Gib Sea

Gib Sea was the sailboat brand of Gibert Marine, a French boatbuilder based in Marans, north of La Rochelle. The yard produced cruising-oriented fiberglass yachts under the Gib’Sea name from the 1970s and later became part of Dufour. Gib’Sea boats were built as production sailboats for private owners and charter use.

Gibert Marine was founded in 1972 in France and became known through its Gib’Sea range. The yard was located at Marans, north of La Rochelle, and built fiberglass sailboats aimed mainly at cruising rather than pure racing. In the mid-1990s the company was acquired by Dufour, which continued the brand for a period before production ended. Sources differ slightly on the exact takeover year, but they agree that Gib’Sea later passed under Dufour control.

Gib’Sea models were typically monohull cruising sailboats in the roughly 7 to 12 metre range, with layouts focused on practical accommodation and charter-friendly interiors. The brand covered a wide spread of boats, from smaller keelboats to family cruisers and performance-oriented cruiser-racers. Designers associated with the range include Joubert/Nivelt, Jacques Fauroux, Group Graal, and later Rob Humphreys. Well-known models referenced by brokers and owners include the Gib’Sea 76, 312, 414, 43, and 362.