Market contraction notwithstanding, 2012 has been a most interesting year in the yachting world. It is difficult to cover all that has happened in a few pages, but we attempted to bring you a snapshot. Our wandering editors highlighted a few of the noteworthy happenings of the past 12 months, which may lead to yet more exciting things soon to come.
Couach’s flagship was five years in the making. During that time the company went through several ownership and leadership changes and the tragic death of its young CEO. New investors Nepteam took over in November 2011. Through it all, Couach continued to work on this impressive and voluminous Kevlar-and-carbon composite yacht, the largest such yacht built in France.
With exterior design by Couach’s in-house team and an interior by Jean-Pierre Fantini, the newly unveiled Couach flagship will no doubt attract attention. Built in infused glass Kevlar reinforced with carbon, this flybridge yacht can reach speeds up to 30 knots but also has a nice long range at cruising speed.
French shipyard Couach has endured a span of difficult years. Although sold and bought several times in recent years, it has remained on task, developing, building and launching quality yachts, including, most recently, its flagship. Couach signed the contract of Hull No. 1 of its 5000 custom series several years ago, and she is finally here.