History

With growth of the business tripling over the past three years and now with a contract staff of over one hundred Chris Atkinson, director at Acamarine, believes his learning of the trade as a paint applicator and good project management is the formula to building a successful paint business. Understanding preparation methods and being aware of practical challenges when negotiating tenders has always helped Chris to determine realistic time frames and costs for projects. This straight up approach combined with paint crews that use hand crafted application techniques, to ensure a flawless quality finish, is Acamarine’s formula for success.
English born Chris started out in business early in the 1990’s with Frenchman Alain Petit pioneering one of the first mobile gelcoat planing machines for osmosis treatment. In the mid 1990’s Chris started to expand services to include painting and fairing (his original trade since 1986) to their now extensive network of boatyards in France.

Winning a contract to paint ‘XXL’ for Garcia Aluminium in preparation for the Paris Boatshow was the turning point for Acamarine. The bright yellow 50 footer attracted a lot of attention at the show and three more paint orders quickly followed. Now with nearly 100 paint projects under their belt Acamarine is firmly established within the French fairing and painting market for luxury yachts. The business is predominately family run, Chris’ two fellow directors are his sisters Lou de Chalendar and Jo Szota.
They are joined by operation’s director Charles Tangye.