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Portrait of a building site / Wauquiez, sailboats for demanding owners who love beauty

The only shipyard in the North of France, Wauquiez has been building comfortable, fast and reliable sailing boats for over fifty years. History and review of a shipyard that builds sailboats designed to last.

Henri Wauquiez , a passionate founder

The Wauquiez shipyard was founded by Henri Wauquiez , who came from a large family of tanners in northern France. One of eight children, Henri attended college in England and then did his military service as a pilot in the light aviation. Passionate about yachting , Henri and his wife Véronique spend all their summers cruising the Mediterranean coast.

For the summer of 1964, they acquired an Elizabethan 29 designed by Kim Holman and built by the Webster shipyards in the Isle of Wight in the south of England. The English sailboat made a strong impression on the French Riviera, so Henri contacted Kim Holman to suggest marketing the boat in France. During their stopovers, Henri and Véronique presented their boat with passion and by the end of the summer they had received seven orders. The English shipyard being unable to produce the boats sold within the time limit, Henri transforms a part of the family tannery to manufacture under license the Elizabethan 29.

Thus was born the Wauquiez shipyard .

Kim Holman, fully satisfied with his collaboration with the young French yard, continued to work with Henri Wauquiez and his team. In 1968, he designed, among others, the Centurion 32, of which 380 were produced.

The race-cruise as DNA

After the success of the Centurion 32 wauquiez again called on the English firm Holman & Pye to design the Gladiator a 32-foot cruiser.

Then the site goes up in power by releasing the Hood 38 designed by the eponymous firm, which remains the only ballasted dinghy built by the yard. Then the Pretorian this 35-foot Holman design is one of the shipyard's best-sellers, selling 212 units.

The shipyard will then focus on the Centurion family, which will be available in several sizes between 36 and 61 feet, while maintaining the fundamentals of the Wauquiez brand: comfortable, fast and reliable yachts .

The Pilot Saloon reference

In 1991, the shipyard updated the Scandinavian concept of the deck saloon and launched the Pilot Saloon 60. On an Ed Dubois hull, this luxury 60 surprises by the volumes of its deck saloons and the light brought by this raised roof perfectly integrated into the deck plan. This concept was taken up by several shipyards wishing to offer an alternative to customers seduced by catamarans, but wishing to retain the marine qualities of a monohull.

The Pilot Saloon range is today the most requested by the yard's customers.

Luxury craftsmanship

" Wauquiez DNA stands out from the large production sites "Patrick Bloch, the site's operational director, explains. " We try to improve the durability of our yachts as much as possible. We oversize everything that can be oversized. Our hulls are all made of vinylester infusion and balsa sandwich. The fittings and woodwork are machined from solid wood. We meet the needs of a clientele that loves beautiful things. "

The only shipyard located in the North

The production site, which is based in Neuville-en-Ferrain, near Lille, manufactures a dozen units per year. The production time is about one year, or even more depending on the model. The Wauquiez shipyard is part of the Experton-Revollier group, which is also a shareholder in the shipyards Rhea Marine and Lattitude 46 which produces, among other things, the Tofinou . Many synergies are being developed between the three production sites. In addition, the shipyard's geographical location is a serious asset for exporting to the Nordic countries, which have a strong demand for the quality of the shipyard's production.

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THE WAUQUIEZ SHIPYARD: A HISTORY OF PASSION SINCE 1965

• 18 April 2023

• history of the construction sites , Wauquiez

From military service to boat building: the creation of the Wauquiez shipyard

The founder of the Wauquiez shipyard is Henri Wauquiez. In addition to his degree in organic chemistry and engineering, Henri obtained his pilot’s license during his military service in the ALATE (Aviation Légère de l’Armée de Terre) .

He also discovered his passion for sailing at an early age. One day, he decided to use part of the family tannery to build boats. His goal was to produce top of the line sailing boats. The very first Elizabethan 29 model left the yard in 1965. The boat was built in 30 copies. The Elizabethans are so well made that their architect Kim Holman decides to design other models exclusively for the shipyard. In particular, the first Centurion , famous throughout the world, were born from this collaboration.

The Wauquierez models: A history of shipbuilding since the foundation of the shipyard

Following the commercial success of the Elizabethan 29 , the yard launched a larger model – the Elizabethan 35 . From 1966, 15 examples were built.

Between 1966 and 1968, 52 of the fabulous Victorian were built.

The Centurion 32 is the emblematic boat of the Wauquiez shipyard. In particular, this model really reinforces the reputation of the shipyard. Robust and easy to handle, 380 boats were built between 1968 and 1977.

The other models that were very successful at Wauquiez are :

• The Chance 37 was built in 95 units between 1973 and 1977
• The largest and most luxurious boat, launched in 1975 is the Amphitrite
• The Amphora was built in 96 units between 1976 and 1981
• The Gladiator was built in 299 units from 1977 to 1986
• The only dinghy of the yard – Hood 38
• The Pretorien (1979) benefits from all the expertise acquired by the shipyard, in the line of the Centurion and the Gladiator
• The Antigua 34 is a sailboat with a deck saloon offering exceptional visibility, not found in any other shipyard. It was produced in 19 copies between 1980 and 1983.
• The Antigua 37, built in 17 copies between 1981 and 1982
• The Centurion 47 (1984)
• The Centurion 42 (1985)
• The Centurion 38 (1987)
• The Centurion 40 is built in 33 copies between 1988 and 1993
• The Centurion 59, 45 and 49 (1990)
• The Centurion 61S and the Kronos 45 catamaran
• The Pilot Saloon 54 (1993)
• The Centurion 41S (1994)
• The Centurion 37 S and 48S liveaboard monohull (1996)
• The Pilot Saloon 48 (1997)
• The Pilot Saloon 43 (1999)
• The Pilot Saloon 40 (2000)
• The Pilot Saloon 40S (2002)
• The racing-cruising monohull Opium 39
• The Centurion 57 (2014) marks the return of the legendary “Centurion” line
• The Optio monohull (2014)
• The Pilot Saloon 48 (2022)

Indeed, Henri’s choice to name his boats Centurion, Gladiator and Praetorian is not only interesting, but also very significant. Being a great admirer of Jean Lartéguy’s literary work “Guerre d’Algérie”, which includes the titles “Les Centurions” (Volume 1) and “Les Prétoriens” (Volume 2), Henri wanted to pay tribute to this epic saga by using these names for his boats.

Tradition and innovation: Wauquiez sailboat ranges today

Today, the Wauquiez shipyard continues to offer top-of-the-range ranges of sailing boats, combining tradition and innovation to offer high-performance and elegant boats, whether for cruising or racing. These are :

• Pilot Saloon 42
• Pilot Saloon 48e 
• Pilot Saloon 58
• Centurion  57

Wauquiez’s most sought-after pre-owned sailboats

The most sought-after used models at Wauquiez are generally boats from the Centurion line. It features high-end cruising sailboats. Some of the most popular models include:

• Wauquiez  Centurion 32
• Centurion 36
• Centurion 40
• Centurion  45s
• Centurion 47 

These yachts are very popular on the second-hand market because of their quality of construction, their complete equipment and their excellent sea-keeping.

The Wauquiez Pilot range is ideal for single-handed or short-handed sailing. Among the most sought-after used models are :

• Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 40
• Pilot Saloon 47
• Pilot Saloon 55

These robust boats offer exceptional comfort on board thanks to their spacious and luxurious layout, as well as their complete equipment for sailing on the high seas.

Find all our used Wauquiez boats.

If you own a Wauquiez sailboat and you want to estimate the price, contact us now . You will get an accurate and fair estimate of the value of your boat for free!

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• 12 June 2023
• Greenline , histoire des chantiers , history of the construction sites

Meet the Wauquiez 55

• By Cruising World Staff
• February 20, 2024

The French shipyard Wauquiez has been turning out boats since 1965, when its first model was the Elizabethan 29. Many sailors know Wauquiez for its Centurion models, which established the brand name through the Centurion 32 in 1968. More recently, in 2014, an updated version called the Centurion 57 marked the return of that well-known line.

Now comes the Wauquiez 55, for which the builder offered a sneak peek during the recent boat show in Düsseldorf, Germany—and which is scheduled to make its debut in the flesh at the Cannes Yachting Festival later this year.

The Wauquiez 55 is the first model of a new range, with a design by Marc Lombard that screams fully modern sailing yacht. It’s intended for owners who want to head offshore, with light-filled living spaces and updated performance elements. Styling is clean and sophisticated, inside and out.

A hardtop protects the central cockpit, which looks (in the renderings) like it will have good visibility through the windshield. There are wipers to clear away the remains of afternoon showers. The navigation space also has opening panels for letting in fresh air.

Back in the cockpit, there’s a relaxation space for guests who want to stretch out in the two sunbathing areas. There’s also what Wauquiez calls a “leisure deck,” which could be used for putting on snorkeling equipment, fishing or preparing to head off and explore with kayaks or paddleboards.

