Gilles Vaton

19, Quai de Rive Neuve

Marseille

Bouches-du-Rhône

13007

France

(excerpt from Vaton Design web site)

Vaton's design career began working in the office of André Mauric’s where he was involved in many innovative projects e.g. centreboarders Méridien and Kriter and many production models like the Jeanneau Melody and early Bénéteau Firsts. Those 5 years of valuable experience followed several spells in England and France - with Illingworth, Nicholson and Rouillard - combined with two round-the-world races (Whitbread and Ostar 76) whilst in the same period designing a one-tonner in collaboration with A. Maupas. In 1979 he set up his own office in Marseilles, immediately winning a 40’ competition for the BEG ROHU national sailing School.

His solid experience at sea provided him with the practical know-how

indispensable in the designing of units that have the vital qualities of sea-keeping and reliability : one must cite his prestigious regatta yacht concepts Charles Heidsieck III (1981), Coriolan (1983) and Milène V (1985).