2_4_DiscoverBenelux_13_Januar_2014_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 17/12/2014 15:22 Page 38
For a true experience of the sea, choose Wauquiez Yachts Wauquiez is a name, a brand, and more importantly a tradition in the art of crafting luxurious sailing boats of the highest quality. With 50 years of history and constantly creating new designs and improving their current models, a sailing yacht signé Wauquiez is likely to become your next big investment. TEXT: BETTINA GUIRKINGER | PHOTOS: WAUqUIEz
Founded in 1965 because of Henri Wauquiez's love for the quality and speed of sailing boats, the shipyard grew rapidly and soon started exporting to the UK, Germany and Scandinavia from its workshop in northern France. This was also the result of a close collaboration with British architects to make the designs both efficient, safe and beautiful. Today, the luxury brand is stronger than ever in the creation of semi-custom models, meant to fit everyone's aim and ambition: from a yacht for four to five yearly leisure trips on the Mediterranean Sea to a ship fit for a fullscale crossing of the Atlantic or a sailing trip in the Caribbean – Wauquiez has it all.
Satisfying your sailing ambitions Some of the models available are all-time classics, such as the Centurion, which gave birth to the Gladiator models 9, 10
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and 11. Built for performance and comfort, this beauty possesses a slender hull, sleek lines, a low, discreet roof and a cockpit and deck designed for manoeuvring and relaxing. With a powerful build, thoroughbred and as steerable as a racing yacht, the result is a perfect mixture of comfort, elegance and strength. Other popular models include the Pilot Saloon, Opium and Optio. The Pilot Saloon stands out by her elegance and innovation, both above and below deck. She offers an aft cockpit and owners’ cabin, as well a panoramic view from the saloon, which offers optimal interior lighting and exceptional sea views. The hull is made of sandwich fiberglass/balsa, using the vacuum infusion technique: unidirectional and complex quadri-axial and UD glass-fabrics infused with vinylester resin, and impreg-
nated, vertical balsa ensure further lightness and strength. The vinylester resin and gel coat suppress osmosis phenomena. The deck is processed with the same technique, but with PVC foam instead of balsa for further weight reduction above the waterline. The Opium on the other hand is far more suitable for cruising, racing or a voyage. Her speed, safety and comfort make her an ideal option for longer adventures. On top of this, she gives the feeling of home away from home through her luxurious and spacious interior which successfully combines waxed teak and composite materials. Finally, the Optio stands out as the first Daysailer created by the brand, and incorporates all the hallmark features. Among