French naval architect Jean-Marie Finot has died.
Born in 1941, Jean-Marie was the founder of the Finot Group, and later of Finot-Conq.
Jean-Marie began his naval architectural career in 1968 while working at the Glénan sailing school before founding the Finot Group.
One of his first craft was the International Offshore Rule Quarter Ton class champion Ecume de Mer (Sea Foam), which he designed in 1968.
The initial prototype was built in aluminium by Huisman in the Netherlands and in 1969, the Mallard shipyard began producing it in series and in composite materials.
In 1985, Group Finot joined forces with Pascal Conq in 1985 with the company becoming Finot-Conq in 2009.
By 2017 the company had designed 61 boats for its biggest customer, Beneteau, with the two oganisations having begun their relationship in 1977 with the First 22.
Other firsts followed for Group Finot with a victory in the Mini-Transat in 1989 and the design of the Figaro Beneteau one-design boat for the Course du Figaro in 1990.
We searched for sturdiness, the simplicity of a flower at sea, the elegance of a bird.
Jean-Marie Finot
The first 210 is one of Group Finot’s many success stories with nearly 5,000 models produced.
Describing the yacht, Jean-Marie said the firm had searched for simplicity and elegance.
“In 1992, François Chalain, Pascal Conq and myself set ourselves the challenge of setting sail with a small yacht: a cockpit for four people, a simple set of sails, a simple space, an elegant boat inside and out that could be trailed and beached,” explained Jean-Marie.
“Safety led us to a displacement of over 1,000kg and retractable ballast, for greater stability.
“The boat was unsinkable. The search for simplicity guided us towards the integrated coachroof, bringing manoeuvres into the cockpit, and creating good vision to the bow. We searched for sturdiness, the simplicity of a flower at sea, the elegance of a bird.
“The response was her success and the love of sailors for their boat.”
Over the decades, the company has seen countless wins and awards with more than 40,000 boats built to their plans sailing all over the world including at least 18 60ft yachts designed and built for seven Vendée Globe races.
The 60ft IMOCAs designed by Finot Conq have taken to the starting line more than 30 times with many victories and second places and countless innovations to the boats developed over the years including twin rudders, lifting rudders and composite keel fins.
In a statement, Finot Conq Architects paid tribute to Jean-Marie’s career.
“An innovator throughout his immense career, his mathematical, scientific, philosophical, and poetic approach to sailing has enabled him to achieve numerous successes,” said a spokesperson.
Jean-Marie revolutionized naval architecture with his boats that were fast, safe, easy to steer and operate, comfortable, and elegant.
Finot Conq Architects
“From the Ecume de Mer to the Vendée Globe, including the Admiral’s Cup, the Mini-Transat, the Route du Rhum, and many others, his boats have achieved countless racing victories.”
The spokesperson added: “But Jean-Marie was at least as proud of having designed remarkable cruise ships, some of which were sold in thousands, undeniable proof of the success of his great leitmotif: harmony with the sea.
“A significant figure for all those who knew him, Jean-Marie revolutionized naval architecture with his boats that were fast, safe, easy to steer and operate, comfortable, and elegant.”
The spokesperson concluded: “For us, who proudly follow in his footsteps, he was a demanding master, a reliable guide, and an inexhaustible source of inspiration.
“Thank you, Jean-Marie, we wish you wonderful sailing among the stars.”