Interior design is by Stéphane Roséo in La Rochelle, France. The layout incorporates stowage between the salon benches and sheer, with portholes on the hull for guests to enjoy views of the outdoors. Portholes are on the coachroof too.

Dining is to port, with a table surrounded by C-shape booth seating. Bench-style seating runs along the side closest to centerline. Across from there, to starboard, is seating for intimate conversations, working a bit on a laptop or tablet computer, or getting lost in a good book. The navigation station is abaft this seating area, with the galley also nearby for easy service inside and out.

The forward stateroom is down a few steps with a walkaround berth and a head. Another stateroom is aft, with a glass opening and direct access out onto the deck. 

Depending on what type of sailing owners want to do, they can opt for a lifting keel, carbon rigging and a furling jib. 

How does the Wauquiez shipyard fix the keel? By stainless steel bolts. The rigging and appendages are integrated into the structure of the boat, to ensure distribution of their forces.

Where to learn more: click over to wauquiez.com

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• Sailboat Guide

Pretorien 35

Pretorien 35 is a 35 ′ 0 ″ / 10.7 m monohull sailboat designed by Holman & Pye and built by Wauquiez between 1979 and 1987.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

The Pretorien 35 is a French built cruiser-racer from the drawing board of the UK firm Holman & Pye that made its introduction in 1979 and has since been quietly attaining cult status. The trademarks of this classic include huge stowage, capacious accommodations, and seaworthiness all wrapped up with a build quality that rivals that of some of the finest production boats in the world. All in all, the Pretorien 35 today is an excellent example of a go-anywhere cruiser offering excellent value for money.

Built by Chantier Henri Wauquiez in Mouvaux, France, a total of 212 boats were produced between 1970-1986. Many were exported to the United States, so exampled can be found on both sides of the Atlantic.

The boat feels distinctly British, but perhaps this is not so surprising given that Wauquiez, admired English boats and in particular the designs of Kim Holman. He had purchased his first boat in 1964, the English-built and Holman-designed Elizabethan 29, loving her sheerline and her tracking on open water. This lead to his first foray into the boating business by fitting out Elizabethans for the French market.

It was a time when the IOR rule was making a large impact on cruising designs – a high aspect ratio rig, large foresails, small mainsails, and a hull with pinched ends and a wide beam carried aft. The entry is raked while a reverse transom helps deliver a long waterline length of 30’ 4”. The fin keel draws a healthy 6 feet while her large skeg-hung rudder is mounted well aft providing great steering control. Of note is a ballast to displacement ratio of 46%, this is a stiff and powerful boat.

This era of Wauquiez boats were sometimes called French Swans, they are great looking boats with a low slung wedge deck that flows beautifully into her lines. The Pretorien 35’s popularity was no doubt aided by Hal Roth who circumnavigated in Whisper with his wife Margaret well documented in his book How to Sail Around the World .

Construction

The quality of construction of the Pretorien 35 is among the highest found on any production boat and is undoubtedly for ocean sailing. The solid fiberglass hull features six full-length stringers which longitudinally still the boat, they encapsulate the bulkheads which themselves are tabbed into the hull with 18 oz cloth, used for better resin saturation. The overall fiberglass work is very tidy but note that she was built in the days before vinylester resins were used, so osmotic blistering is commonly found below the waterline. This is just cosmetic so unless you’re planning to keep one for a long time, it’s not usually worth repairing.

The deck is balsa cored, with solid fiberglass in regions where through deck fittings were mounted. The deck joint, on an inward flange, is both through-bolted and glassed over. The external ballast keel is mounted on a deep keel stub with 3/4″ stainless-steel bolts.

Helped by her beamy sections, the Pretorien’s interior feels very spacious and compares well to those found in more modern boats. The layout is no nonsense, with a roomy v-berth forward, followed by a head and hanging locker section. The saloon is large with two settees either side of the dinette. Further aft is a spacious galley to starboard with double sinks close to the boat’s centerline, but some will find their depth a tad shallow when the yacht is well healed. Opposite the galley on port is a nav station. There’s a small separate stateroom to the aft on port side which features a smallish double berth. A great deal of storage is found throughout the boat and the joiner work is excellent. Ventilation on the other hand has been found lacking and some owners have installed extra ports and cabin fans.

She’s well balanced and easy to steer. In wind speeds of less than eight knots she’s definitely sluggish. She starts to shine in moderate breezes and when the wind really picks up, her capability to hold onto sail when other boats reef, helps her sail like a much larger yacht. Owners report the boat possesses enough tracking stability to fly spinnakers in high winds without any tendancy to broach which was common for boats of IOR design. Beating to windward you can count on sailing relatively narrow angles of 40 degrees or better.

Hal Roth documents the Pretorien 35’s ability to log 150+ mile days offshore – that’s a very fair number for any cruising sailboat. Through the years she has garnered a reputation for being stable, dry and seakindly. These are all very desirable qualities for offshore passagemaking.

Buyers Notes

Teak decks that were optional on Pretoriens were too thin and many are worn after a few rounds of refinishing, exposing fasteners and flaking caulk. Typically redecking is a large and expensive job, so either look for ones without teak or ones that have had this job completed.

Most Pretoriens have saildrives fitted, in these models closely inspect the drive, particularly the through-hull seal and signs of corrosion in the aluminum.

Pretoriens were built in the days of polyester resin, so keep an eye out for osmotic blistering below the waterline, particularly in earlier models. Note these are only cosmetic but will have impact on the price.

On some boats the headstay fitting installed ex-factory was supported under the deck with only washers instead of a backing plate. Check and remedy as necessary.

The original 23 hp engine found on some boats may be a bit small; the optional 28 hp engine is preferable.

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WAUQUIEZ YACHTS

Wauquiez Yachts is a shipyard with traditions that has entered the history of French yachting. Founded in 1965 by Henri Wauquiez, it became famous for its iconic Centurion models, yachts that are comfortable, luxuriously finished and sporty at the same time.

Wauquiez Yachts has not industrialized production, but has focused on creating original and unique yachts that will be able to meet the individual and unique needs of customers.

The yachts of the Wauquiez shipyard boast very good performance and nautical properties, but this is not the only factor that affects their success. What proves their advantage over other yachts of the same class is the very high comfort of sailing regardless of weather conditions, thanks to the spacious and comfortable interiors. The largest possible space in the external cockpit was also taken care of, so that you can comfortably and comfortably spend time there, enjoying the charms of anchorages in pristine bays.

PILOT SALOON 42

PILOT SALOON 48

PILOT SALOON 58

CENTURION 57

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Serious long-haul: Wauquiez 48

• September 25th, 2022
• Sailing Yacht

The Cannes Yachting Festival 2022 was a great show and brought back the pre-Covid nimbus of the show that used to be among the best boat shows of the world, definitely of Europe. I´ve had the pleasure to be working here again for Beneteau but also took my time to seek interesting boats to write about them. As my fourth detailed walkthrough I chose a yacht by one of the great traditional names in French boat building: Wauquiez.

There aren´t many and I am honest, I´ve never seen one of these boats in reality. It appears to me that they are so rare, that you only see them in (carefully selected) boat shows. Or is it, that these boats are so great, that their owners simply sail away to the distant places and hidden anchorages we could only dream of? Well, I can imagine it is that way because – boy! – how nicely are those Wauquiez-yachts built!

A boat for some serious long-term sailing

I´d like to start my walkaround down below, because this is what the yard has been perfecting over the decades. A Wauquiez is a real deck saloon boat, she offers a hell of volume inside. It is truly amazing upon going down the companionway how huge of a volume is created inside and … honestly … how much space is created here.

It is not only the space, that fascinates. Unlike many other boats which claim to be “deck saloon”-yachts, the Wauquiez really is one. The raised floor in the saloon and the huge deck house (we will later see how it looks from the outside) really lift up the floor from the waterline-niveau and place you well above the seas. Huge windows make possible a nearly 360 degree round sight and you stand in awe, pure disbelieve: This is really just a 48-feet boat?!

Well, it is indeed! And not just that: Wauquiez offers a level of design and quality that is unsurpassed by most of the brands on the market. The design of the interior is modern, edgy and appealing – but not overly laden with “stylish” accessories. The design is maritime, but not cheesy. Lots of high-grade wooden panels with real veneers, massive rails and fittings.

Just looking at the leather settees and cushions, tastefully integrated into the overall design of the saloon is pure joy. This boat has clearly been designed by people who know what a sailing couple or family needs when underway big time. This is not a yacht made to look good at the Croisette jetty but a yacht designed to offer most comforts when sailing a 1.000 mile-leg over from one Pacific atoll to the next lagoon. I´d call it breathtaking. The Wauquiez has more in common with an Oyster than any other boat.

