In the spring of 1993, JFA Yachts embarked on its maiden boat construction project in Concarneau. Now, as the renowned French shipyard marks its 30th anniversary, it reflects on a legacy of delivering exceptional sailing and motor yachts. Today, JFA Yachts is globally recognized for its expertise in building unique custom vessels, as well as providing maintenance and refit services for large yachts.
Yard view
As JFA Yachts' teams work on their largest in-house yacht project to date and venture into new markets, founders Frédéric Jaouen and Frederic Breuilly, along with partners Brigitte Jaouen-Guennec and Michel Siou, have initiated a change of ownership process. This transition will empower three longstanding collaborators to assume leadership roles, ensuring the shipyard's continuity and development in Concarneau's thriving Port.
Long Island 78
Frederic Jaouen fondly recalls his birth in Concarneau, just a stone's throw away from JFA Yachts' premises. The decision to establish the shipyard in the heart of the port was a natural choice for him and his friend, Frederic Breuilly. Over the years, Concarneau's rich human and industrial network has played a pivotal role in the shipyard's growth, providing invaluable infrastructure, know-how, industrial partnerships, and attracting clients, new coworkers, and their families.
23m sailing yacht Kermor
The shipyard's dedicated workforce, comprising metalworkers, welders, mechanics, cabinet makers, composite specialists, engineers, technicians, administrative staff, and sales executives, shares a deep connection to Concarneau. This collective expertise and commitment are indispensable in an industry where technical excellence and craftsmanship are paramount. With approximately fifty employees collaborating within the shipyard's facilities, JFA Yachts has cultivated a close-knit team that embodies the spirit of quality and innovation.
37m motor yacht Axantha
The Port of Concarneau has also evolved over time, and since 1998, JFA Yachts has invested in its own expansive facilities. Today, the shipyard boasts an impressive array of halls, including a recently constructed composite construction hall, along Quai des Seychelles.
29m Hortense in Antartica
JFA Yachts stands out as a dedicated builder of unique yachts, distinct from mass-produced vessels. The shipyard's portfolio showcases a diverse range of extraordinary projects, making it difficult to highlight just a few. However, some notable examples include:
– Kermor (1993): JFA Yachts' inaugural delivery, a 23-meter sloop sailboat renamed Runaway Bunny.
– Axantha (2003): JFA's first motor yacht, measuring 37 meters in length. The satisfied owner commissioned a larger version, Axantha II (43 meters, delivered in 2011), while maintaining the original vessel's defining features.
– Hortense (2009): A 29-meter motor sailor that has traversed all oceans, including the Antarctic.
– Bystander (2007): A neoclassical motor yacht and escort vessel for Class J Velsheda, gaining worldwide acclaim and winning the International Superyacht Society's award for the most beautiful yacht.
– Mousetrap (2012): The largest sailing catamaran ever built with carbon fiber at the time, measuring 33.5 meters.
– WindQuest (2014): The first of the semi-custom Long Island catamaran series, spanning 27 meters. Two additional units were delivered in 2018 and 2021.
From left to right, standing Dominique Rouchon and Vincent Balouin, seated Michel Siou, Frédéric Jaouen, Gaël Douguet
The founders, Frédéric Jaouen, JFA Yacht’s President; Frederic Breuilly, Production Director and Brigitte Jaouen, Director of Administration and Finance were soon backed up by Michel Siou, Project Manager. Frederic Breuilly is nowadays retired, but the other three partners remain at post.
The three controlling shareholders in their complementary roles will continue working in their domain expertise but always having in mind the following common goals:
- to continue developing the shipyard’s historical market niche: the construction of custom super yachts like the 50-meter one currently under construction,
- to reinforce the Long Island catamaran series,
- to perform refit projects regularly,
- to continue developing the shipyard competences in terms of composite construction in order to extend their offer to new developing markets in the composite construction field. It is worth mentioning that JFA Yachts has already delivered two yacht tenders and started the year with the construction of an 18m pilot boat for the French Lighthouses and Beacons Service.
VIta Tender
French shipbuilder JFA Yachts was founded in 1993 by Frédéric Jaouen. JFA Yachts builds mono- and multihull power and sailing superyachts from 24 to 50 meters in length.
