Jean-Marie Finot, eminent French naval architect, passed away on April 2, 2025 at the age of 83. His death represents a significant loss for the world of naval architecture and sailing.
A journey dedicated to the sea
Jean-Marie Finot has devoted his life to the design of innovative, high-performance sailboats. As a teenager, he developed a passion for sailing, which soon led him to start designing sailboats.
Fruitful collaborations
After an internship with Philippe Harlé, Jean-Marie Finot opened his own firm in 1973. In 1985, he joined forces with Pascal Conq, forming a complementary Finot-Conq duo that would leave a lasting mark on naval architecture. Their collaboration resulted in the creation of racing and cruising yachts renowned for their balance and reliability.
Emblematic achievements
Among Jean-Marie Finot's many creations, the Écume de Mer, designed in 1968, particularly stands out. This yacht won the Quarter Ton Cup in 1970 and 1972, and was voted "Boat of the Year" in 1975. In collaboration with Pascal Conq, he also designed 60-foot IMOCA monohulls, which dominated ocean racing in the 1990s and 2000s, winning four consecutive editions of the Vendée Globe.
A lasting legacy
Jean-Marie Finot leaves behind an impressive legacy, with more than 45,000 boats built by amateurs and renowned shipyards alike. And over 200 different models. His innovative approach and constant quest for perfection have profoundly influenced the world of yachting and ocean racing.
His memory will live on through the many boats he created and the generations of sailors he inspired.