This is a true kitchen, not a galley

Her layout is pretty classic for couple-sailing long haul boat: Two master cabins, a saloon in the middle and the galley at portside. The position of the galley is at the pivoting point of the boat near the keel. The passageway back to the owner´s suite is filled with stowage, long worktops and a great working place for the ship´s cook.

In this, the galley is deep down at the lowest level of the boat´s hull. But this doesn´t mean that you´ll have to chop veggies and stir fry food here down below in a dark, stuffy dungeon. The coachroof above you is also equipped with large windows so that loads of natural light will enter the galley: Cooks with a tendency to get seasick won´t have much of a problem watching the horizon from time to time.

The galley of the Wauquiez is exemplary. The fitting is modular so that owners can choose how much space for cutlery they want or trade for fridges or freezers. Under the floorboards decent stowage is appealing, the passageway back to the cabin is wide enough to be comfortable but also narrow enough to offer safe grab when the boat is subject to a bigger swell and movement. Equipment, material and haptics are first-class.

Amazing craftsmanship & woodworks

I stand in awe in this masterly crafted saloon. Everything is very solid. Everything looks absolutely fantastic: The grain of the wooden parts are fitting, edges are rounded. There is no squeaking nor any groaning when I walk over the floorboards. The level of craftsmanship that went into making this boat is absolutely enormous.

Of course I know that at this level of boat building a customer of this boat will be able to choose from a huge variety of fabrics for the cushions, but this particular owner went for white leather. And it feels fantastic: The warm touch of the material, the fine odor is lovely. I suck in the smell of this freshly made boat and wonder if I would make a fortune in selling Little-Tree Wunderbaum “Smells like a Wauquiez”. Fantastic!

Taking on world class hotel suites

You all know about my passion for UK boat builder Oyster. For me, these yachts are the pinnacle of oceangoing long haul cruisers made for the sailing couple. This Wauquiez, however, does not just come close to the luxurious functionality an Oyster offers, I´d pledge it measures up to the same level indeed!

Just look at the marvelous owner´s suite in the back. Don´t forget: We are inside a 14.77 meters boat, not a 50-footer or even bigger. This cabin can easily take on any 5 star western standard hotel suite. The wide island bad gives free view through the big hull windows. There is a small settee for dressing and undressing which can also be used as a seat for working at a small table.

The fore cabin is not a downgrade either: A huge bed, for which by the way hinges for lee sails are standard, which is a small hint for the fact that this boat is made for serious cruising. There´s lots of stowage and again I am puzzled by the high level of craftsmanship here. And, oh yeah, look at these huge hull windows again!

Those are the best! I love it how big Beneteau makes the windows on our Oceanis cruisers , but these are a notch up again. Just bigger! I wonder how these are built, glued to the hull to be safe. Again, wooden panels and the thick veneers are handsome, the grain is continuous and perfect, no matter where you look.

There´s also a small guest cabin with a double bunk bed, perfect for kids, skipper and crew or surplus guests. This boat is also offered in 4 configurations: 3 cabin owners aft, 3 cabins owners front, 4 cabins (who does that?) and a roomy 2-cabin-version. All in all I am absolutely amazed by the fact how big of a boat´s interior you can squeeze into 48 feet: This is something I´d expect in a 50 or even 55 footer.

Bathrooms are functional and nice. There is no GRP visible and again fine wooden panels and marquetry caress the eye of the beholder. Wauquiez, although an absolute niche product, is clearly a top shelf boat, a luxury brand offering the highest of standards to their clients. Speaking of which …

A ship for a circumnavigation

Who buys a Wauquiez? Well, as I said, I cannot recall having seen a Wauquiez in “real life” ever. Frequently, when talking to friends abut boats, someone will mention this name and we all would raise our eyebrows and start nodding knowingly, but I know nobody who literally sailed one of these. But I guess enough will choose this brand for their boat as the yard is a frequent attendee of boat shows.

Looking up the bare data, it is a bit awkward that the yard does not offer any more numbers than the length/width/draft. No information about displacement or sails area whatsoever. I guess, it is sufficient enough to propel this wonderful boat to a cruising speed to eat up the miles of a circumnavigation. Her outward appearance is something you should be getting used to see.

She is not ugly though but she is definitely not a boat that looks fast or classy. A Wauquiez has her own set of beauty-standards and of course, offering all this interior volume, especially that of the saloon, must have repercussions for the design seen from outside. In this, she has a huge bulgy deck house, elongated and very high. Like an Allures with high pressure inside.

I like her cockpit very much. The winches are positioned to be reached from behind the twin wheels easily. All lines are led aft so that the skipper can control the boat from there in safety. The cockpit is small by Mediterranean-cruiser-standards. The old Oceanis 48 offered far more lounge space, but again, this is a mile-eater and it is surely mostly sailed by a couple, not a party of 6 charter-friends who need space.

A dinghy will fit neatly, I guess it´s a 2.80 or even (maybe partially deflated) 3 meter boat that can be taken in by the garage in the aft. Which is nice because nothing hurts my eyes more than watching all those great yachts sailing around with their dinghies hanging unmotivated at ugly davits or – even worse – flipped over on the bow between the Jib sheets.

What a great boat!

So, all in all, this is a great boat. As well as after boarding her smaller 42-feet sister during Duesseldorf boat show some years ago I am absolutely stunned and in love for the clever design, the great layout and the superior finishing quality of the boat. This yard makes fine yachts indeed. The friendly staff at the counter tells me that this boat was worth 1.something million Euros and I´d say: She is worth this budget indeed!

I say Goodbye to the guys and go back to work as the boat show is about to start. Wauquiez will always be a riddle for me: So great boats but still so seldom seen. Take Amel for example: An equally small brand with a true blue water cruiser concept that has so many unique (and awkward) features, like the steering post for example. Yet, of a Wauquiez there seems to be so few boats underway. Well, I say to myself, indeed, maybe these boats are not here but all away anchoring at those very places we are just dreaming of …

You may also like to read:

Smaller sister ship: The Wauquiez 42 Pilot Saloon

Oyster 495 , walkthrough of the smallest in the fleet

A trip to France: Allures 45

Revolutionizing Tradition: The Wauquiez 55 Breaks Cover at boot Dusseldorf 2024

The latest model that the French shipyard will present (with a virtual tour) at boot Dusseldorf 2024 is called Wauquiez 55. It is the first model of a new range designed to revive interest in a historic brand that aims to renew enthusiasts’ interest. The official physical debut? That will have to wait for the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 in September.

The break with the past , already apparent in the first images of the Wauquiez 55, is quite evident. To begin with, there is a significant volume of the hull. Marc Lombard designed a particularly wide hull but also chose to widen the coachroof up to the sheer. “ We haven’t invented anything, ” explains Éric Levet, naval architect and co manager at Marc Lombard Yacht Design , “ this feature was already present on the Corsaire .”

The hardtop is also for safety

Like the famous micro-cruiser designed by Herbulot in 1954, there are portholes on this coachroof, and one has to pass over them to reach the bow. Movement is easy thanks to the ability to lean on the hard top that protects the central cockpit. This rigid structure ensures that the crew is particularly protected during navigation. Visibility for the helmsman remains correct, thanks to the glass windshield (equipped with windshield wipers) and the opening panels for ventilation.

The cockpit of the Wauquiez 55 is expanded aft with two sunbathing areas and a large resting or leisure deck. The initial renderings show the presence of balcony seating and the unusual height (75 centimeters) of the steering lines: crew comfort has been taken care of.

Attention to ergonomics is also noticeable below the deck. The impression of space is evident, even though interior designer Stéphane Roséo wanted to leave ample storage space between the salon benches and the sheer. The portholes on the hull offer an extensive view of the sea. Those on the coachroof offer the same view in an upright position, with the addition of a forward view.

The dining area on the left, the armchairs facing it on the right, the guest toilet, and the navigation table are all positioned at the same level. The kitchen is slightly lower. To reach the forward cabin, you need to descend a few steps. It is spacious, the bed is accessible from three sides, and it has a bathroom with a shower well isolated from the toilet. But what stands out is the aft cabin, which perfectly utilizes the boat’s width and stands out for two innovative features: an exceptional aft glass opening and direct access to the deck.

You can also choose the lifting keel and carbon rigging. It should also be mentioned the engine room, accessible from both the cockpit and the interior, the choice of two twin engines to improve maneuverability, the electrical and electronic systems provided by Garmin with the Empirbus system, and the lifting keel. Combined with high-form stability and reasonable displacement, the keel ensures good seaworthiness without hindering easy access to ports (1.60 meters in the raised position). In its performance version, the Wauquiez 55 is also available with carbon rigging and a furling jib.

Wauquiex 55 specs

Hull length: 16.40 m (overall length 17.50 m) Width: 5.25 m Draft: 1.60-4.20 m (fixed 2.40 m) Displacement: 20,000 kg Ballast: 3,840 kg (lifting keel) or 4,950 kg (fixed keel) Sail area: 169 m2 Engine: 2 x 50 HP Architect: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Design: Stéphane Roséo Builder: Wauquiez Price: n/a.

