How the Fountaine Pajot shipyard was founded
The Fountaine Pajot shipyard was founded in 1976, in Aigrefeuille-d’Auni near La Rochelle, by 4 partners: Jean François Fountaine, Yves Pajot, Daniel Givon and Rémi Tristan. At the beginning, the main activity of the company was the construction of light dinghies (420, 505 and 470) and IOR prototypes.
From 1982 to 1989, the shipyard started launching sailboards and then turned to the concept of cruising catamarans. Among the most remarkable models are: the 18-meter trimaran Royale and the 21-meter racing catamaran Charente Maritime. Thanks to the numerous victories of its models, the fame of the shipyard increases.
The new range of Fountaine Pajot cruising catamarans gave birth to the first production boat, Lousiane 37.
Then, at the end of the 1980s, the launch of the new Casamance 43 multihull marked a new concept in multihulls.
As a result, the range of catamarans increased with the appearance of the new Fidji 39 and the Maldive 32.
The 90s are marked by innovation in all directions. In 1991, the Marquises 53 leaves the yard. The following year, the shipyard presents its famous cap, representing the little touch of Fountaine Pajot.
Later, the shipyard increases its international visibility with the following multihulls: the Bahia 46, the Tobago 35, the Athena 38 and the Marquises 56.
The Tahiti 75 marks a real revolution among Day Charter catamarans.
At the end of the 90’s, Fountaine Pajot launched a new range, the Trawler Catamarans. It was at this time that the Maryland 37 and the Greenland 34 left the yard. In 1999, Fountaine Pajot acquired the ISO 9002 certification, version 1994.
Development of the Fountaine Pajot shipyard in the 2000s
The beginning of the 2000s was marked by the launch of the new Belize 43.
Later, Fountaine Pajot made a revolutionary change in the construction technology. In particular, in 2002 for the manufacture of the new Lavezzi 40, the injection molding of the entire hulls was introduced.
As a result, in 2005, the shipyard turned to the construction of high-end boats. At this moment, the new motor catamaran Highland 35 is released.
Thanks to the development of manufacturing, Fountaine Pajot produces the largest resin parts in the world. And so, in 2006, the Mahé 36 is the first catamaran entirely molded in vacuum. Thanks to the listing on the Internext in 2007-2008, Fountaine Pajot starts to renew its ranges. The Salina 48 and the Orana 48 were launched.
In 2009, the shipyard begins the launch of luxury catamarans, creating the Flagship class. The first models of this new rubber are the Galathea 65 and the Queensland 55.
Then, Fountaine Pajot presents two new boats, which become among the best-sellers of the shipyard. The Lipari 41 for cruising catamarans. And, the Summerland 40 for motor yachts.
The birth of the revolutionary Eco Cruising range
In the period 2011-2013, Fountaine Pajot is moving towards the design of eco-responsible boats. This idea led to the creation of the new Eco Cruising range, in which all boat models are designed to use renewable energy sources to the maximum.
The first model from this new eco range is the impressive and innovative Sanya 47, followed by the successful new Helia 44.
Since then, the shipyard has been offering solar panels on all its sailing and motor boats. As well as the generalization of LEDs and the development of low consumption water makers. The result is to reach a positive energy at anchor for sailboats and to have a very low consumption for Trawler Catamarans. The Queensland 55 Eco Cruising is the first green boat in the Trawler Catamaran range. It is designed for cruising without the need to find a refueling point. Moreover, thanks to the large surface of the solar panels, the boat has the option to be totally autonomous at anchor.
The birth of the new Motor Yachts range
This new range represents all the advantages of motor catamarans and motor yachts In 2013, the shipyard gives birth to the sublime flybridge Victoria 67. The following year, Fountaine Pajot launched the fantastic sailing catamaran Saba 50.
Then, the new MY37 motor yacht represents a real international success.
The development of the Fountaine Pajot shipyard from 2016 to the present day
In 2016 Fountaine Pajot launched 4 new models on the market. They are the Helia 44 Evolution, the Ipanema 58, the Lucia 40 and the MY37.
On the occasion of 40 years since the foundation of the shipyard, Fountaine Pajot offers two different identities through its 2 brands. The Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans range and Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts.
In 2017, the shipyard launched the new Saona 47, from the Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans range. And the MY44, from the Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts range, which is elected for ”European Yacht of the Year” 2018.
Following this success, the shipyard announces the new MY40. At the same time, two new sailing catamarans are coming out of the yard. They are the Astréa 42 and the Alegria 67.
In 2018, the Fountaine Pajot group bought the Dufour Yachts shipyard. And the following year the New 45 and the MY40 are launched on the market.
The Fountaine Pajot ranges today
The year 2020 is marked by some new products. Two new sailing catamarans will be launched: the Isla 40 and the Samana 59. And also the Power 67 – a new luxury motor catamaran.
Today, the models of the Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans range are:
- Isla 40
- Asterea 42
- Elba 45
- Tanna 47
- Aura 51
- Samana 59
- Alegria 67
- New 80
Today, the models in the Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts range are:
- MY4.S
- MY5
- MY6
- Power 67
In conclusion, the Fountaine Pajot group is a major player in the yachting industry, recognized for its know-how and quality of manufacture. The shipyard has delivered more than 3,000 boats, including more than 45 catamaran models.
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