Meta Yachts: A Storied Shipyard Faces Liquidation

Meta Yachts, based in Tarare, Rhône, was a well-known name among enthusiasts of long-distance sailing. The shipyard gained recognition in the 1960s for building robust aluminum hulls designed for extensive voyages. One of its sailboats, Joshua, became legendary in 1968 when Bernard Moitessier embarked on a solo circumnavigation, famously choosing to abandon the Golden Globe Race and continue his journey into the Southern Seas.

Another loyal customer was the singer and sailor Antoine, who frequently used Meta Yachts boats to traverse the oceans. In his books and videos, he often highlighted the durability of these vessels, which became a hallmark of the shipyard over time.

An Ambitious Revival

After a period of slowdown, Meta Yachts was acquired in 2020 by naval architect Philippe Brabetz. At the time, the company had a turnover of approximately €500,000 and employed five people. Over four years, it experienced rapid growth, reaching a turnover of nearly €2 million in 2024, with a team of 15 employees.

In January 2024, the shipyard leased an 800 m2 workshop in Villefranche-sur-Saône, within the port of the Beaujolais community, to assemble hulls of 15 meters and larger. Simultaneously, a second project was launched in Saint-Louis-du-Rhône (Bouches-du-Rhône), where a former repair shop was to be transformed into a workshop dedicated to the construction of aluminum catamarans.

A Scientific Project Weighs on Finances

However, 2024 also marked the beginning of difficulties. Meta Yachts signed a contract with Inrae (National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment) to manufacture a scientific vessel. The shipyard devoted more resources to this project than anticipated.

“This project was not profitable; we spent much more time on it than expected. Our cash flow became strained,” explained Philippe Brabetz.

This initial setback was followed by a glimmer of hope: in September, Meta won a €4.8 million tender to build two electric river shuttles for the Paris Est Marne & Bois community in Joinville-le-Pont (Val-de-Marne). This contract could have secured the shipyard’s future. However, the dissolution of the National Assembly in June 2024 blocked the vote on the community’s budget, preventing the contract from being finalized. The funding was primarily dependent on Île-de-France Mobilités, which was itself affected by the political context.

Liquidation Declared in July

Placed in receivership in April 2025, the company attempted a recovery plan with the support of a business angel. But it was in vain. The Commercial Court of Villefranche-sur-Saône declared judicial liquidation in early July, facing liabilities estimated at €1.4 million. The company then had ten employees.

Philippe Brabetz indicated that he is still in contact with an investor interested in acquiring the assets from the liquidator. While there are no guarantees, there is hope of preserving at least some of the shipyard’s expertise.

Meta Yachts represents over sixty years of history, boats designed to last, and an image associated with long-distance cruising. While the revival efforts of recent years have succumbed to economic and political challenges, the shipyard’s name remains linked to major figures in French yachting and a rare type of construction: aluminum boats designed to withstand all seas.

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