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• Digital edition

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 45: ‘Speed and quality’

• Graham Snook
• July 17, 2020

The Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 promises speed and exceptional build quality.
 Graham Snook went to see if she had the wow factor on the water

The hull has a soft chine aft. Credit: Graham Snook

Product Overview

Wauquiez pilot saloon 42.

• Smooth and assured handling
• High quality throughout
• Serious and seaworthy boat
• Reduced stowage in the forecabin
• Wheel too close to pedestal
• High bridge deck

Manufacturer:

Price as reviewed:.

There is no boat quite like this one, and it’s not often I can say that. It’s not that the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 is unique in her design or that she has an original concept, but the interior, wow.

I haven’t seen anything quite like it on a production yacht before: custom yachts, motor boats and superyachts, yes. 42ft French cruisers? No.

Gorgeously finished teak, white and grey leather, swathes of white Corian, light surrounds, light switches and plug surrounds in brushed aluminium, and little leather pull toggles on the locker front are just a few of the details.

Large windows, plenty of locker space and bracing against the saloon seating makes the galley pleasant to work in. Credit: Graham Snook

Then there are cool blue saloon windows that clear or darken at the twist of a knob.

As nice as the interior is, it would mean very little if she’s as useful as a foghorn in a library, just as well, then, she a comfortable and practical cruiser and the attention to detail down below has been taken to on deck too.

Performance

Conditions for the test in Palma Bay were perfect, a good Force 4 with warm bright sunshine; and the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 relished them, topping out at over 9 knots on a fetch.

This boat had the optional 2.15m draught deep lead keel, a 1.65m draught iron keel is standard with a lead keel of the same draught also an option.

The boat has an optional Sparcraft painted rig and Park Avenue boom. Credit: Graham Snook

She was a joy to sail, only when the apparent wind went over 20 knots did we feel the need to ease the mainsheet, the grip from the twin, splayed rudders was unflappable.

Steering is via Jefa chain and cable, it had a solid feel and reassuring weight to it without being too heavy.

The cockpit is high, and occasionally feels it when going over the raised bridge deck, you feel a little exposed but the addition of grab handles either side would help, as would the sprayhood – if we hadn’t taken it off for the photographs.

Deck Layout

The single bow roller is recessed into the large, shiny, fixed stainless-steel bowsprit.

Directly aft is the windlass, the chain drops straight into the bows.

Access to the chain locker is via a watertight hatch in the forward bulkhead of the deep bow locker, which itself is accessed via a flush hatch in the foredeck.

It was nice to see three guardrails, and even nicer to see that the end fittings are in the pulpit and pushpit so there are no pins to catch crew or sails.

Lockers beneath both helm seats provide good stowage. Credit: Graham Snook

It’s an easy step up to the coachroof from the mast, less so further aft.

Lines from the mast are led under the eyebrows of the forward facing saloon windows, to reappear at the forward end of the cockpit.

The rope clutches and Andersen size 40ST winches aren’t far enough aft for the helm to have easy access, on this boat the starboard winch was electric which made raising the mainsail a doddle.

Andersen size 46ST for the genoa are next to the helm, and the helm is the best placed to use them, electric winches are an option and, with them being far aft, it would be hard not to justify ticking the option box – especially on a yacht this size and price.

Access to the cockpit from deck is just forward of the wheels where there’s a good-sized rope locker on each side with a hinged lid to stand on.

The handholds on the binnacle weren’t very high, this will improve when Wauquiez raise the pedestals by 8 cm, but I’d still like to see them a little higher.

Deck stowage is good, there are lockers under both helm seats (port is the gas locker).

The liferaft locker that’s accessed from the fold-down transom; released from inside the lazarette locker.

At the helm

There is seating aft and outboard of twin wheels. It’s not the widest of helm spaces, but the pedestals will be moving forward 3cm.

I did find the gap between the pedestal and the wheel caught my knuckles, and if she was mine I’d be searching for a spacer to bring the wheel aft a tad.

The backstay does cut across the helm seat outboard a little, but it can also be used to hook an arm around.

A fixed windscreen increases protection in the cockpit which could otherwise feel exposed. Credit: Graham Snook

Both hull and deck are balsa cored and vacuum infused, the hull’s internal grid structure is also vacuum infused after which, it’s bonded and laminated in place.

The trapezium shaped hull windows have a recess in the hull and are bonded in from the outside.

The hull has a soft chine aft and while she is beamy aft, the waterline is quite narrow which should make her less sticky in light conditions, but as she heels the waterline extends and she’ll happily rest comfortably on her chine

This Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 had the optional Sparcraft painted rig and Park Avenue boom – an anodised mast is standard.

This boat had an optional 2.15m draught deep-lead keel. Credit: Graham Snook

The rig comes with Dyform rigging is standard, as does the track on the mast which makes hoisting it less of fight with friction.

The genoa cars were adjustable from the cockpit and are set against the coachroof. The bowsprit can accept an off-wind sail.

The Test Verdict

It was refreshing to see that style can be well executed and practical and that a company will throw convention 
to the wind to use ideas and systems not on production yachts: monogrammed light switches and plug surrounds, dimmable glass windows and pull toggles instead of latches.

Then there is the overall look of the interior and its high build quality; it really does have the wow factor.

The vast double berth in the aft cabin has lee cloths down the middle and at the sides making it a useful place to sleep when at sea. Credit: Graham Snook

Add to this her handling, performance and composure on the water and you’re left with a modern, spacious cruiser that will eat up the miles.

The sea doesn’t care about style, and when it gets rough, the light white hull sides will be the last thing on your mind.

But even in such conditions, the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 should 
still look after you.

There are plenty of handholds and 
the stowage around the boat, especially in the galley,
can be safely accessed without dodging airborne
 objects from cupboards you’ve just opened.

Would she suit you and your crew?

At first glance it could be easy to think of the 42 as
 what Americans term a ‘dock queen’ – she looks nice 
in her berth, but you’d rattle like a pea in a can at sea.

This couldn’t be further from the truth; she has style 
and substance.

The modern interior may not be your thing, in which case you can buy a Rustler 42.

Drawers under the saloon seating increase stowage for galley items. Credit: Graham Snook

Whether you’re sailing or in harbour, the 42’s interior
 is practical and, thanks to the large saloon windows,
 you can be out of the elements and still get a sense of place.

She has the space, both living and storage, that would make life on board for extended periods a joy.

The Wauquiez has good build quality, modern
styling, she’s spacious and practical with easy handling – especially with a self-tacking jib fitted.

All boats are inevitably a compromise but the 42 seems to have compromised little in any areas.

This makes her
 a cracking yacht. If you want modern styling and your budget will run to it, this 42ft cruiser is an absolute must.

Facts and Figures

Price as tested: £474,332 in VAT LOA: 12.99m (42ft 6in) Hull Length: 12.42 m (40ft 9in) LWL: 12.8 m (4ft 1in) Beam: 4.34m (14ft 2in) Draught: 2.15m (7ft 05in) Displacement: 11,593kg (25,558 lb) Ballast: 3,100kg (6,834 lb) Ballast ratio: 26.7% Displacement / Length: 197.1 Sail area: 89.5m2 (sq ft) SA/D ratio: 17.9 Diesel: 415 litres ( gal) Water: 615 litres ( gal) Engine: 57hp Transmission: Saildrive RCD category: A Designer: Berret – Racoupeau Yacht Design Builder: Wauquiez Boats UK Agent: Parkstone Bay Yachts Tel: 01202 724917 Website: www.pilot-saloon42.com

This review was first published in our Summer 2018 issue. Back copies of Yachting Monthly can be bought at www.mags-uk.com

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Bluewater Sailboat – Wauquiez Centurion 49

The Bluewater Sailboat Wauquiez Centurion 48S is a high-performance racer-cruiser that offers precise control and a luxurious sailing experience. This boat is equipped with a large rig and fine entry bow, which allows for quick acceleration and exceptional upwind performance, as well as reassuring directional stability. The beam sections and lead keel bolted low on a deep polyester stub contribute to the overall sense of smooth stability.

The fully-battened mainsail is sensibly fitted with three reef points, and the top-spec mainsheet winch system and powerful boom downhaul make it easy for the crew to trim efficiently. The interior is beautifully appointed with pale yellow maple furniture, and the three double cabins are all en suite, providing both the owner and guests with privacy while cruising. The forward-set galley offers ample workspace and storage, and the boat’s overall quality of build is impressive.

This yacht is not only good-looking but also boasts a pleasing interior and quality of build that is not always found in boats today.

