Wauquiez?

Seven Spades

Seven Spades

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You don't hear much about Wauquiez yachts here. I was wondering if anyone here knows anything about them. The seem to be very well built and thought out but they are huge and I wonder about their sailing abilities. Their "Pilot Saloons" are listed as "blue water cruisers" but their rudders have no protection.

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They are part of Groupe Beneteau, and IIRC that they share some common components (hulls) with other boats built by the group. YW tested a 48 Pilot House a few years ago and I think it came out quite well in terms of performance.
 
The Centurions of the 1980's and 1990's were high quality fast cruisers for their time.

Not sure if that quality has been passed into the more modern versions.

The Kronos Catamaran was highly regarded in it's time
 
No longer affiliated to Beneteau, as they were at pains to point out at Dusseldorf. Great boat, proper deck salon..can't recall length..
 
My understanding is that while owned by the same group they function as a independent factory and design and build their own boats.

I went and saw my Jeanneau being built and there was no connection that I knew between Jeanneau boats and Beneteau boats except common ownership.

It would be sensible if they combine purchasing power but not sure whether they even do that.

IMHO They are well built boats build as owners versions only and sail well. They have picked their market position on build quality v cost and interior volume/comfort v sailing speed and its different to both jeanneau & benneteau.
 
Sailfree said:
My understanding is that while owned by the same group they function as a independent factory and design and build their own boats.

I went and saw my Jeanneau being built and there was no connection that I knew between Jeanneau boats and Beneteau boats except common ownership.

It would be sensible if they combine purchasing power but not sure whether they even do that.

IMHO They are well built boats build as owners versions only and sail well. They have picked their market position on build quality v cost and interior volume/comfort v sailing speed and its different to both jeanneau & benneteau.
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Per post #7 above, I believe they were for a short time owned by Beneteau but then separated again some years ago.
Interestingly their website is not very informative on this point, with a three line "history" section (even in the French language version), but French Wikipedia slightly more informative (if perhaps out of date)
https://fr.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wauquiez

IMHO the pilot saloons at the end of the Beneteau era had gone rather plasticy, compared to the earlier ones (c2000), but the interiors and detailing of the latest boats look to have recovered hugely (even if the pilot house styling is a matter of taste). Look forward to the YM review - and again remind look also at their Centurian and Opium performance cruisers as well.
 
Back in the day they built top notch fast cruisers. I maintain that the Centurion 32 is the best boat I've ever sailed (and I've sailed a few!) We occasionally joke that Wauquiez is French for Swan.

I'm afraid I know nothing of the modern versions though, other than they look a little generic and soulless.
 
Judders said:
Back in the day they built top notch fast cruisers. I maintain that the Centurion 32 is the best boat I've ever sailed.
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The last owner of a Centurion 32 I spoke with complained that it was rather slow. Mind you, the mast was missing above the spreaders. Lovely boat...Holman & Pye design, wasn't it?

To the OP: some friends of ours bought a modern Wauquiez 40-something a couple of years ago in France and have since sailed her to the Caribbean. I'd be happy to ask their views on her if you wish.
 
I own a Wauquiez Centurion 45S from the era that Beneteau grouper owned Wauquiez. My understanding is that whilst there was some influence and a heavy investment in new plant Beneteau did not interfere too much with them. The 2008 crash put pay to Beneteaus higher sales of the quality brand and so was sold on. It has gone through a buy out and now seems to have stable management and seems to be doing well.
I decided to go to Lille to collect an optional extra from the factory and had the opportunity to see their bespoke production facility shortly after the Düsseldorf show. The team there were very welcoming and extremely helpful then and now.
Whilst I have only had her since November I have been very pleased with the yacht, she is well built, oozes quality, yet light and, stiff. Easy and fun to sail as a fast and comfortable passage maker regularly making 8 to 10 knots in lighter winds.
My only issue is the 2.5m keel which limits some access to shallowest ports and bays BUT this helps give the great sail and if a real issue you can get a shoal draft.
The pilot saloons have a similar reputation will more space and light below.
The Aussies have called Wauquiez the French Swan. Quite a compliment. So far a big fan.
 
First Mate and I were VERY tempted by a Pilot House which we looked over very carefully with the part time liveaboard owners.

The deep draught and spade rudder counted against it for our type of sailing, although the undoubted light wind performance would have been nice. The quality was first rate.

We were lucky enough to find our first choice-a fat 'ole cruising Motor Sailer with 1.1 metre draught and a supported rudder and a huge donk for when the wind will not suit.

Wauquiez-very nice yachts IMHO.
 
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