How was the Fountaine Pajot shipyard founded?
The Fountaine Pajot shipyard was founded in 1976, in Aigrefeuille-d’Aunis near La Rochelle, by four partners: Jean François Fountaine, Yves Pajot, Daniel Givon and Rémi Tristan. Its initial main activity was the construction of lightweight dinghies (420, 505, 470) and IOR prototypes.
From 1982 onward, the shipyard turned to the concept of the cruising catamaran, with remarkable models such as the 18 m Royale trimaran and the 21 m Charente Maritime racing catamaran. The cruising catamaran range took shape with the Lousiane 37, followed by the Casamance 43 multihull, the Fidji 39 and the Maldive 32.
The 1990s: innovation and international visibility
The 1990s were marked by numerous innovations. The Marquises 53 left the shipyard in 1991. The Bahia 46, Tobago 35, Athèna 38 and Marquises 56 strengthened the shipyard’s international presence. The Tahiti 75 represented a revolution in Day Charter catamarans. At the end of the 1990s, Fountaine Pajot launched the Maryland 37 and Greenland 34 Trawler Catamarans. In 1999, the shipyard obtained ISO 9002 certification.
The development of the Fountaine Pajot shipyard in the 2000s
In 2002, a technological revolution took place with infusion molding for the hulls of the new Lavezzi 40. In 2006, the Mahé 36 became the first fully vacuum-molded catamaran. In 2009, the Flagship class was created with the first Galathéa 65 and Queensland 55 models. The best-sellers Lipari 41 and Summerland 40 completed the offering.
The revolutionary Eco Cruising range
In 2011-2013, Fountaine Pajot launched the Eco Cruising range, with all models designed to make maximum use of renewable energy. The Sanya 47 and the Hélia 44 were its first representatives. Solar panels were integrated on all boats, along with LEDs and low-consumption watermakers.
The Motor Yachts range and developments since 2016
In 2013, the Victoria 67 flybridge inaugurated the Motor Yachts range. In 2016, four new models were launched: Hélia 44 Évolution, Ipanema 58, Lucia 40 and MY37. On the occasion of the shipyard’s 40th anniversary, two distinct identities were formalized: Fountaine Pajot Sailing Catamarans and Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts.
In 2018, the Fountaine Pajot group acquired the Dufour Yachts shipyard. In 2020, the Isla 40, Samana 59 and Power 67 (luxury power catamaran) were launched.
The Fountaine Pajot ranges today
Sailing Catamarans range:
- Isla 40, Astréa 42, Elba 45, Tanna 47, Aura 51, Samana 59, Alegria 67, New 80
Motor Yachts range:
- MY4.S, MY5, MY6, Power 67
The Fountaine Pajot group has delivered more than 3,000 boats, including more than 45 catamaran models.
