CMN (Construction Mecaniques de Normandie)
Heritage of Excellence and Technical Advantage
CMN, Constructions Mécaniques de Normandie, was a French shipyard based in Cherbourg, Normandy, with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1945 by aviation pioneer Felix Amiot. The shipyard has delivered over 350 vessels across various maritime sectors, including naval, commercial, and luxury superyachts. Known for its precision engineering and innovation, CMN employed cutting-edge design tools such as the CATIA system, a sophisticated software also used in aeronautics, allowing for optimized internal layouts and seamless systems integration. At its peak, the shipyard employed approximately 400 specialists, including in-house naval architects, marine engineers, and designers, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship. While best known for its luxury motor yachts, CMN was also deeply involved in high-performance sailing yachts and naval vessels, blending French creativity with advanced technology. Though its superyacht division has since closed, CMN’s impact on the industry remains significant, with many of its vessels still in active service today.
CMN (Construction Mecaniques de Normandie)Yachts for Sale
Specialization in Custom and Semi-Custom Superyachts
CMN’s expertise in yacht construction spanned both motor and sailing yachts, typically ranging from 30 to 70 meters. The shipyard was known for crafting full-displacement hulls using steel and aluminum, ensuring excellent stability and long-range cruising capabilities. While CMN focused primarily on fully custom superyachts, it also developed a range of semi-custom builds, allowing for personalization within a proven platform. The yard’s motor yachts, such as the 60-meter CMN 60 series, became known for their sleek design, spacious interiors, and sophisticated onboard technology. In sailing yachts, CMN demonstrated its expertise with high-performance racing schooners and luxury cruising vessels built using advanced composite materials. The shipyard’s ability to seamlessly merge military-grade engineering with luxury yacht craftsmanship made it a sought-after builder for clients who valued reliability, elegance, and cutting-edge technology.
Notable Yachts in the CMN Fleet
CMN produced some of the most distinguished superyachts in the industry, including Slipstream, Cloud 9, and Netanya 8. The 60-meter Slipstream, designed by Andrew Winch, exemplifies CMN’s commitment to elegance and functionality, offering expansive guest accommodations, a sleek black hull, and extensive onboard entertainment spaces. Cloud 9, another 60-meter masterpiece, features a luxurious interior, a spacious beach club, and ample lounging areas, making it a favorite among charter clients. Meanwhile, Netanya 8, at 58 meters, is celebrated for its well-balanced proportions, classic yet contemporary styling, and a focus on long-range cruising capabilities. These yachts highlight CMN’s ability to deliver custom-built luxury vessels that blend sophisticated design with practical performance, ensuring a seamless experience for owners and guests alike.
Legacy and CMN Yachts in Operation
Beyond motor yachts, CMN’s sailing yacht legacy includes the groundbreaking Mari-Cha IV, a 44.4-meter carbon-composite racing schooner designed by Philippe Briand. Launched in 2003, she was built to be the world’s fastest ocean-racing yacht, setting a transatlantic record of six days, 17 hours, and 52 minutes. Another standout was Necker Belle, formerly Lady Barbaretta, a 32-meter luxury sailing catamaran that gained recognition after being acquired and renamed by Sir Richard Branson. CMN’s sailing yacht division also produced Attimo, a 32-meter classic sailing yacht, showcasing the yard’s ability to merge traditional aesthetics with modern performance. While CMN has shifted its focus away from superyacht production, its legacy remains intact, with many of its vessels continuing to sail the world’s oceans, celebrated for their superior craftsmanship, performance, and timeless design.
