Stealing the show with game-changer in Green Sailing: 100% Electric "ModX" Catamaran Makes Waves at La Grande-Motte
The 2025 International Multihull Show is underway at the scenic port of La Grande-Motte in southern France, bringing together over 80 sail and power catamarans from top international builders. One of this year’s most talked-about premieres is a truly pioneering vessel: the ModX, a 100% electric cruising catamaran built entirely in France, and powered exclusively by renewable energy.
As the global multihull community gathers to explore the latest innovations, it's clear that ModX is already capturing attention for its bold approach to sustainable yachting.
An Innovative Build with High-Tech DNA
Crafted in Brittany, the ModX features two retractable masts equipped with inflatable wing sails, each spanning 125m². These wings are fully automated, adjusting themselves according to wind speed and angle, and controlled via a joystick-style interface—a clear nod to the future of intuitive sailing.
“It’s the first pleasure boat that is fully electric, with no fossil fuel — a first of its kind,” says Jean Guyon, Managing Director of Aéroforce Lorient, the company behind the project.
The ModX offers not just green propulsion but a futuristic onboard experience. All sail handling is managed from inside the vessel, eliminating the need for outdoor winches or exposed helm stations. It’s dry, user-friendly sailing—ideal for a new generation of environmentally conscious sailors.
Sustainable at Its Core
Construction of the first unit began in 2022 in Lorient, using recycled and bio-sourced materials, including flax fiber and cork. The build is spearheaded by Aéroforce, a French shipyard dedicated to the decarbonization of marine transport.
France Leads the Way in Multihull Manufacturing
ModX's debut comes as France continues to dominate global multihull production. According to Guillaume Arnauld des Lions, Deputy General Manager of the French Nautical Industries Federation:
“France is, by far, the global leader. It’s the number one producer of sailboats and multihulls worldwide.”
Over the past two decades, France’s multihull output has tripled, and industry revenue has grown by a factor of seven, reaching a €1 billion annual turnover from French-based manufacturers alone.
Diverse Offerings and Elevated Expectations
The 2025 edition of the show has expanded across two marinas, showcasing everything from compact cruisers to luxury models valued at over €700,000. A diverse crowd of builders, designers, equipment specialists, and charter operators—one-third of them international—is on hand to explore new opportunities and collaborations.
With its futuristic design and ecological mission, ModX stands out as more than just a new model—it's a statement about where the industry is headed. For those seeking to combine performance with sustainability, this is one yacht to watch closely.
Specifications
Program: Series
Architect: VPLP Design
Builder: Ocean Development
Construction Materials: Fiberglass / Carbon
Dimensions
Length (LOA): 21.3 m
Beam: 9.92 m
Draft: 1.74 m
Air Draft: 27.1 m
Propulsion
Type: Wing
Sail Area: 2 x 125 m²
