To begin with, let's reassure Tofinou 9.50 aficionados: this new 9.7 is not intended to replace this older model, which has succeeded in building a fine fleet in the Mediterranean. Christian Iscovici, the site manager, has always defended the timeless character of his Tofinou, to such an extent that the 7 M is still built - without mentioning the Tadorne, which can always be ordered.
The 9.7 meets the demand of Tofinou 8 M owners who want to enjoy a slightly larger and faster sailboat while maintaining the same ease of manoeuvre - self-steering jib and stiffness to the canvas. The programme remains unchanged: day trips, solo sailing and regattas.
A bridge by Peugeot Design
Even before demonstrating its nautical qualities, the Tofinou 9.7 is an undeniable aesthetic success: it manages to maintain the Tofinou codes - deck shear, coloured hull, teak deck, mahogany coamings - while gaining a design as modern as it is timeless. These subtle angles of the deckhouse and coamings, this grey reminder of the front fairing on the hollowed-out transom, is the work of Peugeot Design. The same goes for multifunction displays, which are perfectly visible to the helmsman even in direct sunlight thanks to their positioning - a subject that is well understood by automotive specialists.
The Tofinou bridge is manufactured at Wauquiez using the infusion process; the composite sandwich hull, accommodation, technical installations, finishing and tune-up are carried out by Latitude 46 in La Rochelle. To meet all programmes, the yard offers three types of keel - fixed, lifting or swivelling. The hull width is limited to 3 metres; with a displacement limited to 2.3 t lightweight and a draught reduced to 0.90 m - swivel keel - road transport is possible. Our test model is equipped with a lifting keel and two rudders. It has also been optimised for racing with a carbon mast, a pair of additional winches on the deckhouse and of course top-of-the-range sails.
Electric motorization
Our 9.7 is equipped with a 10 KW Torqeedo electric motor - a power comparable to the 15 HP diesel delivered as standard. Two 5 KW batteries - 35 kg each - provide limited autonomy at full speed. But we can hold two to four hours at 4/5 knots. In the cockpit, four trunks and a large storage space under the aft deck.
At the end of an easy sail sending, we immediately realize that this Tofinou does not really need an engine - except during port manoeuvres. Our sailboat starts as soon as the first breezes start and easily holds the wind speed (as long as it is low, of course). Our session continues with a small thermal of 10 knots: we record 6.5 on the GPS and a heading at 28° from the apparent wind.
A soft and precise bar
The precision and smoothness of the bar are exceptional. The deck layout is optimised for a crew or solo sailor: the cockpit benches are divided into two parts - 117 cm long at the front and 90 cm at the rear. Between them, the two returns support the main winches. All manoeuvres follow a sophisticated trunking circuit, which contributes to a visually clean bridge. The helm position is excellent, including when rappelling. Triangular teak footrests allow the crew to support the heel. These parts are reversible to disappear in the cockpit, which has four trunks - there is still plenty of storage space under the rear deck.
Self-steering jib
The self-steering jib obviously simplifies tacking - we change tack and that's all... The large asy spinnaker, moored on a fixed bowsprit, allows the turbo to be engaged: the speed climbs quickly to 8/9 knots with a top speed of 10.5 knots thanks to a risée. Even if we try to keep it as low as possible, the list remains reasonable and the rudders do not stall. Tofinou 9.7 has some under the hood...
Minimalist accommodations
The interior is reached thanks to a hood mounted on jacks whose upper panel is fitted on its base - a trick that does not hide the bow from the helmsman. The descent panel is stored in an ad hoc location. The hull width offers a satisfactory volume, but the height under bars is limited to 1.34 m. The price to pay to enjoy a beautiful sailboat with limited freeboard. One regret: there are no windows
In the basic version, there is a Breton bed at the front and two large side benches that can be used as berths. A slightly spartan interior, but compatible with the day boat program of 9.7. For weekend use, an option pack provides a semblance of comfort.
