USED Classic Boat | Five small French boats that made sailing history

Post-World War II France was one of the great interpreters of the new way to sailing, a hotbed of ideas, yards, hulls and philosophies as never after. Here, perhaps more so than elsewhere, hundreds of small boats came to life, models that are iconic today, though sometimes forgotten. In full tradition with the spirit of this column, then, here is a taste of them: 5 French Classic Boats, vessels from the ‘early days’ and today unquestionably cult hulls. Boats a bit for everyone, from the neophyte to the unpretentious enthusiast.

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Five small French boats that made sailing history

The panorama concerning the Classic Boats -that is, production boats over 25 years old and launched since 1967-. is a vast and ever-expanding context, composed of hulls of all shapes and sizes and, perhaps, not as easily “navigable” as one would often like. In light of this, in addition to the Classic Boat Club and to our information sections, we have created a series of articles, aimed at exploring some exceptional hulls, projects fundamental to the evolution of boating (you can find each article, 40+, at the bottom of this one). In this specific case, as announced, it is the turn to look at 5 ‘small’ Classic Boats, iconic designs from ‘early’ French production, hulls that are now dated, and small perhaps, but in their own way exceptional.

SAMOURAI

specs: CNSO; 7.4 x 2.4 m; 1968; Michel Bigoin

Produced by the now defunct Constructions Nautiques du Sud-Ouest, the Samourai is the smallest hull with which we will be confronted. Nonetheless, it is a gem of its time. With 800 built, in fact, the CNSO found in the Samurai a great little formula toward success. In full 1960s style, the small hull signed by Bigoin is indeed quick, fast and (for the time) also well habitable, resulting in a serious boat, appreciated by the public of the time, as well as undoubtedly marine. In 1974, not for nothing, a couple sailed on her from Fiumicino to the Antilles… that’s enough to understand this little French girl.

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– Learn more about the SAMOURAI, its market value and the production of the CNSO

ECUME de MER

specifications: Mallard; 7.87 x 2.67 m; 1969; Jean Marie Finot

It is 1968 when, a very young Jean Marie Finot, designs a small Quarter Tonner for himself. He will call it Ecume de Mer, entrusting its production, in aluminum, to the Dutch Royal Huisman. The French company Mallard, goodness grasps its great features on the fly, causing it to be mass produced, now in fiberglass. The long eye of ownership pays off, and from 1969 to 1980 the Ecume de Mer, now a serial model, will be sold in no less than 1358 examples. Striking numbers, to say the least. For that matter, though, the design deserves it, proving it even among the buoys, with two Quarter Ton Cups won, in 1970 and 1972 respectively.

– Learn more about the ECUME de MER, its market value and Mallard production.

GLADIATEUR

specs: Wauquiez; 8.01 x 3.35 m; 1987; Holman & Pye

In 1987 Wauquiez production boasts a newcomer. It is a small 33-footer, but it will quickly prove to be a worthy successor to the earlier Centurion. It is the Gladiateur, signed by Holman & Pye and assured of success. Small, agile and safe, it was in fact a highly appreciated boat, especially in France, giving birth to as many as 299 units within a few years. A compact but appreciable cruiser, it was a much-appreciated hull, even among the buoys, where not a few examples took the test.

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– Learn more about the GLADIATEUR, its market value and Wauquiez production.

DUFOUR 27

specs: Dufour; 8.28 x 2.79 m; 1971; Michel Dufour

To speak of this one, and not the Sylphe or theArpège, may perhaps seem strange. Yet, if the intent also includes looking at more ‘remote’ hulls, less memorialized, then the previous two are certainly unpresentable, rightly already famous. So here is the little Dufour 27, signed by the great hand of master Michel. Born with the beginning of the 1970s, the small 27-footer looks to the past, ignoring the stylistic evolutions of the time and becoming a new little cult. A small cruising cabin cruiser, comfortable, marine and with classic lines, it will be particularly appreciated by sailors in France, loyal to its narrow stern, wide maximum beam and impressive stability. Compact, agile and against the tide, it was a success from over 320 hulls.

– Learn more about the DUFOUR 27, its market value and Dufour production

KARATE

specs: CNSO; 9.95 x 2.95 m; 1969; Michel Bigoin

With the Karate we have the ‘grand’ interpretation of the just ‘older’ Samourai, with which, in addition to the yard, this 9.95 meter also shares the signature: Bigoin. This, however, is also the icon of the late 1960s French cruiser. It is a hull with classic charm, sculpted by a vintage master. A boat to really sail with, the way it used to be done: without too many comforts, without frills, but with a lot of desire for the sea. The design, after all, is very valid, and traces the lines of the mythical ocean-going boats of the time. The idea, perhaps, was to make everyone feel a bit like Moitessier….

– Learn more about KARATE, its market value and the production of the CNSO

Nasce il Registro Ufficiale delle Classic Boat di Valore Storico: ecco cosa sapere

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• The five best BARBERIS boats from 7 to 12.5 m
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• The five best boats from DUFOUR 9 to 12.8 meters
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