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When you love it, it's hard to stop... Didier Quidelleur took up amateur building in 2008. Looking for a catamaran to set off on an ocean cruise, but unable to find what he was looking for, he set about building a 51-foot sailboat. 4 years later, he launched his boat, built from an AB Marine epoxy plywood kit. Back in mainland France after completing his voyage, he is now producing kits to build open hulls.
Two open hulls of 5.50 and 6.70 m
For the design, our builder called on architect Philippe Rivière. He wanted an open hull that was simple to build, with high bulwarks for safety, and adaptable for all types of use. The architect designed 2 boats for him: a 5.50 m and a 6.70 m. He supplied the plans with files for digital cutting. The first model, already under construction, will be a 5.50 m open. Once completed, the boat is expected to weigh 550 kg, and will be fitted with a 90 hp outboard.
Its modern silhouette, with an almost vertical bow, gave Didier the idea of naming his company Brise Vague. Based in Sète, he began assembling a first model in May 2024, in order to have a demonstrator to kick-start sales.
Reverse assembly on a mannequin
Construction takes place on a mannequin, with the hull upside down. All the wooden parts are supplied in the kit, including the plywood and medium dummy. Prodesign, a company based in the Lot-et-Garonne region of France, takes care of the digital cutting. The entire boat arrives on a pallet. A second pallet holds the resin and fabrics from Sicomin, while the third holds the fittings. So, on 3 pallets, the boat is complete all that's missing are the hawsers "says its manufacturer.
High-precision cutting
Didier, who has begun assembling the first model, explains: " The precision of the cut-outs is remarkable. I didn't even have to touch a jigsaw to assemble the boat! Just a few finishing touches with sandpaper. Building the hull upside down allowed me to finish the brightwork, even coating it with layers of paint. Today, the boat is turned upside down and I'm tackling the deck and interior fittings." Didier, thinks it takes about 45 days to make his open hull. "Well-versed in kit issues, Prodesign added its own touch of improvement. For the scarfs, for example, it proposed a half-wood assembly with tenons that prevent any slipping and fit neatly together when glued. "
No fixed price yet
No price yet exists for this boat. In fact, Didier is using the first one to validate the plan, correct any small defects and produce assembly instructions. He will then see how to market this project, for which there is currently no competition. Once the kit is sold, he even plans to offer training courses to help him master resin and laminating.
We'll be keeping a close eye on the construction before going out to try out this newcomer.
