Fountaine Pajot celebrates 50 years: Discover the anniversary film
by Fountaine Pajot 31 Oct 11:06 UTC
Fountaine Pajot Group © Fountaine Pajot
Founded in 1976 by Jean-François Fountaine, Yves Pajot, Daniel Givon and Rémi Tristan, four passionate racing enthusiasts and naval engineers, soon joined by Pierre Fountaine, Fountaine Pajot was born from a bold dream: to combine technical excellence, innovation and user understanding to design racing boats and then catamarans.
Rooted in racing culture and driven by a collective spirit, the shipyard progressively structured its development while maintaining a long-term approach, both industrial and human. This continuity is reflected today in its governance, led by Claire Fountaine, Chair of the Board of Directors, who guides the Group's major directions in line with its founding values.
Since its very beginnings, Fountaine Pajot has followed a logic of sustainable construction, technical demanding and long-term vision. Managed by a team of visionaries, the shipyard very early made the choice of a clear positioning: to design liveable cruising catamarans produced in series, at a time when this segment did not exist.
This strategic choice helped to structure the global cruising multihull market. By developing a consistent product range, investing in its industrial infrastructure and building an early international presence, particularly in North America and Australia, Fountaine Pajot progressively consolidated its position as a benchmark in the cruising catamaran market.
Fountaine Pajot has also played a major role in raising standards in leisure boating and the marine industry, whether through manufacturing processes such as infusion, architectural innovations that have become brand signatures, or the evolution of interior volumes and layouts for enhanced onboard comfort. This ability to anticipate user needs and integrate innovation within a controlled industrial framework is one of the cornerstones of its growth and success.
Alongside Nicolas Gardies, Chief Executive, are Mathieu Fountaine, Deputy Chief Executive, responsible for industrial operations, Group organization and the implementation of its development strategy, and Stéven Guedeu, Deputy Chief Executive, responsible for sales and marketing and the implementation of the Group's strategic development. The company is expanding, whilst remaining true to its founding values. Claire Fountaine remains at the helm as Chair of the Board of Directors.
"Building for the long term also means protecting what allows us to sail" — Claire Fountaine, Chairman of the Board of Directors.
Today, nearly 5,000 Fountaine Pajot catamarans sail the world over. The Group brings together 1,600 employees and relies on an integrated industrial organization, stable and still family governance, and a consolidated international commercial presence. The Fountaine Pajot Group ranks among the world leaders in cruising catamarans.
To mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, Fountaine Pajot opens a new phase of its development: complete renewal of the range, creation of a brand dedicated to large vessels with Fountaine Pajot Yachts, acceleration of electric propulsion and deployment of a climate roadmap targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.
Fifty years after its founding, Fountaine Pajot continues a constant ambition: to sustainably structure its market, strengthen its international leadership and accompany the evolution of owners' expectations in a constantly changing environment.
60 models in 50 years: From the first Fountaine Pajot cruising catamaran to an international Signatale, Elegante et Iconique
Since launching its first cruising catamarans in 1983, Fountaine Pajot has built its development around a constant conviction: to evolve the product in step with the uses. Over fifty years, the shipyard has designed and developed more than 60 models. This ability to regularly renew its range while maintaining architectural, marine and industrial coherence is one of the foundations of its position on the international market.
"The elegant and dynamic lines of Fountaine Pajot catamarans are unmistakable among all." — Paul SMITH, owner of an FP40, USA
The evolution of the ranges reflects the visionary and expert talent of the brand. The first units laid the foundations of the modern liveable catamaran with the Louisiane 37 and others: stability, generous volumes, comfort at sea.
Subsequent generations progressively integrated more space, light, modularity and equipment, accompanying the rise of bluewater cruising and the structuring of the world market.
The increase in vessel size and the broadening of segments covered reflect this ability to anticipate owner expectations and demonstrate the Group's leadership.
