Chatam 52 Sailboats for Sale & Market Overview

The Chatam 52 is a formidable blue-water expedition yacht designed by the late French naval architect Gilbert Caroff. Positioned at the upper end of the renowned Chatam series, this model is a quintessential example of the "dériveur intégral" (integral centerboarder) philosophy that dominated the French long-distance cruising scene in the late 20th century. Typically constructed in aluminum or steel, the Chatam 52 features a rugged multi-chined hull designed for strength, ease of construction, and the ability to navigate shallow waters or beach safely. While many were built by professional yards like Prometa or Brument, the design was also popular for advanced amateur construction, meaning each vessel often carries the unique fingerprints of its original builder. These yachts were conceptualized under the Gilbert Caroff - Duflos design office, which specialized in vessels capable of withstanding the rigors of high-latitude sailing and transoceanic passages.