VB Voiles - Voilerie du Bassin

Based in Gujan-Mestras, on the Arcachon basin, VB Voiles - Voilerie du Bassin continues a sail loft opened in 1988 by Chantal Pivert. Vincent Le Serec, born on the basin, took over its management in July 2011, having founded VLS Gréement in 2010. Trained from 2001 in several French and international lofts, notably at Quantum Sails in Barcelona and then in Australia, he worked from 2003 to 2010 alongside Jean-Jacques Frebault, a designer and technician who joined the workshop in 2022.

The loft covers three families of sails, all designed and assembled to measure. One design, inshore racing and offshore racing sails draw on design, optimisation and development work carried out programme by programme, as with the suits built for the Select 6.50. Cruising and leisure sails are built for durability, reliability and versatility whatever the sailing programme. Classic and traditional sails serve both historic vessels and contemporary boats seeking an authentic look.

The workshop also handles sail repair and customisation, from mending a tear to adding reinforcements, and works on conventional sails as well as windsurf, kitesurf and wing foil gear, along with covers and protections. The rigging side covers swaging, masts, furlers, deck hardware and ropes, with solutions adapted to each boat. Upholstery completes the offer with a wide choice of premium fabrics, worked by hand for comfort and long term durability.

Material selection is treated as a mark of seriousness: the company uses only premium technical textiles, durable and suited to each application, favouring French and European supplies in order to reduce the carbon footprint of its production. Quotes are free of charge and the workshop can be reached Monday to Friday.