Designed by and for travellers
In 2005, Jean-François Delvoye started building an aluminium travel boat for his personal use. This was not his first attempt, as he had already designed and built a 12-metre sailboat with which he sailed around the world with his wife and children.
" Six years of sailing around the world with 4 children on board gives you an idea of what's important ." Jean-François has therefore accumulated several tens of thousands of miles cruising in different latitudes and his specifications are very clear: he wants a boat that is solid, fast, voluminous and "all-round", comfortable both at sea and at anchor.
Different people pass by the site and are seduced by the concept developed by Jean-François. Thus two visitors order the same boat from him, even though the first one is not yet finished. This is how the shipyard was born, which will take the name Boréal.
After a meeting on the pontoons of Ushuaïa with Jean-Francois Delvoye, Jean-François Eeman will join the Boreal adventure in 2010, becoming co-manager of the structure. " In 2006, I asked Jean-François to draw me a 44-footer, and that's how the Boréal 44 was born, which has since been produced in about 50 copies."
The Boreal concept
Like many travel boats, the triple-chine hull of a Boréal is made of aluminum. The absence of paint makes it possible to appreciate the quality of the welds, to which no coating is applied.
A monobloc lead ballast allows this ballasted monosafran dinghy to maintain a good level of performance. In order to centre the weights, the windlass and chain are located at the foot of the mast, to store the impressive anchorages essential for a voyage boat.
Two sabre daggerboards placed at the stern allow, by playing on the submerged height of the leeward daggerboard, to balance the boat upwind and thus relieve the pilot.
As safety is a priority in this type of program, the construction includes an icebreaker bow and a watertight front and rear compartment. Insulation is provided by a thermal bridge, and double glazing limits heat loss, while guaranteeing unfailing solidity.
The ergonomic helm station provides a very good view of the front of the boat. This faces the doghouse, characteristic of all Boréal boats, which allows a watch to be kept well sheltered from the elements.
Goanywhere, in the ice or in the tropics
Who can do more can do less
A Boreal is primarily designed for hostile latitudes, but will be at home in warm seas. "I wanted to make a fast and safe boat, which feels as comfortable in the port of Bonifacio as in a Polynesian lagoon or facing the storms of the 50th screaming." sums up Jean-François, even if over the last five years, it is probably our boats which have taken the most crews into the Patagonian canals?
A range from 44 to 70 feet
The site offers six models of Boreal from 44 to 70 feet. The entire range uses the same concept that led to the success of the first models. Proof of the success of the concept, the shipyard has been awarded prizes for yachts of the year, both in France and abroad.
The yard is located in the Côtes-d'Armor, in Minihy - Tréguier, produces between 10 and 12 units per year. If, like many, you are seduced by a Boréal, you will have to be patient. The order book is full and you will have to wait two years to get your boat. This will give you time to fine-tune your itinerary!
