Mer Agitée

Excellence in support of cutting-edge marine engineering

Offshore racing team and design office founded by Michel Desjoyeaux, Mer Agitée has established itself as an indispensable reference in the design and preparation of high-performance prototypes. Based in the heart of the 'Valley' in Port-la-Forêt, the yard combines unique field expertise with rigorous industrial methods, meeting the strictest requirements of the IMOCA class, the Ultim, and now the Class40.

Overview & expertise

Mer Agitée stands out for its cross-disciplinary approach to naval construction, integrating design, manufacturing of specific composite parts, and optimization of appendages. Its philosophy is based on the pursuit of absolute reliability and measurable performance, favoring proven technical solutions tested over thousands of nautical miles.

Equipped with advanced production facilities, including a 3D digital machining center for manufacturing molds and prototype parts, the yard controls the entire project lifecycle for offshore racing. The expertise of its teams spans hull preparation to the integration of complex mechanical systems, with a strong specialization in weight management and structural rigidity of vessels.

System intelligence

Optimizing a modern vessel is no longer limited to its naval architecture; it relies on flawless hardware and software integration. Mer Agitée develops proprietary innovative solutions, such as TrimControl™ (electronic tell-tale) or embedded video systems SeaVision, designed to assist the skipper’s decision-making in extreme conditions.

Flagship models and achievements

The yard’s history is inseparable from the greatest oceanic victories and groundbreaking vessels:

• IMOCA Foncia (2007) & PRB (2010): Benchmarks in reliability and performance, marking the history of the Vendée Globe.
• SMA (formerly Macif): Technical preparation that led Paul Meilhat to victory in the 2018 Route du Rhum.
• Z2015: 18-meter catamaran, an innovative hybrid platform designed for event coverage and educational transmission.
• L'Agité 40 (2025): New Class40 prototype launched for Michel Desjoyeaux’s return to competition, showcasing the yard’s agility on new platforms.

News and outlook

In 2026, Mer Agitée is advancing its transformation by integrating the challenges of maritime decarbonization. The yard is now investing in the retrofit of production sailboats and technical consulting for sail freight, transferring offshore technologies to the industry.

The major challenge remains optimizing predictive maintenance through structural monitoring. With the Agité 40 project, the yard validates new, more sustainable construction processes while maintaining a level of performance compatible with the Globe Series calendar.