TIME FOR A NAUTICAL ESCAPE - BILOUP 109

TIME FOR A NAUTICAL ESCAPE
Meet our happy owners

Almost ten years ago, our Vincent Lebailly Yacht Design agency had the good fortune to collaborate with the prestigious Wrighton shipyard on an exceptional project: the Bi-Loup 109. This alliance has produced a number of beautiful Bi-Loup yachts, testifying to a fruitful and lasting collaboration.

We had the privilege of meeting the owners of the third Bi-Loup 109, Chantal and François, aboard P’tit Bouchon2, in the exceptional setting of the port of Carteret, in the English Channel. They gave us a tour of their magnificent yacht. Our discussions revealed their vision of the sea, their passion for sailing, and the stories of their past voyages and future projects.

We hope you enjoy reading!

RELATIONSHIP WITH SAILING AND THE SEA

Chantal: I started sailing at the age of 30, but it was ‘small’ sailing at the time. Before we had our current boat, we had three other boats: one of 5.50 metres, one of 8.50 metres and another of 9 metres. And finally we moved up to a 10.80 metre boat with the Biloup. It’s often said that sailors have the ‘extra metre syndrome’, and we think it’s true!

François: As far as I’m concerned, I started sailing when I was around 8 or 9 years old, during the summers, on small sailing boats and sand yachts. Then the years went by and we continued together. We took a break when we moved to Limoges, because sailing there was simply impossible. Then, when we moved back to Normandy, that’s when our adventure with the boat really took shape.

Chantal: Sailing is not a passion that emerged on retirement for us: it had already been an integral part of our lives for a long time. You could even say that we’ve spent half our lives on board! But building your own boat is often a project that comes to fruition when you retire, when you have more time, money and freedom.

A COMBINATION OF CIRCUMSTANCES

Chantal and François: When Wrighton moved to Caen, a new mould was created. Three boats were to be built at that time, so we joined the project as the third boat. Even though other Bi-Loup boats had already been built before, and their reputation was well established, everything was rethought by the agency to suit the three owner couples.

In any case, we already thought that our previous boat was a bit small, and we knew that retirement was fast approaching. This new boat would become our retirement boat.

The advantage of having a boat built, a luxury in fact, is that you can design it to your own personal taste and anything becomes possible. The cost is obviously different, but when you buy a second-hand boat, you always find aspects that you only half like.

YOUR BOAT IN A NUTSHELL

Safe, robust, seaworthy, reassuring, comfortable, fast and suitable for family sailing.

NAVIGATION: MANY CONSTRAINTS

Chantal: We check the weather very regularly, even several times a day. It’s a constant preoccupation, and I’m particularly worried about it. We prefer to sail only when we feel serene and confident. As I often say, the word ‘pleasure’ comes first. If sailing becomes a source of stress or fear, we prefer not to take to the sea. We’re well aware that with the sea, you always have to be careful and never underestimate it.

François : Today, we’re no longer constrained by the weather, which completely changes our approach. When we were working, it was quite frustrating. For a three-week holiday in the summer, we would plan two weeks of sailing to leave ourselves 3 or 4 days of margin at the end. This limited the time spent at sea and the distances we could cover. Now we have the freedom to go further and really take our time. If conditions deteriorate along the way, we can afford to stop off in a port and wait for the weather to improve. It would be a shame to get into trouble because of time constraints!

FIRST LAUNCH

Chantal: We followed the construction of the boat closely, as we lived just 50 km from Caen. What’s more, we’d been to the launches of the first two boats and sailed on one of them. Unlike some people who live 800 km from the yard and discover it all at once, we had the chance to make it our own at each major stage of construction.

But it was very moving to see the boat in the water for the first time. It was really when the boat hit the water that our adventure began.

However, we got the boat back in December, so we had to wait a while before we could make full use of it. We first took her to Cherbourg, where we had a berth for three months. Having a boat in winter is a different experience; I would have preferred to be able to enjoy it during the summer. In the end, we set sail in May and settled in the port of Carteret.

THE FIRST BIG DEPARTURE

Chantal and François: We set off sailing to the islands, particularly Goret. In fact, this tradition has continued: every year, at the start of the season, we like to go back there to test the boat, the sails, the engine, and so on. However, our first ‘big outing’ was the Bi-Loup club’s annual gathering at Aber Wrac’h. It was a fantastic time, with glorious weather and smooth sailing. The following year, we headed for England, for a more challenging crossing. We’ve kept souvenirs of these great moments in our logbooks. It’s a great way of keeping track of all the important things, while preserving precious memories.

ROUTINE AND ORGANISATION DURING THE YEAR

Chantal and François: In winter, it’s a quieter time for us, even though we regularly come to see the boat for maintenance, to run the engine and so on. That’s why we couldn’t have a boat too far from home, as it would prevent us from looking after it properly. So we chose the port of Carteret for its proximity. However, even in winter, the boat remains at the heart of our discussions and thoughts: it really is an integral part of our daily lives.

SAILING LESSONS: LETTING YOURSELF GO

Chantal and François: Making mistakes always happens, and that’s often how we learn. In the past, we tended to plan everything out because of time constraints, but that made sailing stressful and not very enjoyable. That’s why, from now on, we always leave ourselves room for manoeuvre. And if we have a head start, we take the time to slow down and enjoy it. For example, for the Bi-Loup club meeting, we left 4 days in advance, anticipating any unforeseen events. Especially as we were the organisers of the event, it was important to allow enough time to deal with any potential problems.

CLUB DES BI-LOUP: WHAT IS IT?

Chantal and François: François is the president of the Bi-Loup Club, which brings together owners and enthusiasts of these boats. The club also welcomes former Bi-Loup owners, as well as people who are thinking of buying one. To date, we have around 150 members. We have a Facebook page and a blog where we share tips, solutions to various problems and more. We generally organise get-togethers by geographical area. These outings are always very convivial: it’s a chance to get together, exchange ideas, visit places together, share meals and enjoy aperitifs on the pontoons.

COMPLIMENTS

Chantal: Right from the start, and still today, we get a lot of compliments on the boat. We’re often told how beautiful our boat is, and people recognise that it’s a Bi-Loup, although usually Bi-Loup boats are white with blue stripes, and there are very few of this size. In the early days, we even showed our boat to the curious, because we were so proud of it. It may not be spectacular, but it attracts attention because it’s bigger than the typical Bi-Loup, which is intriguing.

GOING FAR AND WIDE?

François and Chantal: We too had dreams of setting off on great journeys, and we started by embarking on far-flung adventures. Then, little by little, we went on other outings, shorter excursions, but we always came back. Our family is here, and that’s what keeps us here. Of course, leaving for six months is still an option, but it seems like a long time and a lot can happen in six months. And reality often brings us back to our daily lives: home, obligations, and everything else that makes up our lives. However, we still keep that desire inside us, you never know…
That said, even a three-hour ride, when all goes well, is already a source of immense pleasure.

A FINAL WORD

Chantal and François: Today, we’re still enjoying our boat just as much and it’s the one that suits us best. P’tit Bouchon 2 is our 4th boat. We don’t see what ‘number 5’ could one day replace her: she really is our retirement boat.