Wrighton shipyard and Bi-Loup sailboats find buyers
In September 2018, François Lebailly and his associates regretfully announced to BoatIndustry the dissolution of Wrighton Bi-Loup. The disappearance of the brand, well known in the yachting landscape, had saddened many loyal followers. But this was without counting on the resilience of a shipyard that had already been revived several times. After several months of rumors, 2 buyers, Christophe Riotte and Yoann Cotte confirmed the rebirth of Wrighton. " We're both active industrialists in other fields. And we've been sailing Bi-Loup boats for several years. So we were attached to the brand. "explains Christophe Riotte.
A reasoned resumption of Bi-Loup construction
The new owners are determined to do things right, and to take their time. Wrighton SAS, the new structure, is headquartered in La Rochelle, but boat manufacturing has been repatriated to their region, in Mâcon. " We're aiming for a gentle relaunch. We've taken the time to clarify things in terms of inventory and stock, and to transfer molds to our own workshops. We want to take the time to optimize production and transport costs so as to be efficient and make a lasting recovery. "says Christophe Riotte. " Nevertheless, we have decided to be at Grand Pavois 2019, even if the new Wrighton 36 (editor's note: new version of the Bi-Loup 109) is not yet ready, to show that the brand is enduring and progressing. "
The company currently employs around ten people.
A more youthful, qualitative positioning
The new team wants to work on the image of the boats and their positioning in the yachting market. The range is based on the Wrighton 26 and Wrighton 30 models, for which the first quotations are being drawn up and production is ready to start. A new version of the Bi-Loup 109, renamed Wrighton 36, is announced this year, reworked with its architect Vincent Lebailly and designer Pierre Frutschi. " Our aim is to rejuvenate the brand by working on performance. We're also going to work on interior finishing with our carpenter companions, who carry out boat fittings in-house. We're aiming for a quality that comes close to the Hallberg-Rassy concept. "illustrates the buyer.
For boat hulls and decks, Wrighton will be able to draw on the know-how of Mr Riotte's other companies, which are active in technical composite parts.
Commercially, the boat sales network is being reorganized. " We set up referents by geographical area. "concludes Christophe Riotte.