In parallel, Fountaine Pajot has contributed to raising industry standards:
- Continuous improvement of manufacturing processes, notably with the pioneering adoption of infusion
- Optimization of interior volumes and onboard circulation
- Maintaining a controlled balance between comfort and sailing performance
- Progressive integration of renewable energy solutions
This dynamic controlled innovation allows the shipyard to renew its models seamlessly, capitalising on accumulated experience and a thorough knowledge of international markets and owners. Fountaine Pajot confirms a constant approach: to evolve the product over time, with rigour, coherence and international ambition.
Iconic models:
- Louisiane 37
- Corneel 18 (1988)
- Marquises 53
- Athéna 38 (1994)
- Belize 43 (2000)
- Eleuthéra 60 (2004)
- Mahé 36 (2006)
- Lipari 41 (2009)
- Saba 50 (2015)
- Lucia 40 (2016)
- Alégria 67 (2018)
- Isla 40 (2022)
- FP44 (2025)
- FP51 (2026)
- FPY70S (2026)
2026, Fountaine Pajot reinvents cruising
Pioneer of the cruising catamaran with its innovations that have become iconic throughout the years and history of the multihull, Fountaine Pajot reaches a new milestone with ever more innovative models in harmony with the sea.
"Our responsibility is to evolve our catamarans without denying what makes their DNA: the balance between performance, comfort and reliability. Each new generation must bring more use value while fitting into a sustainable vision of sailing." — Mathieu Fountaine, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
The cycle under way today marks a new structural milestone. The complete renewal of the range by 2026 reinforces the brand's fundamentals: optimization of living spaces, improved perceived quality, native integration of electric and hybrid solutions, improvement of energy autonomy.
In the Fountaine Pajot world, one now has access to models where space reigns supreme. This is how the FP41 and FP44 take over from the two iconic catamarans, the Isla 40 and the Astréa 42. The priority given to optimized living spaces gives full meaning to the live inside-outside concept. Whether at the bow, on the flybridge or in the cockpit, relaxation spaces are true havens of tranquility or conviviality. A brand DNA, the balance between generous volumes, the pleasure of life on board and good performance remain very much present. The entire Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans range now meets these new requirements. In line with the shipyard's long-standing commitment to sustainable development, the new range tends towards energy autonomy with photovoltaic panels capable of generating up to 2,000 watts and lithium batteries to new standards. With the available electric motorisation, these "new generation" catamarans allow sailing in an increasingly eco-responsible way.
In 2025, Fountaine Pajot also created a new brand dedicated to large vessels, where this notion takes on even greater meaning. The creation of Fountaine Pajot Yachts, extending to a new 120-foot yacht, completes this product architecture and reflects the Group's desire to address all segments of the cruising catamaran market, from the core market to the ultra-premium segment, while demonstrating its integrated industrial and engineering capabilities.
From family business to integrated international group
Structured and controlled growth:
Every fifty years, Fountaine Pajot has progressively evolved from a specialist shipyard to an integrated international nautical group. This transformation has been achieved through successive consolidation of its industrial expertise, global commercial networks, the skills of its employees, and the appeal of its models.
La The Group's growth has been built on four structural levers:
- Continuous investment in industrial infrastructure
- Integration of strategic expertise
- Development of a direct international commercial presence
- Know-how and knowledge transfer
Today, there are three main production sites.
The historic Aigrefeuille-d'Aunis site, covering 22,744m², has been progressively expanded and modernized. Key skills, notably in joinery and energy engineering, have been integrated to reinforce mastery of the value chain. This organization now enables regular, quality production adapted to a demanding world market.
In La Rochelle, the Group relies on the La SCAN site, dedicated to the construction of large Fountaine Pajot Yachts vessels. Covering 15,180m², this industrial facility enables the Group to accompany the move upmarket and the development of the yacht segment, with capacities adapted to the technical requirements and volumes of these vessels.
