Transpose the scow to the IRC gauge
Atelier Interface has been developing a range of light boats for several years, without ever neglecting performance. Its founder, Antoine Mainfray, also a naval architect, has never hidden his taste for ocean racing and regattas, a field in which he has worked. After the Floki, a Mini 6.50 made of bamboo fiber sandwich the ACE 30 is the second boat designed for competition. The naval architect explains its origin: "I wanted to adapt the scow hull to the IRC rule. I made some sketches. I talked about it, and one of my clients said yes. We looked for another bigger yard to build it, but we couldn't find the right one, in terms of availability and distance. So we finally decided to build it with Atelier Interface. The boat was designed for double-handed or single-handed sailing in IRC, with a rating of 1.001, but without losing the objective of being fast in real time."
With a displacement of 2.7 tons, it is classified as a light boat.
Eco-design
True to its usual construction method, Atelier Interface built the entire hull in marine plywood. By adopting developable shapes, this means that no molds are needed. This saves on investment, but also for the environment, thanks to the choice of materials and the limitation of waste. The deck is made of a sandwich of recycled PET foam and fiberglass with carbon reinforcements. The epoxy resins used are partially bio-based.
A remarkable look
The choice of plywood, by constraining the possible shapes, also confers a remarkable look. The voluminous bow of scow, combined with a marotte on the front will not fail to shock the most conservative.
The ACE 30 offers a generous foredeck and a carbon bowsprit to accommodate a 100 m² asymmetric spinnaker.
A double cockpit accommodates the crew, from 3 people in category A to 7 in category C.
A mini dog-house protects the descent, to navigate open in all conditions.
All the essentials of a boat with a short-handed sailing program are included, such as the adjustable footbraces.
An adaptable interior
The ACE 30 visited at the Grand Pavois 2022 was a more race oriented version. The front area is dedicated to the sail locker, while 2 double berths on the back give directly onto the saloon. Generous, this last one has a nice table. On the starboard side, there is a chart table and a simple but functional galley on the port side.
Details, such as the centering of the fuel tank under the saloon table or the mobile screen support system, readable from the different living areas, denote the sporting objective.
For the more cruise-oriented customers, Antoine Mainfray offers alternative arrangements with closed cabins and the possibility of real toilets.
The 2022 price list for the fully equipped boat, with sails, electronics, safety equipment and carbon mast is 230,000 euros excluding VAT.
