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Founded in 2007 by Michel Douville de Franssu, Black Pepper Yachts has made a name for itself on the French yachting scene with its customized 8 to 25-meter monohulls and catamarans, combining aesthetics and technical sophistication. The shipyard follows in the tradition of high-end craftsmanship, while working with leading-edge partners (Multiplast, North Sails, Harken, Karver, Lorima, Facnor).
Long-distance transmission
The arrival of Thomas Brette, 51, former CEO of the BIC group and still a shareholder in the group, marks a turning point. He took over the business, surrounding himself with investors such as Mer Invest, Pays de la Loire Participations and BPI. Michel Douville de Franssu remains a shareholder, working alongside the teams to ensure a smooth handover.
Thomas Brette affirms his desire to "structure and develop" the shipyard, while maintaining its fundamentals: high technical standards, extensive customization and distinctive design. He also wants to enhance the shipyard's appeal by bringing in new talent and architects.
With dozens of yachts delivered to date, Black Pepper Yachts benefits from recognized expertise in France and abroad. Thomas Brette makes no secret of his ambition to perpetuate this level of excellence by reinforcing processes, without falling into an industrialization that would dilute the shipyard's artisanal identity.
This structuring is aimed in particular at ensuring impeccable deliveries, streamlining production, and building an organization capable of supporting controlled diversification.
Towards a broader offering: catamarans, monohulls and one-offs
The future of Black Pepper Yachts is shaped around new ranges, with tailor-made projects, whether sail or power, catamaran or monohull, potentially extending up to 25 meters. The objective is clear: to maintain a top-of-the-range offering, but one that is more diversified.
Opening up to new designers, welcoming young talent and maintaining a network of top-level technical partners will be the cornerstones of this new phase.
A local support ecosystem
The presence of investors such as Mer Invest (a subsidiary of Banque Populaire Grand Ouest and Crédit Maritime) and Pays de la Loire Participations testifies to their strong support for Thomas Brette's vision. Both are committed to the development of the region's industrial sectors, of which yachting is an integral part.
The shipyard, based in the Pays de la Loire region of France, could thus become a growth model for other players in the niche yachting sector, combining customization, high standards and industrial expertise in the service of exceptional units.