• LOA: 14.90m (48ft)
• LWL: 12.50m (41ft)
• Beam: 4.50m (14ft 9in)
• Draught: 2.15m (7ft 2in)
• Displacement: 16,000kg (35,273lb)
• Ballast: 5,000kg (11,102lb)
• Ballast ratio: 31.3% Sail area: 143m2 (1,538 sq ft)
• SA/D ratio: 42.4
• Diesel: 360 litres ( 95 gal)
• Water: 600 litres ( 158 gal)
• Engine: 75 hp
• Transmission: Shaft RCD category: A
• Designer: Ed Dubois
• Builder: Wauquiez Yachts

Wauquiez Yachts quickly became known for their quality and performance, and by the 1970s, the company had established itself as a major player in the European sailing market. They have been building different models of Centurion line, starting from 34ft to 47ft, since the late 70’s and early 80’s.

In the following decades, Wauquiez continued to innovate and improve its designs, using the latest materials and construction techniques to build boats that were both fast and comfortable. The company has a reputation for building durable and high-performance sailboats that are well-suited for both cruising and racing.

Wauquiez Centurion 47 was produced in the 2000s, and it was considered as one of the most popular models of the Centurion line. The boat is no longer in production, but it’s still considered as a valuable choice for people looking for a used boat.

If you want to learn more about Wauquiez Yachts then we suggest to check Sailing boat Builders. This page provides comprehensive information and is an excellent resource for anyone seeking more information on Wauquiez Yachts.

This Bluewater sailboat boasts a fine entry and full beam design, with a deep polyester stub and bolted, swept-back lead keel for controlled performance. The hull is constructed with a sandwich of glassfibre and vinylester/polyester resin, enclosing PVC closed-cell foam and vacuum formed with integrated ribs and stringers for added strength. Impact-proofing is achieved with the inclusion of two layers of aramid cloth from bow to keel, and multiple internal coating treatments prevent osmosis. Furniture and bulkheads are bonded to the hull or deck and aluminum floors are bonded to the internal framework under the sole.

The stainless-steel rudder stock is fitted with self-aligning roller bearings for precise steering and the keel bolts are embedded in the lead ballast for added stability. The deck is also of sandwich construction, bonded to the hull using a moulded overlap with mechanical fastenings.

The boat features a planked teak deck that supports six mooring cleats and starts behind a double bow roller. A 60lb plough anchor with 60m of chain is attached for added security. The bow cleats are sensibly placed 1.55m (5ft) aft of the bow rollers, providing ample room for the crew to grab a mooring without being pinched at the point of the stem.

A forehatch for warps and fenders is included, which houses an electric windlass. This locker also has the capacity to accommodate a 2.4m (7ft 10in) inflatable dinghy. Twin forehatches, separated by a pair of dorades protected by a stout stainless-steel frame, are located aft of this, providing a good handhold when going to the bow. Additionally, the boat features an inner forestay strong point on the vast foredeck, which offers ample space for performing sail changes or when at anchor. The chainplates are taken to the deck by the coachroof, leaving the side decks clear for easy access to the forward area.

Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision. Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.

This boat features striking maple furniture that creates an illusion of lightness as one moves below deck, thanks to the warm straw color that reflects the available light from the many hatches and coachroof windows. This is particularly welcome in the grey skies of the northern hemisphere. The saloon, located to starboard, can comfortably seat 10 crew around an oval-shaped table and includes an L-shaped settee with twin chairs opposite. The boat features twin aft cabins with double beds that are spacious and luxurious, and both cabins have en suite bathrooms. The starboard cabin also includes an overhead pilot berth. The master cabin is located in the bow and includes another double bed and en suite bathroom. All three cabins have hanging lockers, shelving, and cupboards. The interior offers standing headroom throughout, except for individuals over 6ft 5in tall. Halogen lighting throughout the boat provides ample illumination at night.

The chart table is noteworthy for its two seats, one facing aft and the other forward. This design is particularly useful for racing when the navigator needs to confer with the watch leader and also for offshore cruising, especially if a tired skipper needs a clear briefing from his navigator on a night passage. All instrumentation is located at the navigator’s side outboard, and there is ample space for a half-size Admiralty chart, and stowage beneath the table for pilot books, spare paper charts, plotting instruments, and other necessary items. The chart table does not have a fiddle on the aft or forward end, but it makes it more comfortable to sit at in port.

The linear galley is well-positioned forward, abeam of the mast and boasts stylish marble-effect work surfaces. There are two front-opening fridges near the centerline, and aft of the mast, there is another handy fiddled space. Forward, there is a double stainless-steel sink with mixer taps and an additional fresh water, foot-operated pump for rinsing. The galley features a gimbal-mounted, four-burner cooker with oven and grill and an extractor fan.

Performance

The Wauquiez Centurion 48S is a powerful and impressive vessel that was launched in 1997 as hull number one. The boat, named Never Mind after a Nirvana album, was tested on Southampton Water with a southwesterly breeze rising from 9 to 17 knots. The fully battened mainsail with one reef and the electric winch on the coachroof made handling the sail easy for the crew. The boat’s speed never dropped below 6 knots through the water and quickly reached 9-knots. The helm provides a masterful feeling and is easy to maneuver. However, the spade rudder with no skeg for support may be a concern in rough weather. Despite this, the boat has good directional stability and is impressively stiff even at high speeds. The Wauquiez Centurion 48S is designed for high-performance sailing and is well-suited for close-winded and nippy maneuvers. The owner and crew prefer using the screecher sail for long-distance, light weather performance instead of the symmetrical spinnaker.

The boat is equipped with a 20.04m (65ft 9in) mast that is keel stepped and supported by triple swept back spreaders. The rig is designed with a split backstay, cap shrouds, intermediates, and babystay for added stability. The masthead rig is designed to accommodate a fully battened mainsail with three reef points and a 150% genoa. This configuration provides ample sail area for optimal performance.

The Wauquiez Centurion 48S is a fast racer-cruiser that offers precise control for all points of sailing. This boat is equipped with a large rig, with a mast towering at 65ft 9ins above the deck. However, unlike other boats, the Wauquiez Centurion 48S has the dynamic stability and high level of righting force to handle it. The fine entry bow allows for quick acceleration as soon as the breeze fills in, providing an exhilarating helm and exceptional upwind performance, as well as reassuring directional stability. The beam sections contribute to the overall sense of smooth stability, and the lead keel bolted low on a deep polyester stub, gives it a high ballast ratio. The fully-battened mainsail slides on roller batten cars and is sensibly fitted with three reef points. The top-spec mainsheet winch system and powerful boom downhaul make it easy for the crew to trim efficiently. Additionally, the genoa is fitted with a foam luff band, ensuring the best possible set even when partially furled.

Quick Notes

This boat is a true head-turner in the most upscale marinas, boasting a sleek exterior and immaculately finished pale yellow maple furniture that creates a luxurious atmosphere below deck. At anchor, she offers ample open deck space for sunbathing and an indented sugar scoop with a swimming ladder within the sawn-off transom.

The boat comes equipped with a 60lb plough anchor and 60m of chain, as well as an electric windlass with separate vertical winch and capstan for easy retrieval and secure anchoring. Double guardrails with gates on both port and starboard sides, cockpit lighting, and dorades with protection provide ample safety and fresh air below deck. The saloon can comfortably accommodate 10 crew and all three double cabins are en suite, offering privacy for both the owner and guests while cruising.

The forward-set galley, although not to everyone’s taste, offers ample workspace and storage. She is a joy to sail, although her size may make handling her short-handed a bit of a challenge.

Nevertheless, she showed good performance and could post impressive passage times with an experienced crew. This yacht is not only good-looking, but also boasts a pleasing interior and quality of build that is not always found in boats today.

Looking for a used sailboat for sale? Check out the Bluewater sailboat data and specs to make an informed decision. Ocean Wave Sail has data for over 10000+ boats that can help you select one to meet your sailing needs.

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• UNE GRANDE HISTOIRE
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QUALITÉ ET INNOVATION

Nos bateaux ont une âme.

Une vie dédiée à la construction de bateaux hors du commun, telle est la destinée d’Henri Wauquiez, qui donna son nom à notre chantier en 1965. Pour qualifier un Wauquiez, nul besoin d’aligner les superlatifs. Deux mots suffisent à résumer l’état d’esprit dans lequel est construit chacun de nos voiliers de luxe : la qualité et l’innovation. Nous n’avons pas choisi la voie de l’industrialisation, nous préférons laisser parler notre savoir-faire pour vous offrir des bateaux d’excellence. Des grands voiliers de voyage sûrs, performants et confortables, pour tous ceux dont la vie est rythmée par la passion de la mer, en croisière autour du monde comme en régate.

DES VOILIERS HAUTURIERS FAITS POUR NAVIGUER

Pensé pour votre confort.

