Two building sites anchored for generations in traditional units, wood and exceptional units... a few dozen meters from each other, on the pointe de l'Aiguillon. Against a backdrop of pinnacles restored from A to Z, sharpened dragons and gleaming Riva, one might have expected a real trench warfare... Not at all! Alexis Bonnin and Jean-Baptiste Bossuet, who have been very close since kindergarten, have decided to join forces in 2011 to found Bô Yachting. A word that sounds right in the world of retro yachting, and which uses the first syllables of each person's name. Jean-Baptiste is in charge of the plans, Alexis is in charge of the construction, and so much for the division of tasks. The first model presented is the Bô 28, an almost replica of a mixed canoe. Gréement aurique or marconi, the choice is yours. This model will be available in a cabin version in 2014. Two years later, it's the Ti'Bac that's making the buzz (tried by Boats.com) . Smaller, it nevertheless offers an incredible cockpit area thanks to its very wide hull, inspired by that of the sail lockers. Obviously, the two manufacturers are not going to stop there..
35 feet but beachable
So John the Baptist set about drawing an older brother in Bo 28. Its 35 has a straight bow and a long rear arch. Like her little brother, she will be able to run aground thanks to her pivoting keel - attached to a hydraulic jack controlled by an electric motor - and her two rudders. The sailing programme of this unit is coastal cruising in the Pertuis and the longest four-person trips to Brittany and Northern Spain. The Bô 35 will be built in strip planking and moulded wood; all will be protected by epoxy lamination. The freeboard (1.3 m at the bow and 1 m at the stern), although lower than that of a standard cruiser of the same size, is proportionally higher than that of the Bô 28.
Retro deckhouse but modern deck plan
The old-fashioned deckhouse offers an undeniable retro cachet, as does the large rear parcel shelf. The latter will be cut out by a notch to facilitate access to the sea - not so easy with an old-fashioned transom that makes swimming difficult... A large locker is provided to house a deflated dinghy.
The proposed rigging is of the marconi type to facilitate manoeuvring. In the same spirit, the solent - with furling system built in below deck - is of modest size. Priority has been given to the mainsail area. The bowsprit, one metre long, will allow a large gennaker or a powerful asymmetrical spinnaker to be moored. The anchor will remain in place, integrated into this bowsprit. The cockpit is surrounded by thick coamings to provide comfortable seating and good protection. All Harken deck hardware is concentrated in the cockpit so that the helmsman can intervene on adjustments. For the helm itself, Alexis and Jean-Baptiste will offer tiller or wheel steering.
Accommodation for the cruise
A classic but tried and tested layout for family cruising: double berth forward (Breton bed), central saloon with a table on the keel well, galley and toilet - followed by a large bunker - on either side of the companionway and finally a second cabin on the starboard side. The living area will be well lit thanks to large side portholes - black smoked, they will remain discreet from the outside. Charm in the old guarantor style with the exposed plywood structure and alternating lacquered and varnished areas.