Credits: F Betermin; N Claris; Kirstin; Yacht Club Monaco; Fly HD; all courtesy of JFA Yachts
Northrop & Johnson has listed the newly delivered 28.63-meter Sunreef Power catamaran Petite Belle for sale. Broker Gabriele Modica Ragusa represents the fifth hull in this series, which features numerous upgrades from standard specifications.The catamaran's 13.5-meter beam accommodates 10 guests across five ensuite cabins. The main saloon features panoramic glazing that opens to the aft cockpit, integrating interior and exterior social spaces. Outdoor areas include forward lounges, a beach club platform, and an expansive flybridge with hot tub, dining area, and bar.Petite Belle incorporates 13kWp of solar panels integrated into the superstructure and hardtop, supporting silent night operation through battery power. The yacht meets European and U.S. compliance standards including Malta Sea Area A1+A2+A3 certification (sCYC 2024).Additional features include a full AV system with DJ connectivity, 20 underwater lights, security cameras, and custom bar installations. The vessel carries a Williams SportJet 625 tender and two jet skis.Construction was supervised by independent surveyors at Sunreef's Gdansk facility. The catamaran enters the brokerage market immediately following delivery, offering availability without construction wait times. Northrop & Johnson will coordinate viewings and sea trials for prospective buyers.Sunreef Yachts was founded by Francis Lapp in 2002 in Gdansk, Poland. Since then, the shipyard has been designing and manufacturing luxury sailing and power multihulls. Credits: Sunreef Yachts
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Lomac Milano has named fashion designer Alessandro Martorana as Creative Director of its Lomac Atelier division. The appointment coincides with the world premiere of the GranTurismo 12.5 AMare limited edition model at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival.Martorana's collaboration with Lomac represents the first product from the newly established Lomac Atelier, a service dedicated to fully customized yacht configurations. The GranTurismo 12.5 AMare features customized colors, bespoke upholstery, sartorial stitching, and matching engine livery. The design emphasizes individualized styling while maintaining the performance characteristics of the base model.The limited edition model is powered by twin Yamaha XTO 450hp outboard engines, maintaining the standard powertrain configuration of the production version. Lomac will display two additional models at Cannes: the GranTurismo 12.0 with triple 300hp Mercury engines and the flagship GranTurismo 14.0 X with triple Yamaha 450hp engines capable of 60-knot speeds.Alessandro Martorana stated: "The boat is the new 'must' for the elegant man. Together with Lomac, we aim to create unique pieces that reflect the personality of their owners, just like a bespoke suit."The Lomac Atelier service launched earlier this year at the Düsseldorf boat show, focusing on complete customization of the company's GranTurismo maxi-RIB series. The Cannes presentation marks the first physical realization of the program, with the AMare edition serving as demonstrator of the customization options available.Lomac's participation in the Cannes Yachting Festival includes three models from its production range, with the Martorana-designed limited edition representing the company's emphasis on personalized yacht design. Lomac was founded in the early 1960s in Milan. Today it is led by Paolo and Fabrizio Lo Manto, the third generation of the family, and offers a production that includes seven different series for 58 models, the result of the union of the highest technologies with careful craftsmanship. Lomac also produces and markets a wide range of original accessories to better customize your boat, and maintenance products created specifically for its models.Credits: Lomac
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Benetti will showcase its complete fiberglass series at the Cannes Yachting Festival from September 9-14, 2025. The display will include the world premiere of the Class 44M model Juno's 7 and an exclusive preview of an undisclosed new model.The Class 44M represents the flagship of Benetti's fiberglass range, measuring 44 meters with exterior and interior design by Cassetta Yacht Designers. The yacht incorporates antique elm wood flooring and mineral resin surfaces with stone powder accents. Design features include extensive glazing and a hull form optimized for long-range cruising.Alongside the Class 44M, Benetti will exhibit three additional fiberglass models:Motopanfilo 37M Angel featuring exterior design by Francesco Struglia with a "Bronze Ribbon" design element connecting hull and superstructureOasis 40M CADA Día with customized configuration including master cabin on upper deckOasis 34M A+ utilizing the Oasis Deck® design with 76 m² stern platformThe Oasis 40M display unit represents the twentieth hull in