Si nos bateaux sont avant tout des voiliers hauturiers faits pour naviguer, leur succès tient tout autant à leurs performances en matière de confort. Confort d’utilisation par mer calme ou par gros temps, en tour du monde ou au mouillage, simplicité des manœuvres grâce au choix de matériaux de dernière génération. Et, cela va de soi chez Wauquiez, un effort particulier est porté au confort intérieur de chaque voilier habitable, avec des salons de pont lumineux, des banquettes et des literies de qualité, des cabines pour la plupart équipées de salle d’eau.

SENSATION DE PUISSANCE

Navigation d’exception.

A bord d’un Wauquiez, le spectacle de la mer est permanent. Assis ou debout dans le carré de nos voiliers habitables, vous la contemplez comme si vous étiez dans le salon de pont. À la barre, une sensation de puissance, de plus en plus vive au fil des milles. Les manœuvres sont facilitées grâce au foc auto-vireur, aux winches primaires rentrés… un sentiment de confiance renforcé par un accastillage ergonomique issu d’un artisanat de qualité. Chaque croisière devient un moment de navigation unique.

UN VÉRITABLE TRAVAIL D’ARTISAN

L’innovation pour la perfection.

Notre chantier naval français produit des bateaux d’excellence authentiques, qui ont su évoluer au gré des innovations technologiques. Les coques de nos grands voiliers sont produites par infusion pour garantir un ratio résine/fibre optimal et une optimisation du poids. Les ponts et les coques sont réalisés en sandwich balsa pour une excellente rigidité, et une parfaite isolation thermique et phonique. Les accastillages, gréements et équipements proviennent de grandes marques et d’artisans reconnus pour leur qualité et la force de leurs réseaux autour du monde.

ELIZABETHAN 29

L’Elizabethan 29 est le tout premier Wauquiez. Construit sous licence à partir de 1965, ce plan Kim Holman est construit en 30 exemplaires.

ELIZABETHAN 35

Face à la réussite commerciale de l’Elizabethan 29, le constructeur à décidé de confier au chantier Wauquiez la fabrication de son grand frère: l’Elizabethan 35. Construit à partir de 1966 en 15 exemplaires.

1966 et 1968 en 52 exemplaires

CENTURION 32

Il est le bateau mythique du chantier Wauquiez puisque c’est véritablement lui qui lanca la réputation du chantier. Bateau robuste, très bien conçu, facile à manier, 380 Centurion 32 furent construit entre 1968 et 1977. 

Si le Chance 32 ne fût pas un succès, le Chance 37 eut en revanche un très grand succès. Construit en 95 exemplaires entre 1973 et 1977, il est un bateau physique avec un génois à fort recouvrement.

Lorsque l’Amphitrite vit le jour en 1975, on entendit beaucoup parler de lui. Il fut l’attraction du salon nautique au Cnit car il était tout simplement le bateau le plus grand et le plus luxueux à tous les niveaux.

Construit en 20 exemplaires entre 1973 et 1976, le Chance 32 ne fût malheureusement pas une grande réussite puisque Henri Wauquiez décida lui même d’en arrêter la production après s’être fait une grande frayeur.

C’est le même en plus petit ! Pour ceux qui ne purent s’offrir un Amphitrite, le chantier avait pensé à tout : l’Amphora. Il fût fabriqué à 96 exemplaires entre 1976 et 1981.

Dans la lignée du Centurion 32, le Gladiateur est un excellent bateau. Construit en 299 exemplaires, sa production commença en 1977 et se termina en 1986

Le seul dériveur lesté construit par le chantier. Son tirant d’eau évolue entre 1,20m et 3,30 m ! Ce bateau sera proposé en deux versions: Mk I et Mk II ou seuls les aménagements intérieurs changeront. La carène restant la même.

Le Prétorien hérite de toute l’expérience du chantier dans la lignée du Centurion et du Gladiateur et réunit les qualités habituelles des voiliers Wauquiez: sécurité, confort, performance et esthétique.

Un voilier avec un salon de pont. Une visibilité que l’on ne trouve dans aucun autre chantier. Il fût fabriqué en 19 exemplaires entre 1980 et 1983. Son grand frère l’Antigua 37 fut lui construit en 17 exemplaires entre 1981 et 1982.

En 1980, Henri Wauquiez invente un nouveau concept de bateau. Un voilier avec un salon de pont. Une visibilité que l’on ne trouve dans aucun autre chantier.

CENTURION 47

Le Centurion 47 a été utilisé dans le film de Claude Lelouch, itinéraire d’un enfant gâté avec Jean Paul Belmondo. Pendant le tournage, le bateau fût skippé par Michel Malinosky ainsi que Henri Wauquiez et Véronique Wauquiez.

CENTURION 42

Un Centurion doit savoir assumer son grade. Il appartient à une élite. Né dans le sillage du Centurion 47, présenté en 1985 au salon de Paris, voici le Centurion 42, fier d’appartenir à une grande lignée.

CENTURION 38

Dans la lignée des prestigieux Centurions, le Centurion 38 est digne de ses prédécesseurs. Il bénéficie lui aussi de la signature du talentueux architecte Britannique Ed Dubois, réputé pour ses carènes ultra rapides.

CENTURION 36

Le Centurion 36 a succédé au Prétorien, tout en conservant le même programme : grande croisière rapide, sans oublier une qualité de construction et finition superbe.

CENTURION 40

33 exemplaires entre 1988 et 1993. Une très belle réussite du chantier Wauquiez ! Bateau très marin, passant admirablement bien dans la vague et très confortable par gros temps.

AMPHITRITE MS45

Lorsque l’Amphitrite vit le jour en 1975, on entendit beaucoup parlé de lui. Il fut l’attraction du salon nautique au Cnit car il était tout simplement le bateau le plus grand et le plus luxueux à tous les niveaux.

CENTURION 59

Il fut réalisé sous la direction d’Olivier Prouvost et fut construit en seulement 6 exemplaires entre 1991 et 1994 contre 9 exemplaires pour le Centurion 59.

CENTURION 45

Un Centurion doit savoir assumer son grade. Il appartient à une élite. Né dans le sillage du Centurion 47, présenté en 1985 au salon de Paris, voici le Centurion 45, fier d’appartenir à une grande lignée.

CENTURION 49

Grand frère du Centurion 40s, il fut construit à partir de 2002 jusqu’en 2007 en 37 exemplaires. C’est un excellent croiseur, marin, puissant et rapide. Son accastillage surdimensionné en fait un bateau facile à manier en équipage réduit.

CENTURION 61S

L’intérieur du 61s reste identique au Centurion 59 mais moins lourd, mieux accastillé, le Centurion 61s est une vraie bête de course. ce plan Ed Dubois est le dernier bateau qu’Henri Wauquiez imagina avant la vente du chantier en 1990.

KRONOS 45 – Catamaran

Le Kronos 45 est le seul catamaran que le chantier Wauquiez ait construit. Lancé sous la direction d’Olivier Prouvost en 1991, il sera produit en 13 exemplaires jusqu’en 1996.

PILOT SALOON 60

Une véritable maison flottante, le Pilot Saloon 60 ne fut construit qu’en 5 exemplaires entre 1991 et 1996 sous la direction d’Olivier Prouvost. C’est un véritable palace.

PILOT SALOON 54

Dans la lignée du Wauquiez 60, Ed Dubois, Andrew Winch et le chantier Wauquiez proposent désormais le Wauquiez 54. Ce bateau a conservé des lignes tendues, une carène ultra-rapide et le confort d’un grand yacht.

CENTURION 41S

31 exemplaires entre 1994 et 1999.

CENTURION 37S

Le voilier Centurion 37S est un monocoque habitable de croisière, construit par le chantier Wauquiez. Ce voilier avec une quille fixe, gréé en Sloop en tête, réalisé par l’architecte naval Dubois Naval Architects, mesure 11.12 m de long. La production a démarré en 1996.

CENTURION 48S

Le voilier Centurion 37S est un monocoque habitable de croisière, construit par le chantier Wauquiez. Ce voilier quille fixe, gréé en Sloop en tête, réalisé par l’architecte naval Dubois Naval Architects, mesure 11.12 m de long. La production a démarré en 1996.

PILOT SALOON 48

Voilier hauturier par excellence, le Pilot Saloon 48 est la quintessence de toute l’expertise du chantier Wauquiez en matière de conception et de fabrication de grands voiliers de luxe. Le concept innovant de « Pilot Saloon », lancé par le chantier naval français.

PILOT SALOON 43

Construit entre 1999 et 2004 en 48 exemplaires

PILOT SALOON 40

La remarquable carène de ce PS40 est propulsée par un gréement sloop parfaitement équilibré et facile à manœuvrer du grand cockpit arrière. Le PILOT SALOON 40 est un voilier plaisant et performant sous voiles à toutes les allures quel que soit le temps ! 120 exemplaires entre 2000 et 2005 ont été construits.

