Tournier Marine, a distinguished French boat builder, has carved a significant niche in the global marine industry with its commitment to crafting high-performance and comfortable multihulls. Established in 1989, the company, based in Soubise, France, has become synonymous with innovative design and robust construction, earning a reputation for vessels capable of extensive bluewater cruising and competitive racing.
The genesis of Tournier Marine is deeply intertwined with the vision and expertise of Philippe Tournier, who leads the company's team and serves as a key designer for its new ranges. While specific details of his early career remain private, the company itself states a history of building monohulls for several years, including an Ultra Light Displacement Boat (ULDB), before embarking on nearly three decades of multihull construction. This background suggests a founder with a profound understanding of naval architecture and a passion for pushing the boundaries of yacht design. This extensive experience laid the groundwork for Tournier Marine's future focus on versatile and seaworthy multihulls.
History and Evolution
Founded in 1989, Tournier Marine quickly transitioned its focus to multihull construction, a move that would define its legacy. Over the years, the shipyard has cultivated a reputation for producing both cruising and racing multihulls, ranging from 28 to 70 feet in length. The company's progression has seen them embrace advanced composite materials, notably utilizing carbon for rotating masts and structural components, ensuring both lightweight performance and robust durability in their vessels. This evolution reflects a continuous adaptation to modern boat-building techniques and materials, positioning Tournier Marine at the forefront of the multihull market.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Tournier Marine's reputation in the sailing world is built on a clear design philosophy encapsulated by their motto: "Passion, Reliability, Performance!" They are renowned for constructing fast, seaworthy bluewater cruising catamarans and trimarans that seamlessly blend comfort, safety, and performance. A hallmark of their approach is the emphasis on personalized designs, tailored to suit individual navigation programs and client preferences.
The shipyard has collaborated with notable naval architects to bring their designs to life. Philippe Tournier himself is the designer behind the newer Soubise range of catamarans. Additionally, the accomplished naval architect Erick Lerouge is credited with the design of several significant models, including the "Apocalypse" trimaran and the Freydis 49' catamaran. This blend of in-house expertise and external collaboration ensures a diverse yet consistent portfolio of high-quality multihulls.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Tournier Marine has introduced several iconic models that have cemented its standing in the multihull world. Among their most recognized catamaran lines are the Freydis series, which includes models such as the Freydis 46', 49', and 50' Racing. The success of the Freydis range was instrumental, as it significantly inspired the development of the subsequent Soubise line.
The Soubise catamarans represent a modern evolution of Tournier Marine's design ethos, with models like the Soubise 49' Croiseur, Soubise 49' Day Charter, Soubise 56', and the impressive Soubise 70' Carbon Line. These vessels are designed by Philippe Tournier himself and are celebrated for their adaptability to various cruising and charter needs. In the realm of trimarans, the Apocalypse, designed by Erick Lerouge, stands out as a notable high-performance model. Furthermore, Tournier Marine has also ventured into the power catamaran market with the Cat Power 56'.
The enduring legacy of Tournier Marine is underscored by the impressive voyaging achievements of their vessels. Several of their multihulls have successfully completed multiple circumnavigations, with some boasting over 81,000 nautical miles of accumulated travel, a testament to their exceptional reliability and bluewater capabilities.
The Builder Today
Tournier Marine continues to be an active and innovative presence in the marine industry. Operating from its base in Soubise, France, the company maintains a strong focus on developing new catamaran ranges, spearheaded by Philippe Tournier. Their modern boats appeal to a discerning clientele seeking a blend of performance, safety, and luxurious comfort for deep-sea sailing and long-distance cruising. The ongoing development of new models, like the Soubise 56', demonstrates the company's forward-looking approach and its commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the global multihull market.