The Le Thou site, covering 6,160m², houses cabinetry and fabric and foam cutting activities. It plays a central role in the Group's industrial organization by supplying the production sites in Aigrefeuille-d'Aunis, La Rochelle and Périgny (Dufour Yachts). This integration of expertise ensures the quality of interior fittings and secures production flows.
Today, the Group brings together 1,600 employees and ranks among the world leaders in the cruising catamaran. In fifteen years, production has been multiplied by four while improving quality standards, confirming the Group's ability to combine growth and industrial mastery.
A rare achievement in the nautical industry, confirming the Group's ability to combine growth and rigour. Quality is one of the hallmarks of each vessel produced in the factories. This trajectory is supported by stable governance and a long-term vision.
"We have built our development over time, consolidating our industrial foundations and investing in skills. Leadership does not rest solely on volumes, but on the ability to sustainably structure a market." — Nicolas Gardies, Chief Executive Officer.
The generational handover that has been under way for several years, with Mathieu Fountaine and Romain Motteau as Deputy CEOs, is part of this continuity. It allows heritage, industrial excellence and strategic vision to be combined in an evolving nautical environment.
The international dimension is another pillar of the Group's leadership. Long established in North America and Australia, Fountaine Pajot has progressively consolidated its network, to the point of strengthening its direct presence in these strategic markets. This proximity enables lasting support for owners and a better understanding of local market dynamics.
On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, Fountaine Pajot confirms a position built progressively: that of a structured international group, capable of anticipating economic cycles, investing in innovation and sustainably accompanying the evolution of the world cruising catamaran market. This while always maintaining a direct and privileged relationship with its dealers and clients.
Heading toward a carbon-free cruise
A structured and integrated climate strategy:
Pioneer of eco-cruising since 2011, Fountaine Pajot has undertaken a progressive transformation of its industrial and technological model to sustainably reduce the carbon footprint of sailing. The Group's climate strategy is based on a measured and structured trajectory, founded on a complete assessment of its greenhouse gas emissions. Fountaine Pajot was a pioneer in this approach, deploying from the earliest phases a protocol compliant with GHG Protocol standards, now adopted and disseminated across the French Nautical Industries Federation (FIN), as well as at European level (EBI). This analysis identified a priority lever: the impact linked to the use of boats and onboard energy production.
ODSea+: the integrated hybrid electric solution
ODSea+ is the hybrid electric solution developed by Fountaine Pajot and progressively integrated into various ranges. It aims to significantly reduce dependence on combustion engines by combining production, storage and optimized energy management on board.
This solution is built on several complementary technological building blocks:
- Increased use of onboard photovoltaic panels
- High-capacity lithium storage
- Intelligent and centralised energy management
- Hydro-generation and energy recovery under sail
- Hybrid and electric propulsion integrated from the design stage
The evolution of onboard energy capacities is significant: increases in photovoltaic power installed, increased battery capacity and optimization of onboard energy flows. The objective is to maximize energy autonomy, both at anchor and under sail, while reducing the use of the thermal engine.
Within this dynamic, the hybrid electric solution developed by the Fountaine Pajot Group is now structured to become a shared technological benchmark within the nautical industry.
"We design sailboats capable of generating and storing as much renewable energy as possible, while ensuring optimal comfort. " — Mathieu Fountaine, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
"To date, the most relevant solution to accelerate decarbonization remains electrification. " — Stéven Guedeu, Deputy Chief Executive Officer.
The progressive generalization of the hybrid electric solution is part of a broader climate roadmap, structured at Group level. The objective is to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with boat usage, while raising industrial standards.
Fountaine Pajot is thus aiming for a 50% to 60% reduction in its emissions by 2030, with the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
This roadmap does not rely solely on the evolution of propulsion systems. It also involves a progressive transformation of industrial processes, logistical optimization, and increased attention to the choice of materials and product lifecycle management. Environmental performance is thus integrated from the design stage and considered within a global and sustainable logic.
