Jean-Marie Finot

Jean Marie Finot (born 1939) is a pioneering French naval architect renowned for designing high-performance, innovative sailboats that blend speed, stability, and seaworthiness. Founding the Finot Design Group (later Finot-Conq) in 1968, he revolutionized monohull racing and cruising yachts with lightweight construction, wide-beam stability, and efficient hull forms—most notably through the development of the water ballasted keel and swing keel systems. His breakthrough came in the 1970s with the Écume de Mer, a fast, affordable cruiser-racer that dominated French production sailing. Finot’s designs powered numerous Vendée Globe and Mini Transat victories, including Michel Desjoyeaux’s 2000–01 win aboard PRB. Iconic models include the Beneteau First series (like the First 235, 30, and 40.7), the Pogo performance cruisers, and record-setting open-class racers. With over 50,000 boats built to his plans, Finot’s influence on modern sailing—emphasizing performance without sacrificing safety or comfort—remains profound, earning him a lasting legacy in yacht design.