Wauquiez
ActiveOverview
Wauquiez is a French boatbuilder founded in 1965, specializing in high-end sailing yachts from 39 to 65 feet designed for fast offshore cruising. Known for ranges like Centurions, Gladiators, Pretoriens, and Pilot Saloon, it emphasizes marine quality, carpentry, and finishings at its northern France facility. The brand produces bluewater cruisers recognized for seaworthiness, performance, and construction using infused sandwich methods with balsa cores.145
History
Wauquiez Boatyards was founded in 1965 by Henri Wauquiez and specialized in high-end yachts that marked luxury yachting history. It was purchased in 1988 by Olivier Prouvost and later by Beneteau in 2007. In 2021, along with Tofinou and Rhéa, it was sold to the Exel Group after being part of the Experton Revollier group. Production continues at the historic Neuville en Ferrain site near Lille to preserve shipbuilding expertise.137
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Saloon (center cockpit cruisers) | Bluewater ocean-crossing yachts | $800,000 - $2,000,000 |
| Centurions (classic offshore racers) | Fast performance cruisers | $500,000 - $1,200,000 |
| Gladiators (sleek performance yachts) | High-speed offshore sailing | $600,000 - $1,500,000 |
| Pretoriens (sturdy cruisers) | Robust long-distance voyagers | $400,000 - $1,000,000 |
| Wauquiez 55 (large luxury cruiser) | High sail area-to-displacement bluewater | $1,500,000 - $2,500,000 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured at the historic site in Neuville en Ferrain near Lille, France. The facility maintains specialized shipbuilding competence with in-house production of hulls using infused sandwich construction featuring balsa cores and composite structural grids.14
Notable Products
- Pilot Saloon 42 - Berret-Racoupeau designed cruiser with raised saloon, balsa core infusion, and electric swim platform for ocean crossings.
- Wauquiez 55 - 55-foot yacht with 19.88 SA/D ratio in full load, emphasizing bluewater performance.
- Pilot Saloon series - Durable, fast ocean-crossers built since the early 1990s with aramid bow reinforcement.
- Centurions - Legendary range of fast offshore cruisers marking Wauquiez history.
- Gladiators - Performance-oriented yachts known for speed and seaworthiness.
Reputation
Wauquiez yachts are regarded by sailors for exceptional build quality, carpentry, and offshore durability, particularly in the Pilot Saloon line popular for ocean crossings. Professionals note strengths in seaworthiness, performance ratios, and finishings from the northern France yard. Some observers suggest the brand, post-acquisitions, requires refocusing on its premium heritage without volume expansion.1345
Sources (7)
- http://www.wauquiezforever.com/WauquiezForever/en/qui-sommes-nous/
- https://www.wauquiez.com/2026/03/17/did-you-know/
- https://www.boatindustry.com/news/40735/tofinou-wauquiez-and-rhea-great-brands-that-need-to-recover-the-dna-of-their-founders
- https://sailmagazine.com/boats/boat-review-wauquiez-pilot-saloon-42/
- https://ensignyachts.com.au/wauquiez-range/
- https://rocketreach.co/wauquiez-boats-profile_b59c0743f622d386
- https://sailboatdata.com/builder/wauquiez-henri-chantier/