Death of Robert Rigaudeau
The French boating industry has lost a figure who was little known to the general public. Robert Rigaudeau, a pillar of the Jeanneau brand from the time it entered the market until 2005, died in early March 2023, at the age of 78. He was behind more than 200 models from the Vendée shipyard, and one of the key players in its transition to polyester.
Companion of the 1st hour of Henry Jeanneau
Robert Rigaudeau joined Jeanneau in 1959 as an apprentice, at the age of 14. After building his first wooden boats, the Vendée-based builder tried his hand at polyester. The young man became interested in the subject and took part in numerous tests at the shipyard on the use of resin and fiberglass, starting with 2CV chassis. He testified to this a few years ago: "In the beginning, we were making three boats a week. It was very artisanal. We built everything from wooden preforms, from the keel to the ribs. We had to prove to customers that polyester was as good as wood. The first model was called "Sport polyester". Then there were the "Mirage" and the "Prélude". Polyester became the definitive choice."
A pillar of the design office
Robert Rigaudeau became a key figure in Jeanneau's design office. He designed the first in-house polyester boats, some of which have left their name in the history of yachting, from the Rigiflex range to the first Leader in the motor. He was also behind the first sailing boats, such as the Brio and the Flirt. He also participated in more marginal projects such as the JTA motorboat racing boats in Formula 1 and Formula 3000, and the attempt at river boats in the Eau Claire range. In total, this self-taught naval architect has signed more than 200 models, without being known by the general public.
Let's try to repair this injustice with a little delay, by retracing this unusual course.
The team at bateaux.com extends its sincere condolences to the architect's family.
