what we do

Butchdesign, Expertise and Experience in Naval Architecture and Engineering.

We can help you solve your technical problems, from re-rigging a wooden-sparred, gaff rigged barquentine to investigating the causes of a buckled tank side, Butchdesign will find practical, cost-effective solutions. Call us before you ask for competitive quotations so the shipyards have proper drawings and specifications on which to quote. With a long history of working with MCA, class and flag authorities, we can help with statutory regulations too.

At Butchdesign we have the energy, ability and commitment to meet your challenges.

Where

Butch Designers - La Ciotat

Our office is located in the South of France, at Chantiers Navals, La Ciotat, but we travel all over the world, to projects in places like New Zealand, Seychelles, Turkey and Honolulu.

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TEAM LEADERS

Aurélien
le bas

Aurélien Le Bas started sailing at a young age on sailboards before discovering his fascination for Traditional Yachts, participating in many classic regattas.

After studying engineering (specialising in composite materials) Aurélien worked for a company building carbon fibre masts as design engineer. He then went on to work on the construction of high technology racing sailing yachts such as the Volvo racers Amer Sports I and II, and the Swedish America’s Cup yacht, Orm.

In 2002 Aurélien joined Butchdesign and since then has been engineer, designer or project manager for many diverse projects, from the refit of the 2,500 ton research vessel “John Lethbridge” to reinforcing the keel attachment of a 7m Tofinou.

In 2008 he won the Young Yacht Designer award at the Salone Nautico Internazionale di Venezia with the concept and production design of a 42ft schooner for handicapped sailors. Aurélien was promoted to managing director of Butchdesign in 2010.

Butch
Dalrymple-Smith

Butch Dalrymple-Smith grew up with sailing yachts, and raced successfully in virtually every class from a 65ft shorthanded multihull to a Sydney Harbour 18ft skiff, with world championship wins in Maxis, One, Half and Quarter Tonners, Admiral’s Cups and even the Whitbread Round the World Race.

Then for 17 years Butch worked with Ron Holland, handling the technical side of the yacht design business and running the drawing office, while Ron marketed the yachts, dealt with the business side and added his artistic talent.

Butch soon realised that it was his passion for boats more than a love of sailing that took him to sea, so it was a natural progression to move on to Fr Lurssen Werft for a few years as project manager, then to Camper & Nicholsons (Yachts) Ltd as chief designer, which involved military work as well as yachts, both power and sail.

If it is a mark of intelligence to value lifestyle ahead of career, then it was logical for Butch to move to the South of France where 12 years ago he set up “Butchdesign”, an opportunity to indulge his passions for yachts and engineering to the full.

Contact Us

Butchdesign - Yacht Designer - La Ciotat

Butchdesign Yacht Designers - Marine Engineers

CHANTIER NAVAL
13600 - LA CIOTAT - FRANCE
T +33 (0)4 42 32 39 55