this series, with exterior design by RWD and interiors by Bonetti & Kozerski. The model emphasizes social spaces and connection to marine environments through its layout and design features.Benetti's participation demonstrates the shipyard's continued development of its fiberglass product lines, which range from 34 to 44 meters in length. The company emphasizes customizable interior configurations across all models while maintaining standardized hull forms and engineering systems.The Cannes presentation follows Benetti's strategy of introducing new models at major European boat shows. The company maintains production facilities in Viareggio and Livorno for its fiberglass and steel/aluminum yacht divisions respectively.Founded in 1873, Benetti is the oldest Italian shipyard specializing in luxury yachts. Benetti designs, builds and sells composite vessels from 29 to 44m and steel and aluminum boats from 37 to over 100m. The fleet consists of five categories: Class, Oasis, B.Yond, B.Now and Custom to meet all the needs of the market. Benetti belongs to the Azimut|Benetti Group, the largest privately owned luxury yachting group in the world.Credits: Benetti
August 28, 2025
Italian yacht builder Dolomia Yachts has introduced its inaugural power catamaran range, developed in partnership with design firm Centrostiledesign. The initial models include the 22-meter D100 and smaller D70, designed to provide monohull-equivalent volume with reduced hydrodynamic resistance.The D100 model offers approximately 300 square meters of interior space, comparable to 30-meter monohull yachts. Configurations include four-cabin layouts with full-beam master suite or five-cabin charter arrangements with crew accommodations. The design incorporates 66 square meters of solar panels generating 15kWp of power.Construction utilizes non-toxic resins, FSC-certified wood, and renewable cork materials. Propulsion options include Volvo diesel engines with IPS or straight-shaft transmission, alongside hybrid and fully electric system alternatives. The yacht features photovoltaic panels and semi-solid-state battery technology.Design elements comprise a flybridge with active spoiler, retractable tender garage for 5-meter watercraft, and 18-square-meter beach club area. The company emphasizes reduced fuel consumption and environmental impact through hull design and sustainable technologies.Dolomia Yachts founder Alessandro Righi stated the company is "very close to achieving the highest technological quality" while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Construction of the first D100 unit is underway with scheduled delivery for 2027, while development continues on the smaller D70 model.The company has established partnerships with four Italian marine suppliers and contracted NSS Charter for yacht management services, including luxury charter operations in Sardinia's Costa Smeralda region. The yachts will be constructed in facilities utilizing established Italian shipbuilding expertise.Credits: Dolomia Yachts
August 27, 2025
Italian marine engineering company West Navaltech has launched Forte Yachts, a new yacht brand focused on aluminum vessel construction. The debut model, the Forte 47, is currently in development at the company's Ameglia facility near La Spezia.West Navaltech operates from a 1,300-square-meter covered production area with 1,800 square meters of hard standing. The company has previously specialized in constructing steel and aluminum workboats ranging from 14 to 50 meters, including fire department vessels, electric catamarans, and tugboats. The company also supplies aluminum components to shipyards in the Miglio Blu district.Livio Franchini, Technical Manager and partner at West Navaltech, stated: "The creation of Forte Yachts marks a strategic expansion. We wanted to separate our workboat production from our leisure brand, keeping both worlds independent but complementary."The Forte 47 measures 14.3 meters in length with aluminum construction emphasizing interior volume. The design includes two full-height cabins and two bathrooms, with ceiling heights exceeding two meters below deck. Naval architecture was developed by Umberto Tagliavini of Marine Design.The vessel will be offered in both outboard and inboard engine configurations, with layout variations depending on propulsion choice. The design targets coastal cruising itineraries such as Monaco to Porto Cervo or Miami to the Bahamas.Fernando Moricca, co-founder of the new brand, described the venture as "a response to the desire to reinterpret the sea with respect, competence and style." The brand name references both strength (from Italian "forte") and the coastal town of Forte dei Marmi.Production continues at West Navaltech's existing facilities, with the Forte 47 representing the company's entry into the premium leisure boat market. The company's industrial capabilities provide the technical foundation for the new yacht brand.Credits: Forte Yachts
August 27, 2025