Jean Berret

Jean Berret (born 1945) is a renowned French naval architect and co-founder of Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design (established 1975 in La Rochelle), celebrated for designing over 200 high-performance monohull sailboats that shaped modern cruiser-racers for Beneteau, Jeanneau, and other major builders. Trained at the École Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers, Berret began his career with Groupe Finot before partnering with Olivier Racoupeau to create sleek, lightweight hulls with wide sterns, efficient fractional rigs, and balanced sail plans—hallmarks of the Beneteau First series (including the 32s5, 35s5, 36s7, 38s5, 40.7, and 45f5), which dominated PHRF racing and coastal cruising in the 1980s and 1990s. His designs emphasize speed, stability, and production feasibility, often paired with bold interiors by Philippe Starck. Berret also excelled in offshore racing, creating successful IMOCA 60s, Mini Transat prototypes, and Class 40s, with multiple Vendée Globe podium finishes. Still active, he continues to influence global yacht design through sustainable, high-performance monohulls and luxury motor yachts, blending innovation with seaworthiness.