Yachting Art Magazine

The La Rochelle-based manufacturer posted turnover of €323.2 million for the 2024-2025 financial year, down slightly by 8.2%. The company continues to enjoy strong export business and is continuing to renew its product ranges, while integrating electric propulsion technologies.

The consolidated turnover of the Fountaine Pajot group amounted to €323.2 million as at 31 August 2025, compared with €352.1 million a year earlier, representing a limited decline of 8.2% after several years of sustained growth. Over three years, however, cumulative growth reached +47%, reflecting the shipyard's resilience in a context of slowdown in the global boating market.

International business remains the main driver of activity: 87% of sales are made through exports, including 42% in Europe, 21% in North America, 16% in other export markets and 5% in the Caribbean. The French market accounts for 13% of total turnover. This breakdown confirms the strength of the distribution network and the global reputation of the group's two brands, Fountaine Pajot for catamarans and Dufour Yachts for monohulls.

Among the models that supported the financial year were the Aura 51 and Samana 59 catamarans, as well as the Dufour 41 and Dufour 44 monohulls. These units are part of the manufacturer's continuous improvement process, which focuses on the balance between performance, comfort and durability.

Ahead of its 50th anniversary in 2026, the shipyard is embarking on a major programme to renew its range with eight new models in twelve months, including six catamarans and two monohulls. The FP41 and FP44 models, presented at the 2025 Cannes Yachting Festival, are the first in this series of launches. They will be followed by the FP48 and FP55, already shortlisted for the ‘Cruising World Boat of the Year 2026’ and ‘SAIL Best Boats 2026’ awards.

In the yachting segment, Fountaine Pajot is expanding its offering with the FP70S and FPY 110S, successors to the Thira 80, designed for long-distance cruising. In the motorboat sector, the collaboration with Couach Catamarans has led to the creation of the VEYA Yachts brand, dedicated to motor catamarans, whose first model, the VEYA 53, will be unveiled in 2026.

Under the Dufour Yachts banner, two new sailing yachts, the D48, finalist for the ‘European Yacht of the Year 2026’ award, and the D54, the future flagship, mark the continuity of the shipyard's expertise in cruising monohulls.

All of these developments are part of the Smart Electric programme, dedicated to electric propulsion and on-board energy management. More than fifty units are already equipped with this technology, illustrating the group's commitment to gradually integrating solutions with a lower environmental impact.

Faced with a market in a phase of adjustment, Fountaine Pajot is focusing on adapting its production capacity to demand and continuing its efforts in eco-design and training. The La Rochelle-based company intends to consolidate its position by leveraging the complementary nature of its brands and its structured international network.

With nearly half a century of industrial experience, the group is approaching the coming financial years with a strategy focused on stability, innovation and sustainability, in line with its positioning as one of the major players in the global boating industry.

Analysis - The French group is reaping the full benefits of its long-term strategy: the absence of network stocks and a strategy of moving upmarket, particularly in catamarans, or the increase in turnover from large units, compensates for the decline in turnover from small units.