CENTURION 40S

Le Centurion 40S 2 reprend toutes les qualités intrinsèques de son prédécesseur le Centurion 40S: carène élancée, silhouette racée, lignes tendues, rouf bas et discret, qualité du gréement et de l’accastillage, très grande raideur à la toile grâce à son lest plomb…

Le voilier Opium 39 est un monocoque course-croisière, construit par le chantier Wauquiez. Ce voilier Quille relevable, gréé en Sloop fractionné, réalisé par l’architecte naval Marc Lombard, mesure 11.47 m de long avec un tirant d’eau maximum de 2.25 m.

Le Centurion 57 marque le retour de la mythique lignée des «Centurions» sur le segment des grands voiliers de prestige.    Racé, puissant, maniable comme un voilier de course, mais aussi confortable, élégant et luxueux qu’un yacht de grande tradition .

Le voilier Optio est un monocoque, construit par le chantier Wauquiez en France. Ce voilier Quille relevable, gréé en Sloop fractionné, réalisé par l’architecte naval Berret-Racoupeau, mesure 8.99 m de long avec un tirant d’eau maximum de 2.20 m.

Voilier hauturier grand standing, performant et confortable, le Pilot Saloon 48e est la quintessence de toute l’expertise du chantier Wauquiez. Inspiré de la lumière et des éléments naturels, le Pilot Saloon 48e fusionne les espaces intérieurs et extérieurs.

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Wauquiez PS42 review: Interior finesse shines through on classy cruiser

• April 25, 2019

The Wauquiez PS42 raises the 40-footer production cruiser to new levels of style and practicality, writes Graham Snook

Photos: Graham Snook / Robin Christol

A good brand exudes quality. Seeing a logo on a car or a yacht is a visual pat on the back from the manufacturer, a little thank you from them that you made the right choice.

As I stepped on board the Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42, I spotted the ‘W’ cut out in the stainless steel plates on the coachroof sides and the stainless steel ‘Wauquiez’ on the transom. Are these clues that this yacht might be something special?

Yes they are and so she is. You could feel it as we rode down the Med swell at 9 knots, and in the sociable, safe, comfortable cockpit, but it’s down below that this yacht really impresses. The interior makes this boat unique among production boats of this size. She also has the coolest windows and light switches I’ve ever seen on a production yacht – but more of that later.

Fold-down transom reveals liferaft storage and a fold-out step to reach cockpit level

Substance with style

Just from looking at the new launches at Boot Düsseldorf in January, I had already placed the Wauquiez Ps42 at the top of my wishlist. The layout, the styling and the quality all stood out as a superior all-round package. There is no other boat quite like her for styling – not as 40-something foot production yachts go.

She has style, but a stunning looking boat is no good if it lacks substance. And the great news is that this is an enjoyable yacht to sail too; but her performance and good behaviour on the water almost seem to pale beside the interior because this is leagues above her rivals.

You don’t find many production yachts with leather-covered wardrobes and that’s just one example of Wauquiez doing something new. This is quite a small French yard that can tailor yachts to its owners’ requirements. So if, like me, you aren’t keen on, say, the leather wardrobe pull-handles, it can replace them.

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Using leather and painted wood does seem odd for a company that can build good quality woodwork. Take the forecabin, for example. Apart from the shelf that runs either side up to the long bed, the dark laminate wood sole and the thick laminated wood surround for the mattress, no other wood is visible. The hull sides are white, the headlining is white and it is brightly lit with LED lights.

It could be like sleeping inside a fridge, but the style with which Wauquiez has added recessed areas around the lights and hull window surrounds, and broken it up with a black cove line that makes the space seem longer and wider, is elegant. This cabin has a good-sized en suite with a separate shower compartment – with the mast compression post for company.

The full-beam aft cabin has the same neat semi-minimalist feel, but with a swathe of dark grey leading the eye around the cabin until it stops at the chaise longue on the starboard side.

Interiors are predominantly white, but design highlights raise them to something out of the ordinary

There are practical features too: the forward and aft berth cushions are split and leecloths are standard.

In the aft cabin, cushions not only run centrally, but also down the sides. The occupants of the forward cabin have only one central leecloth. There is plenty of stowage under the berths: the bases lift and are held up by gas struts. In the forward cabin there are drawers beneath the aft end and stowage forward, but there’s the option of filling this with a 200lt tank for fuel or water, which would obviously reduce this cabin’s stowage.

Aft cabin ventilation is excellent – all three sides of the cockpit mould over the berth have opening hatches, and there are more in the coachroof. Space over the berth is good too and there’s plenty of stowage behind the grey-fronted lockers and in the leather-covered wardrobe. An en suite with a separate shower compartment offers lots of headroom.

The Wauqiuez PS42 sleeps four in supreme comfort

White and bright

These are good cabins, but it’s the saloon and galley area that make her rivals look, frankly, bland in comparison.

Many people like varnished wood on boats, and I’ll include myself among them, but with the notable exception of RM Yachts there hasn’t been a good alternative before or, when there has, it’s mainly been down to saving money or weight. I’m not saying I’m a convert, but it’s surprising how large areas of white can give a positive impression; and there’s no shortage of it on the Wauquiez PS42.

The forward bulkhead and the under deck lockers are white, so is the 2.72m white Corian galley worktop, with recessed white Corian sinks. The surface is stain resistant and it was child’s play to clean up thanks to the gently curved fiddles that surround the inside of the worktop. Drawer fridge/freezers are fitted so items can be easily found without having to clear the worktop and there is lots of easily accessible stowage.

Blue-tinted windows – which can be made clear at the turn of a switch – help keep the pilot saloon cool in sunny climes

What isn’t coloured white, or finished in stainless steel (such as the stove or fridges) is in horizontally grained teak. This visually lengthens the galley, and the grain matches from door to door to drawer, all being edged with a bead of solid teak for good measure.

In the saloon, seating trim is illuminated by LED strip lights. The saloon sits a couple of steps up from the galley, and is raised enough to take advantage of those large curved coachroof windows. The view out from the saloon is good, although a bit more limited forward. When working at the galley you’re treated to a panoramic view.

As the saloon is raised, there are two layers of stowage, one down to the floor of the galley, the second between the tankage underneath the outboard seating and galley sole. The saloon table has some wonderfully smooth veneer work in opposing directions and when folded in half has good fiddles surrounding it. When opened, it is flat and flush and gives seating for a cosy six – only an issue with guests or if opting for the twin double aft cabin layout.

Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design is behing the super-modern styling of the Wauquiez PS42

The chart table is the only area where Wauquiez fumble the ball slightly. The table isn’t that easy to open (a finger groove would be good), the navigator doesn’t get a view, and with the seat back cushion in place the seat’s a little narrow and feels more like a perch than one designed to be sat on. Remove the backrest and it feels like a seat again.

With the electronics package offered, the owner gets a 12-inch iPad that mirrors, and can control, the chartplotter display. The iPad is held in a stylish anodised aluminium bracket, so hopefully you won’t have to hunt through your children’s cabins looking for it.

Beautiful details

Now for the really good bits. I’ve never been excited about coachroof windows or light switches – until now. Thank you, Wauquiez. While on the outside the coachroof windows look like almost every other boat on the water: they are not. From down below the windows have a heavy cool blue tint (in both senses of the word cool). They’re a deep azure blue and prevented the Med sun from heating the saloon like a greenhouse.

But twist a brushed-aluminium knob, mounted on a bevelled, monogrammed plate, and in a second or two the windows lose their heavy tint and go clear.

And you have to love those switches. Whether it’s a toggle switch (with a beautifully positive click) and built in USB sockets, a plug surround, a dimmer switch for the windows or the lights, these are all in brushed aluminium, with an engraved W in the bottom corner.

Wauquiez has seen to it that the upper switches turn on the ceiling lights while the lower lights turn on the floor lights. Someone has thought about all this.

Not to be outdone by the people in charge of tinting windows and designing light switches, the person responsible for locker catches was also on fire, They obviously thought: ‘Who wants a latch you have to push in to pop out, then twist or pull?’

Their solution: to tie knots in short bits of leather and use these as pull tabs to release the latch mechanism and open the locker door in one movement. Genius.

On deck there’s lots to enjoy too. All three wires in the transom gate slide back into the pushpit – two guardrails is one too few for Wauquiez, it seems. The coamings are wide and all lines are brought back to forward of the helm. The genoa winches can only really be used at the helm, so I’d tick the electric winch option.

The lines are led in recesses in the top of the broad coamings and these act as handholds while moving around the seating. Access to the deck is forward of each helm pedestal via a step which has a good-sized rope bin beneath it.

The helm area isn’t the widest of spaces and if I’d been wearing full winter sailing kit I might have found it a little tight, but that said Wauquiez is moving the wheel forward 3cm and hopefully it’ll also move it inboard a bit too – I kept trapping my fingers between the wheel and the corner of the helm seat coaming. The corner is bevelled for the comfort of the helmsman, but it stops where the wheel is, reducing the gap.

