Moored at the Grand Pavois pontoon next to its big brother tofinou 9.7 the all-new 7.9 can't deny its origins. This "small" 7.94 m model has exactly the same elegant lines, with a "deckhouse" that ends at the rear of the cockpit. The organization on board is also identical, with the 2 winches re-centered in the cockpit, isolating the aft section reserved for the helmsman from the forward section for the crew.
Shelter under the bridge
The Tofinou 7.9's more modest cabin is limited to a shelter in which, as an option, a very basic double berth can be installed. Let's face it, this yacht is designed for daytime pleasure cruising, not for short cruises.
Transportable in container
Le Tofinou 7.9 is available with a fixed or lifting keel. The lifting keel is driven by a worm screw, which can be operated by an electric winch crank if required. With this keel, the draft is increased from 0.95 to 1.95 m, or 1.70 m with a fixed keel.
With a width of 2.30 m, this Tofinou can be transported by road. It is also designed to travel in a 40-foot container, remaining horizontal on its cradle.
A huge cockpit
While the Tofinou 9.7 lineage is undeniable, this premium dayboat is built with less attention to detail, for ease of use and maintenance. The bulwark can still be treated in the attractive varnished wood that is the hallmark of the La Rochelle shipyard.
So as not to penalize this true dayboat, the shipyard has managed to fit a cockpit the same length as that of the 9.7! Cleverly, the front bench seats double up as tables, transforming the cockpit into an aperitif area.
For sailing, the Tofinou 7.9 is equipped with a self-tacking jib and a code 0 installed on the fixed delphinière. All maneuvers are performed on the 2 winches in the center of the cockpit, via chutes concealed in the coamings.
A smart electric motor
But it's on the motorization that the shipyard has worked. In fact, the electric solution is perfectly suited to this type of yacht, which only goes out under sail, and not for long-distance cruising. Consequently, motor autonomy is not a key issue. So, to successfully propose an electric solution, Tofinou worked with Temo. Temo has developed a 3000 W pod that can be controlled from the tiller. The handle is integrated into the tip. Simply turn it in either direction for forward or reverse.
But how do you make sure your batteries are full when you're out sailing? Just like on a bicycle, batteries can be unloaded. Under the companionway, there are two racks for 2 batteries. Near the helm, a switch toggles from one to the other. In this way, you can use the first battery and take it home in the evening to recharge it. If need be, there's nothing to prevent you from having several additional batteries, which you can purchase as and when you need them.
This simple solution solves the problems of boats at anchor, and avoids unsightly solar panels. A Nanni Diesel internal combustion engine is also available.
Available but not cheap...
This attractive Tofinou 7.9 is available at a base price of ?89,000. The sailboat we discovered in La Rochelle, with its carbon mast and electric motor, was close to ?150,000 ex VAT (exactly ?146,580 ex VAT).
