To propose a new approach to motor navigation
"The Orphie 29 is a different project that will surprise. The basic premise - apart from the electric propulsion - was to consume less energy. It's a boat that can also interest sailors or gliding enthusiasts, because it's low to the water, a bit like a Hobie Cat, with silent sailing, and gliding sensations with the bows splitting the waves." explains Clément Bercault.
The Orphie 29 is built in plywood with biosourced resins, except for the connecting beams which are in carbon for rigidity reasons.
"From the beginning, we tried to have a boat as light as possible, because the weight is discreetly linked to the boat's performance. The Orphie 29 has a light weight of 1.6 tons. This is quite a feat with this material. We also wanted to preserve the know-how of the shipyard that built her, a specialist in wooden boats. It also gives it this particular shape. It also made sense in relation to the impact of electric propulsion."
A platform to enjoy the sea and anchorages
This trimaran has a very thin central hull, to reduce the resistance to the advance, and thus consume less energy, while providing a very stable navigation.
Very low to the water - 30 cm above the sea - its two trampolines allow you to enjoy sailing close to the elements. The cockpit of the central hull offers a dining area for 8 people with a large U-shaped bench seat. The cockpit at the front has two armchairs to accompany the skipper. Finally, the central hull houses a cabin with a closed toilet and a space to install a double bed. As the headroom is quite low, this space will be used mainly for storage of belongings or for the children's nap. There is also a small fridge to keep food and drinks cool.
"We can take advantage of the trampolines, an extension of the two floats. It is a plus compared to a classic monohull of the same size. We can install sunbeds for example. With a reduced freeboard height, it is easy to dive. A shower allows you to rinse yourself afterwards. The equipment is rather high-end, to offer a comfortable experience on board says Clément Bercault.
A T-Top in laminated wood carbon (in the process of being finalized) protects the central cockpit. Equipped with canvas and solar panels; the latter supply all the service batteries (fridge) and equipment on board, as well as the navigation instruments and the thrusters. Canvases are plugged on the sides of the T-Top and extend on a mast system that is clipped on the floats to shade the trampolines at anchor.
Navigate silently
The Orphie 29 is equipped with a 50 kW (80 hp) Torqeedo engine coupled with I3 batteries, which provide a range of 30 miles. The shipyard has also planned to install an 80 kW Torqeedo to increase the speed capacity on certain waters.
"The boat has an average speed of 8/9 knots and can go up to 18 knots. The idea is to sail at low speed, with a silent engine to enjoy the cruise. We enjoy the silence, we just hear the hulls splitting the water and we enjoy the navigation as on a sailing boat. But the fact of being efficient is a guarantee of safety and comfort. If the sea starts to rise or the weather becomes unfavorable, and we have to go back, we can put the throttle on says Clément Bercault. A kite comes in addition to pull the boat when there is wind.
In order to continue to anchor in protected areas - particularly with the new bill in the calanques - the Orphie 29 is equipped with a geopositioning system (under development). Thanks to front and rear water jet thrusters and a geolocation system coupled with the boat's navigation instruments, the boat is stabilized at a given location. No need to drop anchor. A technology that allows both to preserve the seabed and to go to little frequented places, but which requires a skipper on board.
A hydrofoil version for even more performance
At the same time, the architectural firm has been working on a hydrofoil version to increase the boat's capacity for speed and autonomy, with a speed approaching 30 knots.
"We imagined a foil project on the same platform. We got in touch with Benoit Marie, an expert in foils, to design a version supported by two L-shaped foils and a flap at the rear. The idea is to go faster or further explains Clément Bercault.
A boat to rent for a day cruise
If the Orphie 29 can be purchased by private individuals - a substantial budget since the price is 200,000 euros HT - the objective of Orphie Boat is first to offer day cruises to discover sumptuous places, accompanied by a professional skipper.
The first example of the boat is available for rent - 1,300 euros per day for 10 people - in Hyères with meal services. Other bases should offer the same services, notably in the West Indies for the winter season.