A commitment by the Fountaine Pajot Group to the preservation of marine and forest ecosystem alongside WWF
Protecting the oceans to protect life:
Pioneers of the environmental transition in the nautical industry, in the face of climate change and the fragility of biodiversity, the Fountaine Pajot Group is mobilizing in favor of the protection of marine ecosystems.
The Oceans are at the root of the phenomena that make our planet habitable: oxygen supply, the water cycle, climate regulation, food resources, etc. Yet they are subjected to an accumulation of pressures linked to human activities and climate disruption. In order to allow future generations to fully experience the sea, the Fountaine Pajot Group commits and takes its responsibilities to preserve marine ecosystems.
A commitment alongside WWF strengthened with the protection of Posidonia:
Structural partnership has been established with WWF France since 2023 around the protection of Posidonia seagrass meadows in the Mediterranean, a key ecosystem for biodiversity, coastal erosion and carbon capture. This cooperation illustrates an approach based on scientific expertise, behavioral change and measurable impact. The challenge is to raise awareness among and mobilize leisure boating stakeholders in order to evolve sector practices.
This support for WWF and Alliance Posidonia aims to provide them with operational support, a relay among the shipyard's stakeholders and financial support for operational projects to preserve Posidonia seagrass: raising awareness of its role, mapping it and measuring its health, evolving anchoring methods to better protect it.
Use new step: Fountaine Pajot mobilizes alongside WWF for the preservation of primary forest of the Congo Basin:
This new project is built on a triptych of sustainable forest management, economic valorization of this resource, and work on fauna/flora/human coexistence. The protection of the timber sector also represents a major challenge in the nautical industry and is an integral part of the environmental objectives set by the Fountaine Pajot Group.
Fountaine Pajot thus joins a coalition of companies supporting WWF in the implementation of preservation projects, better forest management for the benefit of nature, the climate and the human and animal populations of the Congo Basin.
The Fountaine Pajot Foundation: Understanding the ocean to better protect it
To mark its 50th anniversary, Fountaine Pajot has sought to structure its environmental and social commitment through the creation of the Fountaine Pajot Foundation, hosted by the Fondation de France. This initiative marks an important step: giving a lasting, coherent and legible framework to the actions undertaken in favor of access to the sea and the protection of marine ecosystems.
While industrial transformation and eco-navigation are two essential levers of decarbonization, they cannot alone address the challenges of ocean preservation. The Foundation thus fits within a complementary logic, contributing to a better knowledge of the marine environment in order to better protect it.
La The Foundation is built on three structural pillars:
- Facilitating access to the sea and nautical activities, particularly for young people who are far from this world
- Developing awareness-raising actions on oceanic and climate issues
- Supporting concrete initiatives in favor of marine biodiversity
This structure responds to a clear intention: to focus the Group's actions around a coherent, lasting and measurable common thread.
The Foundation thus expresses a conviction: the environmental transition in boating is not limited to the technological evolution of vessels. It also involves educational, scientific and collective action, capable of inscribing the Group's commitment over the long term.
"Making the sea accessible, fostering a better understanding of it and supporting concrete actions for its protection, are commitments inseparable from our activity." — Morgane Motteau, President of the Fountaine Pajot Foundation.
Through the evolution of its industrial solutions and the structuring of its environmental action, Fountaine Pajot affirms a coherent vision of its role as an international player. Contributing to the future of the nautical sector also means actively participating in the preservation of the ecosystems that make it possible.
Led by Morgane Motteau, with two other founding members Hélène de Fontainieu and Sigrid Longeau, and co-built with Group employees and three members from the maritime, educational and scientific world - Billy Besson, Catherine Leonidas and Thibault Coulombier - the Foundation aims to be inclusive, progressive and humble. By providing access to the ocean and supporting its protection, the Foundation intends to transmit a lasting emotion, capable of nurturing, in future generations, the desire to preserve this essential common good.