In France there is an Italian who designs boats out of the chorus

Michele Molino is a designer, perhaps still little known to the general public, born and raised in Italy, has worked with Andrea Vllicelli and Massimo Paperini and has now established his studio in La Rochelle. Here Molino began to design a series of rather unique boats: after also working with the Tofinou brand, Molino inaugurated a series of special projects, dedicated to day Sailing but not only.

An out-of-the-chorus designer in short, with a “racing” background (he has worked with the Tp 52s, for example) but an all-around wealth of experience that makes him a “pencil” to watch in the future.

Alpha Lyrae 950 and Lyra 35

The Lyrae 950 (9.50 m long, 3.50 wide, displacement 2700 kg) brings together Molino’s experience as a sports designer, as the Italian has also worked extensively in the world of racing: it is a boat designed for offshore sailing (it follows the box rules of the Class 950), for those who intend to tackle races such as the Middle Sea Race or the Giraglia. The boat is offered with different keel and sail plan configurations to meet various needs, including those of small crew.

The Lyra 35, on the other hand (9.90 m long, 3.40 wide, displacement 3400 kg), is a boat that, starting with a sporty hull, has been developed with volumes suitable for family sailing. The interior is a hybrid between a daysailer style and those of a classic cruiser, but it is on the outside that there are other interesting solutions. The stern in particular, which has a distinctive closed shape that opens up a flat form before the descent into the sea. Here in fact, behind the two helmsmen, are deferred rigging with three winches, one of which is centrally located. The rest of this platform is cleared and can be used as a sundeck.

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