Franck Bauguil on the Evolution of Yachting: From Passion to Innovation
Franck Bauguil, a veteran in the yachting industry, shares his journey and insights into the evolution of sailing and boat rentals. His story is one of passion, opportunity, and a relentless pursuit of improving the boating experience.
From Brittany to Global Yachting
Bauguil’s love for the sea began in Brittany, France, despite his family’s inland origins. “It’s all about a passion for the sea and boats, but also about encounters and opportunities,” he explains. Discovering sailing through school friends, he progressed from dinghies to windsurfing, eventually participating in races like the EDHEC and the Tour de France à la Voile.
An opportunity to study in the United States led him to Pennsylvania, far from sailing hotspots. However, fate intervened when his then-girlfriend’s equestrian training took them to Annapolis, Maryland. There, at a boat show, he encountered cruising catamarans and met a French skipper who introduced him to Eric Bruneel of Fountaine-Pajot. This encounter led to Bauguil becoming an agent for Fountaine Pajot in the Americas, marking his entry into the yachting business. He later joined The Moorings, where he has remained for nearly three decades.
The Moorings and the Rise of Leopard Catamarans
At The Moorings, Bauguil focused on developing boats tailored to the rental market. This led to the creation of the Leopard catamaran range, both sailing and motor yachts. Following the acquisition of The Moorings by investors who also owned Sunsail, Bauguil played a key role in integrating best practices across the two companies, including Le Boat, a fluvial boat rental company.
His primary goal is to ensure boats are enjoyable for renters and easy to maintain. “My role is to make sure that the boats are both very pleasant to live on for our tenants, and easy to maintain for us,” he states. This involves close collaboration with shipyards, providing detailed specifications and modifications.
Usage vs. Ownership: A Shifting Paradigm
Bauguil emphasizes that the concept of “usage over ownership” isn’t new, citing The Moorings’ pioneering role in developing the management-rental model in the 1970s. He breaks down the decision-making process for potential boaters:
- Rent: For those sailing less than two weeks per year.
- Management Program: Ideal for 3-6 weeks of sailing annually.
- Purchase: The best option for those sailing at least two months per year.
He also notes the increasing popularity of shared ownership among friends and family.
Evolution, Not Revolution: The Future of Yachting
While acknowledging the significant advancements in catamaran design over the past 25 years, Bauguil anticipates evolution rather than revolution in the near future. He sees potential for improvements in monohulls, such as integrating solar panel hard-tops and standardizing davits for dinghies. He also advocates for brighter, more open interiors with better views and cockpit galleys.
“When I compare the first catamarans I worked on 25 years ago to today’s boats, there has been a real revolution!”
Global Reach and Personal Passion
The Moorings and Sunsail operate 750 boats across 22 bases worldwide, facilitating approximately 12,000 departures annually. Leopard catamarans number 3,500 globally.
Bauguil resides in Miami and enjoys sailing his own boat in the Florida Keys. His recent sailing adventures include testing the Leopard 52 in South Africa, experiencing challenging conditions with 45-knot winds and 5-6 meter swells.
Key Takeaways
* Passion and opportunity drive innovation in yachting.
* The management-rental model offers a viable alternative to boat ownership.
* Future advancements will focus on enhancing comfort, sustainability, and functionality.
* The industry continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of boaters worldwide.
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