About

History of the company

The Wauquiez shipyard started its history in 1965. Its creator, Henri Wauquiez, had nothing to do with the yachting business. He was involved in leather and was a major player in the business, with factories operating since the 19th century. In the early 60’s the fashion for new materials, and in particular synthetic leather from Dupon, dramatically changed the balance of power in the market. Manufacturers of natural leathers began to suffer losses and shut down production. After a while, consumers became convinced that there is still nothing better than genuine leather. However, it was too late – many companies closed production, as Henri Vauke did. Thinking about what to do next, the latter, being at sea on his yacht, decided to sell the yachts of this shipyard. After obtaining his agency rights, he collected so many orders in France that the shipyard could not cope with this amount of work. And then in 1965, after refitting his tanning shops, Vauquet started building yachts under license. The shipyard later developed a series of its own Elisabethan, Gladiateurs, Hood, Chance, Centurion, Amphitrite, Pilot Saloon models. The shipyard cooperated with naval architects Holman & Pye, Ted Hood, Britton Chance, Berret-Racoupeau.

Status

Between 1997 and 2008, the shipyard was part of the Beneteau Group. In January 2011 Wauquiez became part of the industrial holding Experton-Revollier, which also in 2013 included the shipyard Latitude 46.

Production .

Over the years, the shipyard has built over 2500 boats. The Wauquiez production base is located in Neuville-en-Ferrain, near Lille. The company has dealers all over the world and regularly holds test drive days for its potential customers.

Model range

Wauquiez produces high-end sailing cruising yachts in composite hulls 40-60 feet long. The shipyard offers models with a wide range of options and different interior layouts.

Features

Wauquiez yachts can be found in the most prestigious offshore regattas, such as the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe. The quality of the build speaks for itself – even over the years the yachts of this brand do not lose their price and are in great demand in the aftermarket.

Wauquiez is reliable, navigable, easy to operate and very comfortable, and is a good option for those who intend to sail around the world with a small crew. The large list of options includes many parts that are not available in mass production models. Such as self-shadowing windows, for example. The prices of Wauquiez yachts, however, are noticeably higher than those of mass-produced boats.