From TS Catamarans to Ocean Rider Catamarans
Since the launch of the TS range in 2014, the shipyard from Lorient, France, Marsaudon Composites has built a solid reputation in the sector of high performance cruising racing catamarans. However, the latter has chosen to change the name of its range when announcing its future 57-foot catamaran. Damien Cailliau, CEO of the multihull specialist justifies this change from TS, for Très Simple to ORC for Ocean Rider Catamarans by several aspects. "First of all, Très Simple is French and it's not understandable on an international level. We needed a name in English, as the reputation of the boats was growing beyond France, in Europe and in the English-speaking world, in the United States and Oceania. We worked hard with our current owners to find a name that would be audible and understandable internationally. It also sticks more to the DNA of our boats which are not just very simple to sail and inside. They are still very simple to sail, which we are working on through the ergonomics of the boat. The interior is uncluttered, but not ascetic, you can have a heater, a washing machine or a fridge! Finally, very simple is not a qualifier in which our customers recognize themselves."
A 57-foot catamaran by Lombard
The new ORC 57 is the first model launched since Damien Cailliau and Frédéric Blandin took over the Sam Marsaudon shipyard, and also marks a change of architect. Marc Lombard is taking over from Christophe Barreau to develop the range. "We had been approached by several architects who wanted to work with us, excited by the positioning of the yard. We consulted several of them and the proposals from the Marc Lombard firm convinced us," explains Damien Cailliau. The 57-foot catamaran for 11.3 tons of light displacement is announced with very high performance, reaching 25/30 knots. The ORC 57 should be at the rendezvous for ocean racing. "There are already announcements of the Route du Rhum 2022" slips the yard directors.
Exclusive and international boats
While the TS42 has sold 18 units since 2014 and the TS5 10 units since 2017, the yard wants to maintain a reasonable production. "We are aiming for 10 to 15 boats per year across the entire range. These are still exclusive boats with a small production" says the manager. Subcontracting and one-off production remain on the program to keep and feed the skills of the yard.
Sales are evenly split between France and export, mainly in Europe, but the international market is the main growth driver for ORC catamarans. "Our prospect base is becoming increasingly international" rejoices Damien Cailliau.
