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Already announced for 2022, the Cigale 15 QR built by Alubat, is relaunching its range of fast voyaging yachts with an ambitious program: to cover long distances, maintain offshore sailing capabilities and access areas often closed to units of this size. Scheduled for launch in the spring of 2027, this new model is aimed at both experienced sailors and family crews looking for a boat capable of a succession of ocean crossings and coastal cruises.
A lifting keel to widen the playing field
The main question concerns the real capacity of a nearly 15-meter sailboat to sail in shallow waters. On this point, the Cigale 15 QR relies on a lifting keel that varies the draught from 1.62 m to 3.30 m. The previous Cigale range was fitted with a fixed keel, with a marked draught. For yachtsmen engaged in long-distance cruising programs, this feature opens up access to estuaries, lagoons and certain anchorages where fixed-keel yachts of comparable dimensions quickly reach their limits.
Once the keel is lowered, the boat regains the anti-drift characteristics required for offshore sailing. The 3,200 kg ballast contributes to the righting torque needed to maintain good seaworthiness in strong winds and heavy seas. This configuration will be of particular interest to crews who alternate between ocean sailing and coastal exploration, but don't want to change boat depending on the program.
A hull designed to maintain speed over long legs
The second issue concerns performance under sail. Today's frequent cruisers are looking for boats capable of reducing crossing times while remaining manageable with a small crew. While the Cigale has historically had a shaped hull, the Finot Conq design team, already involved in the first Cigales, chose a hull with pronounced chines. This architecture favors stability of shape when the boat heels, and helps maintain performance when speed increases. The light displacement of 12,500 kg remains contained in view of the boat's size. With a hull length of 14.50 m by 4.70 m (15.70 m overall with the delphinière), the Cigale 15 QR is a fast cruiser designed for long distances.
The rigging also reflects this quest for efficiency. The carbon mast supplied as standard, and the absence of a backstay, are solutions that have been tried and tested in ocean racing. The aim is to provide a powerful sail plan while simplifying certain maneuvers. Upwind sail area reaches 140 m² with mainsail and genoa.
Is aluminum still compatible with the quest for lightness?
The third topic is construction. Aluminum is often chosen for its shock resistance, durability and ease of repair on long voyages. On the other hand, the question of weight regularly comes up in discussions between sailors. Alubat has worked on adapting planking thicknesses to the structural constraints encountered in each area of the hull. This approach aims to limit unnecessary weight, while maintaining the mechanical qualities required for an ocean-going program.
For yachtsmen who plan to sail far from nautical infrastructures, aluminum retains several practical arguments. It stands up well to intensive use and remains a reference for circumnavigation or exploration projects in isolated areas.
The challenge is to maintain a balance between robustness and performance. This is precisely the field in which the Cigale 15 QR will be tested during its first few miles.
Habitability and autonomy: a boat designed for life on board
There's more to long-distance cruising than speed. The quality of life on board remains a determining factor when crews spend several weeks at sea. The Cigale 15 QR carries 400 liters of fresh water and 600 liters of fuel. These capacities place the boat in a position of autonomy suited to long crossings.
The shipyard also mentions work on interior luminosity and weight control. For sailors living on board for several months at a time, circulation, storage and functionality are just as important as pure performance. The width available thanks to the 4.70 m beam should make it possible to offer substantial interior volume without departing from the seafaring spirit characteristic of the Cigale range.
A versatile program of cruises, rentals and nautical events
The first unit under construction has an interesting feature: it will not only be used privately. Based in La Rochelle, this first model will take part in various nautical gatherings, integrate sports sailing programs and will also be offered for charter. This diversity of use is a good indicator of the versatility sought by the project. The project also includes a number of educational and transmission initiatives. This is in line with current trends in the boating world, where experience and sharing are playing an increasingly important role in sailing projects.
The official presentation of the Cigale 15 QR will take place at the Grand Pavois de La Rochelle 2027.