It’s a step up from the cockpit to the companionway before heading down again to the pilot saloon

The cockpit is set quite high – headroom in the owner’s cabin has to come from somewhere – but it didn’t feel precarious or that I was perched on top, even though the helm is as far aft as it’s possible to be. The only time the cockpit did feel high was when stepping over the bridge deck to go down below.

So this yacht is safe, stylish and practical. She was a joy to sail, too. Admittedly, the conditions were in her sweet spot with a good Force 4 and only when the apparent wind went over 20 knots did we have to ease the main to keep her composure.

The twin rudders give excellent grip in the water and the Wauquiez PS42 was unflustered even when I was trying to make her misbehave. The Jefa steering had a reassuring weight to it in the same way the door of a good car has a solid thud. On the wind we were making 32°- 36° at 6.7-7.2 knots, but on a fetch she excelled, topping out at 9.2 knots and rarely going below 7 knots on all points of sail but a dead run.

We tested hull number one the Wauquiez PS42 off Mallorca in 12-16 knots of onshore wind

Our verdict

The Wauquiez’s styling is modern and won’t appeal everyone, especially to traditionalists, but they have been well served in the past and anyone can appreciate the quality of the build and the workmanship that’s gone into this yacht. From her vacuum-infused hull, deck and inner grid structure to the finish of the visible wood, it’s all top quality stuff.

This could be seen as a boat full of gimmicks, but it’s actually an incredibly practical boat with loads of stowage space both on deck and below, and a layout that works in port and at sea. The inclusion of leecloths and decent tankage shows that this yacht is meant to sail, not just spend days port-hopping round the Med.

I have some sympathy for Wauquiez’s rivals. The Pilot Saloon 42 is a great boat. She’s unbeatable in style and looks, is well made too (one of the better first-off-the-line boats I’ve seen) has good views from the saloon and galley and sails very nicely indeed. She is not perfect – no boat is – but she’s not far off.

Specification

• Second hand boats

The living legend

A boat for life .

In 1965, Henri Wauquiez, Yachting addict, built up the first Wauquiez,  writing there the first page of the Wauquiez history, which is today more than ever, based on an exceptionnal craftman ship, the attention to the detail and the respect of the state of the heart. It results into comfortable, secure and fast boats which,  are still actively chassed by second hand buyers .

The first Elizabethan and Pretorien have been replaced by the magnificent Centurion and Pilot Saloon range and the same passion still drives the entire Wauquiez team: making every new sailboat an example of excellence.

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42 video

Wauquiez’s shipyard, in Neuville en Ferrain, close to Lille (North of France). A lifetime devoted to building extraordinary boats, that was the destiny of Henri Wauquiez, who gave his name to our workshop in 1965. Since then, Wauquiez has not chosen the path towards industrialisation.

We prefer to let our know-how flow freely by offering you original, authentic excellence boats., world cruising sailboats that are safe, performing and comfortable for all those whose lives are marked by a passion for the sea, world cruises.

The structure of a Wauquiez consists of a floorage (monobloc on some models) glued and laminated to the hull, as the bulkheads are. The keel is fixed by stainless steel bolts and a perfect rigging tension and appendages strength distribution is ensured by their total integration to the structure of the boat.

Hull construction:

The hull is molded with the utmost care, using bisphenol resins for the outer layers, to ensure a healthy and very long life to your boat. Today, Wauquiez also uses the infusion technique which, beyond the protection of the environment, guarantees an optimal resin / fiber ratio, exceptional rigidity (balsa sandwich) as well as an important weight gain.

Deck construction

The deck is also made of balsa sandwich, for excellent rigidity, and perfect sound and heat insulation; This appreciable weight gain “in the highs”, adds to the stability of your Wauquiez. The hull / deck junction, is made by a polyurethane bonding and a mechanical connection. Finally, if you have chosen a teak deck, it is nice to know that it is laid wood batten by wood batten, in the tradition of high-end sailboats.

There is rarely a hardware and rigging more carefully choosen than on a Wauquiez: only the best global brands are retained. But beyond the quality of the equipment, this choice is also for you the guarantee of an excellent service at all your stops, on all the globe seas.

Wood work :

It is undoubtedly inside a Wauquiez that the love of the job well done, which animates the cabinetmakers of the shipyard, is the most obvious.

The furniture and bulkheads are varnished and adjusted with remarkable care, to the delight of the eyes and the touch! The natural lighting of the panels and portholes, as well as the warm light of the lighting, both create an inimitable atmosphere, highlighting the exceptional finish of the woodwork of each Wauquiez sailboat.

Discover the Wauquiez range

Centurion 57′

• Longueur 17,70
• Largeur 4,95
• Moteur Yanmar 100 CV

Wauquiez 55

• Longueur 16,40
• Largeur 5,25
• Moteur 2x50 ou 2x75 cv

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 48e

• Longueur 14,77
• Largeur 4,61
• Moteur Yanmar Saildrive 110 CV

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42

• Longueur 12.99
• Largeur 4.34
• Moteur Yanmar Saildrive 57 CV

Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 58

• Longueur 17.70
• Largeur 4.95

Wauquiez top-of-the-range sailboat

Discover the range.

This post is also available in: Français ( French )

2023 Wauquiez Pilot Saloon 42

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A huge crane with a CIA history helps with the Baltimore bridge cleanup

Kathryn Fink

The Chesapeake 1000 docked in Maryland in late March. Brian Witte/AP hide caption

The Chesapeake 1000 docked in Maryland in late March.

Cleanup efforts continue after last week's fatal collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. At the center of the wreckage removal is a massive decades-old crane – the largest on the East Coast.

"Picture essentially a giant floating crane on a barge. And the proportions of this are really difficult to describe or to fathom," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg told All Things Considered last week .

Investigations

Concrete structures meant to protect baltimore bridge appear unchanged for decades.

The crane is called the Chesapeake 1000, named for the 1,000 tons it can lift. Its nickname is "Chessy," and because of its sheer size, it has held many prominent jobs over the decades.

That includes a secret CIA mission during the Cold War.

In 1968, U.S. intelligence discovered a sunken Soviet submarine in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. To recover the sub, without the Soviets knowing, the U.S. needed a new deep sea ship.

And to build that ship, they needed a huge crane. That was Chessy's first mission.

The Chesapeake 1000 crane. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images hide caption

"It was thought that there was at least one nuclear weapon aboard the sub," says Todd Bennett, an associate professor of history at East Carolina University. "And even more importantly, the portion of the sub that the CIA targeted contained a code room, a working code machine and then materials it was thought that explained how that device worked."

Bennett said the design of the recovery ship was unusual and not what you would expect for a deep ocean mining vessel. That is in large part because the ship had to hide in plain sight.

From longshoremen to charter boats, Baltimore's port closure means lost work

'We got workers in the water': Audio reveals new details of Baltimore bridge rescue

"A cover story was really essential and the agency went through a number of options, but finally settled on having the reclusive billionaire Howard Hughes pose as the owner of this ship," Bennett said. The ship was named the Hughes Glomar Explorer, after Hughes.

"Hughes was chosen for a number of reasons, but mainly because he was secretive. His firm was privately owned. There were no SEC reports to file. And so Hughes' organization was thought to be the perfect black box."

Life guards watch during the arrival of Howard Hughes' Glomar Explorer off Catalina Island, May 8, 1975. AP hide caption

The mission was partially successful after two recovery attempts, but then its cover was blown after an unauthorized leak. The CIA did not officially confirm the mission until 2010, through a partially redacted report.

Bennett says the fact that the crane is in the news again is a testament to the technical complexity of that early intelligence operation.

Baltimore bridge's collapse is the target of anti-DEI rhetoric

Consider This from NPR

Measuring the economic impact of baltimore's port closure.

"This incredible machine and the things that helped build it, they also have such a large scope, such an incredible scale that they continue to have use today in helping to clear the tragic Baltimore bridge collapse," he said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers released a plan Wednesday outlining its path forward for analyzing the wreckage and clearing the Patapsco River, saying the "situation remains dynamic" and the timeline will continually evolve as they learn more.

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• Baltimore bridge collapse

Outdoors | Explore the history of downtown Norfolk, art of…

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Things To Do

Outdoors | explore the history of downtown norfolk, art of the neon district with free walking tours.

The Downtown Norfolk Council has partnered with Norfolk Tour Company to offer 21 free monthly walking tours of the downtown and the Neon District.

The Saturday tours run through December and include notable public art in the Neon District, the importance of the Granby Street corridor, a history of downtown theaters, an urban design-themed tour focusing on downtown’s redevelopment, the Elizabeth River Trail, as well as tours of historic homes and churches.

The Neon District tours explore more than 100 pieces of public art and many local businesses that make up the neighborhood fabric.

All tours begin at The Plot at the corner of Granby Street and Olney Road. Neon District public parking is available on the street, at the Plot’s parking lot and the Harrison Opera House lot.

For a detailed schedule and more information, see www.downtownnorfolk.org .

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