VPLP

VPLP: French Pioneers of Multihull Excellence

VPLP (Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost) is a French naval architecture firm internationally renowned for its cutting-edge yacht designs, with a strong reputation with multihulls.

Since its founding in 1983 by Marc Van Peteghem and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost, the firm has established itself as a dominant force in both performance racing and cruising multihull design.

With a portfolio that spans from record-breaking trimarans to luxurious cruising catamarans, VPLP has pushed the boundaries of innovation, efficiency, and style on the water.

The firm has developed into a powerhouse of yacht design and is now recognised as one of the leaders in their field

A Legacy Born in Innovation

The partnership between Van Peteghem and Lauriot-Prévost was formed shortly after their graduation from the Southampton College of Higher Education in the UK.

Multihulls were still seen as niche or experimental, the duo had a bold vision: to elevate multihull design through the use of advanced engineering and an understanding of hydrodynamics and aerodynamics.

Their first major success came in the 1980s with the design of Poulain, a trimaran skippered by French sailor Olivier de Kersauson. It helped establish VPLP’s reputation in offshore racing circles. Over the following decades, the firm became a key player in the design of racing multihulls, including boats that would go on to win and set records in iconic events such as the Vendée Globe, the Route du Rhum, and The Ocean Race.

But it wasn’t just in the realm of racing where VPLP flourished. Their visionary approach soon caught the attention of the leisure marine market, particularly in the world of cruising catamarans.

Leaders in Cruising Catamarans

VPLP’s influence in the world of cruising catamarans cannot be overstated. Their designs have shaped some of the most popular and well-regarded multihull brands in the world. Among these, four stand out: Lagoon, Outremer, Gunboat, and Excess.

Lagoon

Lagoon is perhaps the most recognizable name in production catamarans, and VPLP has played a central role in its success. Working in collaboration with Lagoon, VPLP introduced a new era of catamaran design, focusing on spacious interiors, user-friendly layouts, and seaworthiness.

Models like the Lagoon 380, 450 and Lagoon 55 became staples in charter fleets and private ownership, thanks to their blend of comfort and performance. VPLP’s design ethos brought a sleek, modern aesthetic to these affordable boats, with features like forward cockpits and flybridges, while ensuring they remained capable bluewater cruisers.

Outremer

At the other end of the cruising spectrum is Outremer, a brand known for its lightweight, high-performance cruising catamarans. VPLP’s involvement with Outremer has helped produce boats that appeal to serious sailors who still want the practicality of a liveaboard cat.

Models like the Outremer 48 and Outremer 55 underline this, offering sailing performance while providing the space and comfort for long-term cruising. VPLP’s expertise in racing yacht design translates into Outremer’s upwind capabilities with its efficient hull shapes and focus on weight reduction.

Gunboat

Gunboat catamarans are the pinnacle of luxury performance. These high-end, carbon-fiber catamarans combine a superyacht-level finish with fast sailing speed.

VPLP has partnered with Gunboat to create their latest designs that are beautiful, innovative and fast. The Gunboat 68, for example, is a modern classic, known for its striking looks, big sail area, and sophisticated systems. VPLP’s approach is apparent in the hull geometry to the rigging setup. These a “no-compromise” designs.

Excess

Excess was launched by Groupe Beneteau to target a younger, sportier demographic. VPLP was hired to develop the line’s style and performance characteristics.

Designed to be fun, responsive, and comfortable, Excess catamarans—like the Excess 11, 13 and Excess 14—offer a more hands-on sailing experience compared to the more Lagoon range, while maintaining onboard comfort.

VPLP’s skill was to hit the right balance.

What Makes VPLP Stand Out?

What distinguishes VPLP from other naval architecture firms is their deep understanding of multihull dynamics and their ability to apply lessons from high-performance racing to the cruising market.

Their design philosophy combines aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, ergonomics, and aesthetics into a cohesive whole.

VPLP embraces sustainability and innovation. They are involved in projects that explore hybrid propulsion, renewable energy integration, and low-impact yacht design.

Their design for the MODX 70 with its automated wing sail system—shows how they are thinking beyond traditional rigs to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions in commercial and leisure maritime sectors.

VPLP’s success stems from their versatility. They are as comfortable designing an IMOCA 60 as they are crafting a luxurious liveaboard catamaran.

This adaptability and range has kept them at the forefront of naval architecture for over four decades.

Conclusion

VPLP has redefined what is possible in multihull design. The firm delivers innovation, performance, and style.

Working with brands like Lagoon, Outremer, Gunboat, and Excess has helped make high-quality multihulls accessible to a wide range of sailors, while maintaining the cutting-edge spirit that launched the firm in the first place.

With a legacy already written, VPLP continues to shape the future of sailing.