Marine carpentry firm Penhap Bois Océan has acquired Guip Shipyard’s facility on the Île-aux-Moines in the Gulf of Morbihan on the southern coast of Brittany, France.
Guip Shipyard will now concentrate its activities at its workshop in Brest (Finistère).
The Île-aux-Moines facility dates back to 1976 when Guip Shipyard was founded by Francis Duwez and specialises in the building, repair and restoration of wooden historic workboats and small yachts including deck structures, interiors, masts and spars.
Facilities at the Île-aux-Moines yard include a 1,000sqm workshop along with a slipway and outside space for overwintering of craft.
The Brest yard – founded in 981 – is able to accommodate classic yachts and historic vessels up to 100 tons and incorporates a range of trades including carpentry, joinery, and electrical engineering.
Important decision
Over the years, Guip Shipyard has rebuilt and restored a number of vessels from the golden age of yachting including Hispania IV, an 8-metre class that once belonged to King Alfonso XIII of Spain; Pen Coat, a Norwegian boat built by Fife in 1905; Vanity V a 12-metre class Fife from 1936; and Wings, a 12-metre class built by Camper & Nicholson in 1937.
“This is an important decision for us as our history began on the island, 50 years ago. This workshop has forged our know-how and will remain at the heart of our experience,” said father and son team Yann and Tegwen Mauffret, co-owners of the Guip Shipyard.
“Throughout all these years, the Guip Shipyard has stood alongside the sailors, nurturing and enriching with talent the maritime heritage of the Gulf of Morbihan.”
Complete confidence
They continued: “We have complete confidence in the team taking over and we are at ease. It is thanks to those who now ensure its future and management: Pauline Nouvellon and Nicolas Chanteloup, at the head of Penhap Bois Océan.”
And Yann and Tegwen thanked all their customers and reassured them that the shipyard’s carpenters will remain and continue to provide the same service.
Penhap Bois Océan is a new company founded by Pauline Nouvellon and Nicolas Chanteloup to preserve traditional wooden boatbuilding heritage and expertise.
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