The Best-Selling Sailboats in the World
The increase in purchasing power, a new culture of leisure, but also of adventure, and technological and industrial revolutions have allowed the discovery of sailing and boating since the 1950s. Habitable sailing, for cruising or racing, then experienced popular success. This passion for sailing enabled the development of numerous shipyards and sailmakers. These, accompanied by talented architects, gave birth to boats that have marked the history of yachting. In France, some big names like Edel, Yachting France, Quere, Aubin, and Mallard accompanied popular yachting before disappearing. At the same time, naval architects like Jean Jacques Herbulot, Michel Dufour, Maurice Edel, Philippe Harlé, and Jean Marie Finot allowed this popular sailing to flourish thanks to a forward-thinking vision and a real desire to share their passion. Some series of sailboats have become legends and have marked several generations. French shipyards dominate the ranking, even though the podium is occupied by American sailboats. Their production since the 1950s and the remarkable sense of innovation of naval architects have greatly contributed to the development of yachting worldwide.
Catalina 22
The first place is awarded to the Catalina 22. This small American sailboat from the shipyard of the same name arrived in 1969. It was designed by architect Frank Butler. 15,000 units have been built since that date. An absolute record. It should be noted, however, that this fast, transportable centerboarder, somewhat equivalent to the Surprise in France, has undergone several modifications since its inception. And today's models have evolved significantly compared to the first versions. Length: 6.55m, Width: 2.34m, Draft: 0.51/1.51m.
J24
The J24 is another American sailboat. This Rod Johnstone design has been built in more than 5,300 units since 1976. It is more of a one-design racing boat than a cruising sailboat. But everyone in the USA knows this boat, at least by name, even if it is less known in France than the J80 racing sailboat. For leisure sailing, it will be more complicated to manage this keelboat, which is too wide to meet road gauge standards. It is very present in Anglo-Saxon countries and in Europe. Length: 7.32m, Width: 2.70m, Draft: 1.20m.
Folkboat
The second place goes to the famous Folkboat. This traditional Nordic one-design could even take first place. Indeed, 4,200 Folkboats have been built by different shipyards, all to the same plan. To these series units must be added the amateur units and the non-certified Folkboats. This design by Swedish architect Tord Sunden was born in 1941. The Folkboat is undoubtedly the best-known and most popular sailboat in the world. Length: 7.68m, Width: 2.20m, Draft: 1.20m.
Corsaire
And here is the first French boat. This design by Jean Jacques Herbulot is the symbol of popular yachting. More than 3,500 units have been built since 1954. This small 5.50m micro is as comfortable in racing as in cruising. The stories of sailing and the memories of sailors aboard this plywood sailboat are countless. Its owners' association is one of the most active in France. Length: 5.50m, Width: 1.90m, Draft: 1.10 or 0.50/1.00m.
First 210
The fifth place goes to a sailboat born in 1992. It is a true popular and commercial success. The First 210 has been built in more than 3,500 units. This Finot design is a marvel. It has been very successful due to its ease of sailing, maintenance, and above-average marine qualities. It had a career of nearly 30 years. It has borne several names (First 211, 21.7, or 21). Length: 6.40m, Width: 2.48m, Draft: 0.70/1.80m.
Edel 2 and Edel 5
The Edel 2 sailboat became successful thanks to its victory in the 1978 Micro-Cup. And at that time, it was already 10 years old. This design by Maurice Edel is one of his greatest successes. 2,100 units of the Edel 2 were built. But Maurice Edel did not stop there and proposed the Edel 5, which also surpassed the 2,000-unit mark. A magnificent success for these boats, especially present in France and Switzerland. Edel 2: Length: 5.60m, Width: 2.10m, Draft: 0.50/1.00m. Edel 5: Length: 5.40m, Width: 2.45m, Draft: 0.90m.
Sangria
The Sangria sailboat is one of the great successes of the Jeanneau shipyard and architect Philippe Harlé. This small 7.50m cruiser was also very popular in racing. 2,500 units were built by the Vendée shipyard between 1969 and 1982. The Sangria owes its success to a pleasant hull and excellent marine behavior. Note: Before being built by the Jeanneau shipyard, the Sangria was briefly offered by Gibert Marine. Length: 7.60m, Width: 2.70m, Draft: 1.25m or 1.50m.
Westerly Centaur
The Westerly Centaur (England) is the best-known bilge keel. This English sailboat is very present in the English Channel and southern Brittany. This sturdy sailboat, designed by Laurent Giles, was built in more than 2,400 units. It undoubtedly popularized this type of appendage. It was built from 1969 to 1980. Length: 8.00m, Width: 2.60m, Draft: 0.90m.
