The slow life cruise...
There's nothing better than sailing for a few days to get to know a boat - especially if it, like the Nexus, is breaking new ground. Because the 870 opens up a new path, that of the slow life cruise.
Understand sailing at your own pace and that of the marine or river world around you. Fewer waves, less noise, less fuel than a classic motorboat: you get closer to the services offered by a sailing yacht, the ease of manoeuvring and the freedom as regards weather conditions on top of that. Our test tour starts from La Rochelle. No problem for manoeuvring in a crowded port thanks to the bow thruster, a very useful option.
First step: the Ile de Ré and its charming port of Saint-Martin. About fifteen miles at sea which allow us to appreciate the behaviour of the Nexus 870 Revo. Our little trawler doesn't drive much and doesn't anchor. It should be noted that our model is equipped with a wheelhouse, which provides optimal protection while guaranteeing excellent visibility and ease of movement - height under beam 1.86 m. The pilot is comfortably seated in a bucket seat. The Nexus, with a freeboard of 1.37 m at the bow and 1.08 at the stern, is particularly well defended from the sea for a hull of less than 9 metres.
Traffic on the bridge is fluid thanks to gangways always over 24 cm. The 7 cm thick bulwark increases the safety of movement. And when relaxing on deck, there is a large L-shaped bench seat in the cockpit, a removable table and an XXL solarium on the foredeck.
A very fuel-efficient motorboat
This first outing is an opportunity to increase the speed and fuel consumption of the 30-horsepower diesel: 6 knots cruising speed - only 3 litres/hour - and 7.5 at full throttle. Some may regret these modest performances. They will be able to opt for more powerful engines - up to 100 hp - that will propel the Nexus up to 20 knots. But the 870's programme is all about cruising at a lower speed, so the aim is to take full advantage of navigation at lower cost and not just to reach points A and B by burning dozens of litres of fuel. That's why the hull is very flat for optimum stability - both when sailing and at anchor - and comes with a long keel. The long keel protects the propeller and rudder, while guaranteeing appreciable course stability. Even without a pilot, it is therefore possible to let go of the helm while the fenders are fitted..
A layout worthy of a beautiful sailboat!
Having reached St. Martin at sunset, the lock of the inner harbour is closed, but there is still enough water - we wedge only 60 cm - to moor at the reception pontoon. Less warm and a little further away from the seafood restaurants, but still equipped with electrical terminals. Even before the swimming parties, we appreciate the large aft platform (2.40 by 0.53 cm) which makes disembarking easier. First night on board: an opportunity to discover the Nexus 870's accommodation.
A first good point: the descent and its curved steps. Then the height under generous barrots - 1.95 m. We can reassure the sailboat regulars; they will feel at home. Indeed, the layout favours life aboard and autonomy - and not just day trips - with a real American galley against the port side plating, which is over two metres long. The stowage? They are everywhere. Enough to store supplies for a week for four people, your personal belongings and all the equipment you'll need.
Comfort also includes two real double berths - partitions on request - and a real toilet ideally located near the companionway. The saloon, offset to starboard, preserves the crew's circulation. As an option, it can be transformed into a double berth. If you benefit like us from forced air heating, you can cruise all year round, and not only in the summer!
Anchorages and walks on the program
After a visit under the first morning rays of Saint-Martin, we head for our first anchorage, at the foot of a magnificent ruin, the abbey of Notre-Dame-de-Ré. In clement weather, this is the perfect spot for breakfast. We then sail towards the bridge of the Ile de Ré, where we find a beautiful beach to lay the bow of our Nexus. Thanks to its not very pronounced V, it is possible to get as close as possible to the sand. The shipyard is studying a crutches kit in order to run aground flat.
We continue our cruise to the island of Aix, its holm oaks and Vauban fortifications. There again, the shallow draft of the Nexus allows us all sorts of fantasies; no beach underneath escapes! Our favourites for the lunch break: Baby Plage in the North-East and Anse de la Croix in the South-West.
As comfortable at sea as in the river
The tide is rising, it's time to take advantage of the favourable current to go up the Charente. In fact, the GPS is getting very fast at nearly 10 knots. However, we take the time to discover the "carrelets" along the banks of the river and to venture into the mini waterways, just to visit the egrets, the cows... we are now in river mode: the engine speed drops a little - we are satisfied with the long keel, which protects the propeller from the numerous plant debris, but also that the Nexus, at 5 knots, only generates very small waves. It preserves the shoreline and the peace and quiet of other boaters.
First bridges before greeting the Corderie Royale and the Hermione, which towers over us with its three masts; we continue up the Charente, slow down to allow a cargo ship to make its U-turn and set off again after Tonnay. It is the open sea and the setting sun that dictate our return to the waiting pontoon in Rochefort. Here again, docking is a simple formality thanks to the thruster.
After a second particularly calm night, wake up at dawn - again to take advantage of the current, this time going down. The morning fog makes navigation mysterious - but safe thanks to the chart reader, well placed in front of the helmsman's eyes. The sun soon regains the upper hand.
A final anchorage on the island of Aix is the pretext for a lunch break - definitely, the anchorages are suitable - but also to test the cockpit canvas; in five minutes, the cockpit is completely protected from the wind and rain. Or the possibility of doubling the living space!
On our return, the wind, which had been easterly until then, turned north-westerly with a short chop. The Nexus retains a remarkably stable trim - little roll - and wets very little.
Balance sheet? This journey of about 80 miles can be completed in two days by the 870, but if you embark for a short week, you won't be bored for a second. Sea or river, the Nexus can do it all!
