Founded in 1984 by Hubert Desjoyeaux, Jean Le Cam and Gaëtan Gouérou, CDK Group has established itself as a major player in ocean racing. With 44 boats to its credit, the shipyard has distinguished itself in the most prestigious classes, such as ORMA, IMOCA, MOD70, ULTIM and Multi50. These boats, designed for the greatest competitions, reflect the yard's technical know-how and innovative spirit. CDK doesn't just follow technological developments, it anticipates and shapes them, as demonstrated by the 5 Vendée Globe victories of its boats.
CDK's participation in major classes, such as ORMA and IMOCA, has been the driving force behind numerous victories. These classes, designed for speed and performance, require advanced skills in naval engineering and composite materials. The IMOCA class, in particular, has played a central role in the shipyard's development, with boats such as Charal 2 or Master Rooster V ready for the start of the next Vendée Globe. CDK has not only distinguished itself in the design of these yachts, but also in its mastery of foil technology, a key element in modern racing.
The foil: an ever-evolving technology
Among CDK's major innovations is the adoption and perfecting of foils. These appendages enable boats to reduce their resistance to water by literally "flying" over the waves. In addition to improving boat speed, foils represent a technical challenge for the shipyard's teams, who must constantly push back the limits in terms of design and materials. CDK is currently working on projects for IMOCA foils for the Vendée Globe 2028, demonstrating its lead in race technology.
Tomorrow's challenge: decarbonizing the maritime sector
Under the impetus of its shareholder, Inspiring Sport Capital, CDK is now focusing on a major challenge: the decarbonization of maritime transport. This evolution is based on innovations developed for ocean racing, notably the use of lighter, more resistant materials, which reduce the energy consumption of boats. Racing, a veritable technological laboratory, enables the shipyard to transpose these innovations into solutions applicable to commercial transport. The development of masts for the INEOS BRITANNIA team, entered in the 37th edition of the America's Cup, is also part of this dynamic of performance and sustainability.
Internationally recognized expertise
CDK's expertise is not limited to ocean racing. The yard has been selected to build the masts for the British team INEOS BRITANNIA for the 37th America's Cup, one of the world's most prestigious sailing competitions. This collaboration marks a new stage in the international recognition of the French shipyard's know-how, particularly in the mastery of composite materials and cutting-edge technologies. CDK Group is thus exporting its expertise across borders and consolidating its image as an innovative leader.
Strategic development on three sites
Present in La-Forêt-Fouesnant, Lorient and La Rochelle, CDK has diversified its activities and structured itself to meet the requirements of its various projects. Read CDK Technologies finalizes its move to La Rochelle . This multi-location structure enables the shipyard to manage large-scale projects, while remaining close to its customers, whether from the racing or commercial sectors. With 120 highly qualified employees, CDK is a benchmark not only for the design of racing boats, but also for the development of new sustainable marine solutions.
CDK's future: between innovation and ecological transition
As CDK celebrates 40 years of marine innovation, the future looks just as ambitious. With new projects underway, such as the construction of a new ULTIM. At the same time, the focus on decarbonizing maritime transport is paving the way for innovative solutions that will benefit the entire sector. CDK, with its expertise in ocean racing, is poised to play a leading role in the ecological transition of the maritime world.
