For decades, Wrighton Yachts, a French boat builder established in 1978, has carved a distinctive niche in the marine industry, particularly celebrated for its robust and accessible twin-keel sailboats. Located in Essars, France, the shipyard has consistently catered to cruisers seeking safety, comfort, and the unique advantages of a shallow draft.
The Origin Story
Wrighton Yachts commenced operations in 1978. While a specific founder's name associated with its initial establishment is not widely publicized, Richard Wrighton is noted as an early designer for the company, suggesting his pivotal role in shaping its foundational identity. From its inception, Wrighton quickly became known for a distinctive feature that would define its brand: the twin-keel (or "biquille") sailboat. This design choice was not merely a stylistic preference but a practical engineering solution, offering enhanced stability, reduced draft for exploring shallower waters, and the ability to safely dry out on tidal moorings – a significant advantage for European coastal cruising.
History and Evolution
The history of Wrighton Yachts is marked by resilience and adaptation, including several changes in ownership over the years. A significant turning point occurred around 2019. Despite an announcement regarding the dissolution of the company by its previous buyers, Wrighton Yachts experienced a swift and decisive rebirth. In 2019, Christophe Riotte and Yoann Cotte stepped in to acquire the shipyard, confirming their commitment to reviving the beloved Bi-Loup brand. This acquisition marked a new chapter, with plans to reintroduce Wrighton's signature sailboats at boat shows later that year.
Throughout its evolution, Wrighton has maintained key partnerships. Notably, Vincent Lebailly Yacht Design has had a "lasting relationship" with the shipyard since 2014, contributing to the design and project management of their yachts and continuing this collaboration through the brand's revival.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Wrighton's reputation in the sailing world is firmly rooted in its specialization in twin-keel cruising yachts. These vessels are renowned for their stability, ease of handling, and their ability to navigate shallow waters and even sit upright on the seabed when the tide recedes, thanks to their biquille configuration. The shipyard is known for producing "popular cruising yachts" designed for "family sailing", emphasizing comfort and safety over outright racing performance.
The brand's identity is intrinsically linked to this practical, family-friendly approach to cruising. Under its current ownership, Wrighton is reportedly aiming for a level of quality "close to the Hallberg-Rassy concept", indicating a focus on robust construction and refined interiors. Key naval architects who have contributed to Wrighton's distinct designs include Richard Wrighton himself and, more recently, Vincent Lebailly.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The most significant and successful models in Wrighton's history belong to its enduring "Bi-Loup" range. These yachts, whose name fittingly translates to "Twin-Wolf" (referring to the twin keels), have become synonymous with accessible and versatile cruising. Notable models include the Bi-Loup 10 (later refined as the Bi-Loup 10.2), the Bi-Loup 30, and the Bi-Loup 89. These boats have fostered a loyal community of owners who appreciate their seaworthiness and practical design.
Demonstrating the brand's commitment to innovation and its ongoing legacy, a new iteration, the Wrighton 36, was unveiled at the Grand Pavois boat show in 2021. This model is a reworked version of the Bi-Loup 109, incorporating enhanced ergonomics while retaining the core spirit of the Wrighton Bi-Loup brand for family cruising.
The Builder Today
As of 2019, Wrighton Yachts is owned by Christophe Riotte and Yoann Cotte, who successfully orchestrated the brand's return to the market after a period of uncertainty. The company currently operates with a team of "around ten people". Today, Wrighton continues to build cruising yachts that appeal to families and individuals seeking comfortable, reliable, and versatile sailboats, particularly those who benefit from the unique advantages of the twin-keel design. The focus remains on quality construction and a design philosophy tailored for enjoyable, practical sailing, echoing the brand's historical strengths while looking towards a renewed future with models like the Wrighton 36 leading the way.
