebrated for their sporty aesthetics and high-performance capabilities, appealing to sailors seeking both speed and comfort. A hallmark of RM's design philosophy is the emphasis on robust construction and clever ergonomics, creating comfortable family cruisers and capable bluewater yachts.
Key design features that define an RM yacht include their distinctive hard-chined hulls, which contribute to directional stability and enhance interior volume. They consistently feature large aft cockpits and wide side decks, maximizing usability and safety on deck. Most RM yachts are cutter-rigged, offering versatile sail plans for varying conditions. Appendage configurations often include twin keels with a single rudder or a single keel with twin rudders, optimizing performance and allowing for shallow-draft access. The unique plywood-epoxy construction also provides inherent benefits, such as excellent insulation and a visually appealing interior often showcasing the warmth of the wood.
Crucially, every RM yacht has been designed by the acclaimed naval architect Marc Lombard. The collaboration between Marc Lombard Design team and RM Yachts' engineering team spans over 30 years, forming a deep partnership that has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance cruising. Lombard's expertise has been instrumental in developing features like new generation twin keels specifically tailored for RM yachts, ensuring optimal performance across the range.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Over its history, RM Yachts has launched a series of highly successful and iconic models that have left a significant mark on the cruising world. While the RM900 and RM800 were early pioneers, the range expanded to include popular models like the RM 880, first built in 2005. The RM 1200 received significant industry recognition, earning the prestigious European Yacht of the Year award in 2007.
Today, the RM Yachts range comprises five cruising yachts, varying in size from approximately 8 to 14 meters (29 to 45 feet). Current popular models include the agile RM 890+, described as a true 30-foot cruiser, and the thoughtful RM 970+. The RM 1070+ is celebrated for its highly functional and ergonomic interior, while the larger RM 1380 continues the tradition of fast, modern, and robust offshore cruisers, inspired by offshore racing yachts. RM Yachts' commitment to its construction method has resulted in over 500 sailboats being built, a testament to its enduring legacy.
The Builder Today
As part of the Grand Large Yachting group since 2020, RM Yachts continues its mission to build high-performance, comfortable bluewater cruising yachts. The modern RM yachts appeal to discerning sailors who value a combination of speed, safety, and a distinctive aesthetic. The ownership experience is often characterized by a strong sense of community, with many clients actively sharing their sailing adventures and logbooks from around the world. RM Yachts actively participates in boat shows, proudly showcasing its latest innovations and continuing to attract a loyal following of passionate cruisers. The brand maintains its core identity of pioneering plywood-epoxy construction, making it a unique and respected name in the global yachting market.