Fantasia
The Fantasia sailboat was the successor to the Sangria. It also experienced enormous commercial and popular success. Even today, this boat is highly sought after for its habitability and marine qualities. A great success for this Harlé design, built in 1,700 units from 1981 to 1991 by the Jeanneau shipyard. The Fantasia remains one of the greatest successes in its size since the 1980s. Length: 7.70m, Width: 2.88m, Draft: 1.50m or 0.81/1.70m.
Arpège
The Arpège is one of the greatest successes of the Dufour shipyard and its founder Michel Dufour. It is one of his first sailboats, along with the Sylphe. This 9-meter racing cruiser experienced great commercial success, both on the water, between three buoys, and offshore. 1,500 Arpèges were built by the Dufour shipyard from 1967 to 1974. Length: 9.25m, Width: 3.00m, Draft: 1.65m.
Surprise
The Surprise sailboat is capable of offering beautiful day trips, comfortable coastal cruises, and being one of the best racing sailboats of its generation. This sailboat, designed by Michel Joubert and built by the Archambault shipyard, was built in 1,500 units. This one-design is still highly appreciated. Length: 7.65m, Width: 2.48m, Draft: 0.70/1.60m.
Challenger Scout
The Challenger Scout is a sailboat built from 1969 by the Cormoran, Quéré, and its architect Gaubert shipyards. This small sailboat is actually an adaptation of a Mauric design, the Super Challenger. Jacques Gaubert worked with André Mauric for a long time and developed the designs. The Challenger Scout experienced great success with 1,500 units produced until 1980. It is a very versatile boat, lively in all conditions. Length: 7.20m, Width: 2.50m, Draft: 1.05m.
Oceanis 411
If the Fantasia or the First 210 are the greatest successes of recent years, the most impressive success is undoubtedly that of the Oceanis 411. 1,400 units of this over 12-meter sailboat were built by the Bénéteau shipyard. This success is probably due to the booming charter market in the 1990s and 2000s. This Finot design was produced from 1997 to 2004. The Oceanis 411 offers impressive living space and excellent marine qualities. Length: 12.70m, Width: 3.95m, Draft: 1.70m.
Muscadet
The Muscadet is also a great commercial success. 690 units were produced by the Aubin shipyard from 1963 to 1981. However, more than 1,000 units were built, including amateur versions and other versions of this Harlé design. This sailboat was the symbol of offshore sailing on a budget. A whole era. Like the Corsaire, the Muscadet has its enthusiasts, and the owners' association is very active. Length: 6.40m, Width: 2.26m, Draft: 1.12m or 0.75/1.25m
Bien sûr! Voici la traduction en anglais :
Other Successes in Yachting
These sailboats have become big names in popular yachting worldwide. However, let's not forget the other yachting successes produced in large series. Some of these boats are still very present in our ports and series that are still very active. Among the most well-known, we can name:
- Challenger Scout also had great success with 1,500 units sold.
- The First 30, the first First from the Bénéteau shipyard, designed by André Mauric and built in 1,100 units.
- First 25, designed by Jean Marie Finot and built by Bénéteau in more than 1,300 units from 1979 to 1984.
- L’Ecume de Mer, from the Mallard shipyard and designed by Jean Marie Finot, built in 1,350 units from 1970 to 1979.
- The First 31.7, designed by the Finot Group and built in 1,100 units by Bénéteau from 1997 to 2009.
- The Challenger Micro, built in more than 1,000 units and designed by Jacques Gaubert from 1978 to 2000.
- The Kelt 6.20, designed by Philippe Harlé and built in 1,300 units from 1974 to 1984.
- The Aquila, another Harlé design built by Jeanneau in 1,100 units from 1977 to 1984.
- Lagoon 380 built in more than 800 units.
- Lagoon 450 built in more than 1,000 units between the F and S versions.
- Lagoon 620 and 630 from the same mold built in more than 150 units.
- Jeanneau Sun 2000, an excellent dayboat with around 1,400 units.
- The Sun 2000, designed by Olivier Petit and built by Jeanneau in 1,200 units from 1999 to 2009.
- The Sun Light 30, designed by Daniel Andrieu and built in 1,000 units by Jeanneau from 1986 to 1991.
- Chassirons (Junior, CF, CG, TDM, and numerous motorboats) from the Richard shipyard, which was the last to build boats with wooden hulls. Later, under the influence of Michel Joubert, the hulls were built in polyester, but the interiors were still made of wood.
