Chantier Naval Couach is a famous semi-custom luxury yacht builder, operating since 1897. Couach specialises in naval architecture, exterior styling, interior design and offers a full range of luxury performance yachts. in 2007 Couach had a huge success with its 37-metre 3700 Fly model, when five models were ordered even before the first yacht was on the water. This year the company has been undergoing some dynamic changes. The following is a press release on the latests news from Chantier Naval Couach.
Press Release
CHANGES AT CHANTIER NAVAL COUACH HERALD A NEW ERA
-Announcements put Couach back on the international yachting radar
-New management additions reinforce the team’s strong line-up
-New range soon to be unveiled alongside collaboration with a world- renowned designer
-23m fast flybridge yacht sold and close to delivery
Heralding the start of a new era for oldest French yacht builder Chantier Naval Couach, the company has announced a number of dynamic changes to its team, as well as a new range of yacht designs to represent a more contemporary look for the company. Couach is also working on a collaborative project with a world famous yacht designer, to be announced in the coming weeks.
COUACH NEW TEAM
The new wave of talent joining Couach includes a CEO, Deputy General Manager, and Marketing and Communications Assistant. While respecting the original philosophy of bringing excellence to its clients instilled in Couach’s DNA, the appointments are expected to signal a new momentum in its commercial and creative development.
Walter Ceglia takes up the post as CEO of Chantier Naval Couach, to drive the company’s new growth. A Harvard Business School alumnus who speaks six languages, Ceglia brings two decades of experience in the energy, automotive and electronics industries across four continents to Couach. A dynamic and motivating leader, he is expected to bring a new tempo to the yard’s activities, while continuing to work with his predecessor to continue the strengths for which the company is best known.
Walter commented on his appointment: “Working for a company that is responsible for the production of such a high-quality yachts from the start of the design process through to delivery is was one of the greatest draws for this role. Yachting is a personal passion of mine, and I look forward to combining my business and analytical skills with my experience in manufacturing at Couach.”
Walter is joined by new Deputy General Manager Michel Prezioso, who will also be managing the marketing and sales activities for Couach. An expert in luxury markets, Michel Prezioso combines this commercial experience with his career in the maritime services industry to perfectly suit his new role.
Regarding the attraction to his new role, Michel commented: “I joined Couach because I’m passionate about boats and navigation. I have known the Couach brand for many years and I firmly believe that the opportunities and potential for development will deliver incredible success to the shipyard. We are writing a new page in the history of Couach, and I am motivated to contribute to this.”
Michel’s commercial endeavours will be supported by new Marketing and Communications Assistant Camille Pinel. Having grown up in a maritime environment of sailors, shipbuilding engineers and yacht brokers, Pinel spent over a decade in Saudi Arabia and realized a part of her studies in the Moscow State University. She is well placed to lead Couach’s marketing efforts, and to explore the potential in emerging markets.
Guillaume Peuchant, recently appointed Vice-President Defense, is managing PLASCOA department (defense and professional boats) since now 5 years. Former Naval Architect and working in the maritime activity for 20 years. Guillaume travels all over the world to introduce Couach Plascoa experience in governmental administrations such as Coast Guards, Customs and Navies. “Couach is a company where everything becomes possible thanks to fully integrated shipyard with in-house naval architects, design office and R&D departments. Sky is the limit!” commented Guillaume.
From 1st September 2016, Virginie Piccolo becomes part of the new Commercial Department. She will be responsible for the Business Development and the Marketing of the Brand. With more than 15 years of experience in the world of luxury and based in the French Riviera, she will strengthen the shipyard’s image and she will also promote the renovation of the Couach brand.
TWO NEW CONCEPTS FROM IN-HOUSE DESIGNERS
As well as these team announcements, Couach has released the first details of two new concepts from in-house designers Clément Carbonne and Diane Viboud, as part of a fully revised product line. The inspiring new concepts include an adventurousnew 38m explorer model with a semi- displacement hull (this first at the attached image), as well as the largest superyacht design to come from the company’s own drafting table. Couach choose to propose this displacement yacht category because Couach boats are above all made for those who require made-to-measure services, absolute comfort and love navigation. And these yachts respect Couach DNA.
Clément’s automotive-design background lends itself to his technical design role at Couach, where he collaborates with interior designer Diane. Having worked at the company for 10 years, while continuing to bring fresh ideas to Couach’s creative identity, Diane coordinates the vision of the design department with the practicalities of construction on the workshop floor.
In the coming months, more details on the new ranges will be released. In total, four new lines and a number ofnew models between 13m and 50m will be revealed, including a ‘classical’ line and ‘super-sport’ line from one of the most renowned superyacht designers in the world.
The new range will include more elements that are made-to-measure for clients’ tastes, with a choice in degree of customization. The yachts will continue to be built on a platform of excellent technical performance, including the comfort enhancing, planing V hulls for which Couach is known.
Couach’s new commercial and design line-up represents what the company’s owners and shareholders feel is its strongest team to date, poised to take the 120-year-old yacht builder to the next level of success and heritage.
A NEW 23m FAST FLYBRIDGE YACHT ALREADY SOLD
Couach is currently in the final phases of construction for a flybridge yacht, which has sold and will be delivered at the end of 2016. This model is a fantastic owner-operator yacht that can also be run by professional crew. Couach’s proprietary glass Kevlar® carbon V-tunnelled hull with central keel offers exceptional stability and piloting accuracy. This yacht can reach speeds of up to 34 knots and, for added comfort, there is an optional Seakeeper gyroscopic zero-speed stabiliser.
Christian Chevalier, CEO of Nepteam, which bought Couach in 2011, commented on the announcement: “There have been some hard times for Couach but today we are focused on new projects and investments. These efforts have resulted in new client orders and exciting collaborations, and there is a positive momentum at the shipyard. We continue to focus on the growth and development of Couach, always considering the excellence of the vessels we build and the client satisfaction they bring.”
23m Fly under construction
