Test / Libecciu 1000: a Corsican semi-rigid designed to combine power and family use

© Maxime Leriche

Designed in the heart of southern Corsica, the Libecciu 1000 is much more than a new 10-meter RIB. It embodies the maturity of the Fanale Marine shipyard, which aims to combine island temperament, craftsmanship and the demands of ocean cruising. Here's a look back at the genesis of a project that bears the name of a powerful wind born of the open sea.

A name, a maritime identity

In the vocabulary of sailors, the Libecciu âeuros this west-south-west wind that sweeps across the Mediterranean âeuros evokes strength, constancy and freedom. These three notions have served as a guiding principle for the team at Fanale Marine, based in Pietrosella, near Ajaccio. Since its creation, the Corsican brand has developed a range of RIBs inspired by local needs: fast coastal sailing, family transport, versatility between lazing around and maneuvering in windy areas.


The Libecciu 1000 marks a milestone. At almost 10 meters long and with almost 700 hp on the transom, it took two years of development, alternating hydrodynamic tests and design adjustments.

The genesis of an island project

Fanale Marine has made a name for itself with compact units adapted to fast coastal sailing and the specific topography of Corsica. The Libecciu 1000 was born in response to growing demand for RIBs capable of family outings, sports sailing and occasional crossings to Sardinia or the Tuscan islands.


The shipyard therefore chose to push back the limits of its know-how, relying on a high-V hull, a modular deck and twin-engine motorization to ensure safety and power. The project involved engineers from the in-house design office, assisted by subcontractors specialized in marine composites.
The hull design, created in-house, retains the taut lines and characteristic redan of the Fanale models, while enlarging the rear surface to improve lift and longitudinal stability at high speeds.

Sea-oriented specifications

The Libecciu 1000 program meets a dual objective: to offer high marine performance while guaranteeing family comfort. The hull has been designed to cope with the wind and swell conditions of southern Corsica, often marked by short chop and south-westerly gusts. The profile of the floats, with an accentuated bow rise, is designed to repel spray and maintain a good trim in crossed waves.


The boat is approved in category C, which raised a few questions in view of its ocean-going appearance. Fanale explains this choice by the desire to focus on fast coastal yachting rather than long-distance ocean cruising, while leaving open the possibility of B certification in the future, depending on the shipyard's development.

A family RIB for blue water cruising

Despite its power âeuros up to 700 hp âeuros, the Libecciu 1000 is not designed as a pure racing car. Its deck layout favors relaxation areas and fluid circulation on board, with two large solariums and a convertible aft saloon. The stated aim is to unite several generations around the same boat: comfort for passengers, performance for the driver.


The design of the control station illustrates this philosophy: a wide center console, protected by an optional aluminum T-top, allows standing or seated driving, while the leaning-post integrates a kitchen unit with sink and refrigerator, designed for full days at sea.

100% Corsican design

Fanale Marine boasts a strong local base. The molds are made on site, and the floats come from the most recognized European know-how, with Orca CSM/CR 1,670 decitex fabric produced by Pennel & Flipo. Deck materials, from synthetic teak to structural laminates, are chosen to withstand Corsica's salt- and sun-drenched marine environment. The shipyard, though modest in size, retains an artisanal approach: each unit is assembled by hand, and finishes are still adjusted on a case-by-case basis according to orders.

A multi-faceted program

Designed for sporty sailing, fast cruising and convivial outings, the Libecciu 1000 is aimed at a wide range of demanding yachtsmen. With a capacity of 20 people, it meets the needs of both large families and high-end charter professionals. An extra berth in the center console makes it possible to envisage a night on board, or simply a temporary shelter for a child or a tired crew member. The 550-liter fuel tank provides a comfortable range of around 250 miles at 20 knots, a respectable figure for a RIB of this size.

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