A loaf of bread and proa
GALLERY | Click images to enlarge
Epicure. noun. a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink.
Belgian-French yacht designer Daniel Charles (Tahiti Douche) has launched a new proa, designed for sailors of “the third age” AKA “active seniors” (Charles is 61). The 38’-7” (14.5m) Epicure is intended to be a comfortable floating home suitable for a three week cruise. I know little else about the project, except other primary dimensions are - beam: 23’-6” (7.19m), sail area: 1033 sq. ft.(96sqm), and the boat is built of aluminum . Apparently the interior is an epicurean dream but I haven’t yet seen the photos.
That said, the exterior is quite interesting enough. Epicure is an Atlantic proa (rig and payload to windward, ama to lee), and therefor a “descendent” of Newick’s famous Cheers. The Atlantic proa is much like a trimaran with the redundant ama cut off, reducing weight, windage, and beam. I’m happy to see the relatively moderate beam of this design - it makes the boat more practical in European rivers and marinas. With all the righting moment inherent to the Atlantic proa type, more beam just slows you down.
The windward nacelle guards against capsize in case the proa is caught aback, and also contains the cockpit. The best seat on a multihull is always the windward hull, and I imagine this would make for an excellent helm position. I’m very curious about the steering and rudders, no details on that yet. The rig appears to be a stayed uni-rig.
The bows are extreme wave-piercers and the reverse curves help create a distinct aeronautical style. Epicure’s profile is as streamlined as an art deco airplane or submarine, and the yacht embodies that curious blend of seriousness and whimsy that the French do so well. A feast for the eyes as well as the other senses, Daniel Charles’ creation is certainly an epicure’s delight.
Thanks to Laurent C. for the reporting.
