A new shipyard in Lanvéoc
Arnaud Godart-Philippe created AGP Course au Large in 2008. For the needs of his Figaro Bénéteau 2 project, the skipper set up his preparation yard in Camaret-sur-Mer, on the Crozon peninsula. He is now moving to Lanvéoc, close to the Ecole Navale. "It's a former NATO base. The French Navy has now handed it over to the agglomeration community. Today, we're a bit like the first Mohican" ironizes the entrepreneur who hopes to be joined by other nautical companies.
A telescopic nave to accommodate larger boats
In its new premises, Arnaud Godart-Philippe will be able to accommodate larger units. "We were on a 12 by 6 metre container base in Camaret, there we will have 250 m² of covered space, with a telescopic nave to accommodate boats up to 20 metres long. With 6 meters under doors, we will be able to accommodate deep-draught sailing boats" rejoices Arnaud Godart-Philippe.
The site, scheduled to be operational in January 2021, will cover 2,000 m² on the 3 hectares of the former military base. It will thus be able to offer a dry port service. "The quay, 100 metres away, allows access for boats with draughts of 6 to 7 metres. There are plans to invest in a hydraulic cradle with a 12-tonne capacity for handling", explains the AGP Course au Large skipper.
Combining yachting and ocean racing
Born for sport sailing, the shipyard will be able to expand its activity. "We're going to open up to super yachting, cruising, for refit or the preparation of special programmes. The shipyard offers integrated services, with composite, painting, sandblasting? We are also currently working for NKE on the development of composite parts", says Arnaud Godart-Philippe. Offshore racing remains on the programme, with one of the employees preparing a Mini 6.50 project and the founder carrying a Route du Rhum project in 6 years time. "We can welcome racers on our premises and also help them to set up a project" he adds.
The AGP Course au Large team should soon be joined by a new stratifier. The sustainability of employment is part of the company's project. "Initially, working in the yachting industry was aimed at keeping the teams together because there is little stability in ocean racing, and it can be difficult to find people when it comes time to set up a new project," says the AGP boss. Let's hope that this consolidation will continue.
