Imagine navigating through a maze of icebergs under the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis, or anchoring in secluded bays where the only footprints are yours and the wildlife's. For the intrepid sailor, high latitude exploration isn't just a journey—it's a calling. At the heart of this adventure lies a vessel capable of conquering the planet's most unforgiving waters. Enter the Boréal 70' yacht: an aluminum centerboarder meticulously crafted for those who dare to venture beyond the ordinary.
Video credit: Boréal
High latitude sailing isn't just about reaching remote destinations; it's about the journey, the vessel beneath your feet, and the endless horizons ahead. The Boréal 70' yacht embodies the spirit of exploration—combining robust engineering with elegant design to take you where few have gone before.
Imagine standing on the deck as the first light of dawn paints the sky over a pristine glacier, knowing that you've reached a place few ever will.
For those who yearn to push the boundaries of conventional sailing, to explore the icy frontiers of our planet in comfort and safety, the Boréal 70' isn't just a yacht—it's your passage to adventure.
"We wanted to build the boat that we couldn't find on the market—a yacht capable of taking us safely to the most remote places on earth," says Jean-Yves Rolland.
Photo credit: Jean-Marie LIOT/Boréal 70
What Makes a High Latitude Boat?
High latitude sailing presents challenges absent in temperate waters: extreme weather, floating ice, uncharted territories, and prolonged isolation. A high latitude boat must be robust, self-sufficient, and adaptable to ensure the safety and well-being of its crew. High latitude sailing demands more than just a sturdy hull; it requires a symphony of design elements working in harmony to ensure safety, performance, and comfort in extreme conditions.
Robust Construction: The hull must withstand encounters with ice and debris. Aluminum is the material of choice due to its strength-to-weight ratio and resilience. It can absorb impacts that would compromise other materials.
Centerboard Design: A retractable keel allows for a variable draft. This flexibility is crucial when navigating shallow or poorly charted waters, enabling access to remote coves and providing safety in uncertain depths.
Insulation and Heating: Extreme temperatures necessitate superior insulation and reliable heating systems to maintain a comfortable living environment onboard.
Redundant Systems: From navigation to power generation, redundancy ensures that critical systems remain operational even if one component fails—a non-negotiable in remote areas.
Protected Cockpit and Deck Layout: A well-designed cockpit shields the crew from harsh weather, while thoughtful deck layouts enhance safety during maneuvers.
Experiences and Visions: Life Aboard the Boréal 70'
Sailors who embark on high latitude expeditions aboard the Boréal 70' often describe the experience as transformative.
Immersive Nature Encounters: Witness whales breaching alongside the hull, or watch as seals play on floating ice. The proximity to wildlife is unparalleled.
Cultural Connections: Visiting isolated communities offers a glimpse into unique ways of life, enriching your journey with human connections.
Personal Growth: The challenges of high latitude sailing foster resilience, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world.
Visionaries Behind Boréal
Founding Philosophy
The founder of Boréal is Jean-François Delvoye. He, along with his team, established the company in 2005 in Tréguier, a historic port town in Brittany, France. Jean-Yves Rolland is a designer and builder of Boréal Yachts. His expertise contributes to the construction of their rugged, go-anywhere yachts, specifically designed for extreme conditions like high-latitude expeditions.
Their Backgrounds
Jean-François Delvoye and Jean-Yves Rolland bring a wealth of practical knowledge and passion to Boréal yachts:
Jean-François Delvoye: An engineer by training, Delvoye has sailed over 200,000 nautical miles, including multiple transatlantic crossings and voyages to polar regions. His technical expertise and hands-on sailing experience inform the company's approach to yacht design and construction.
Jean-Yves Rolland: A professional mariner and former merchant navy officer, Rolland has extensive experience in navigation and ship operations. His deep understanding of seamanship and safety at sea plays a crucial role in the practical aspects of Boréal yachts.
Both are seasoned sailors with extensive experience in long-distance cruising and high-latitude exploration. Frustrated by the lack of yachts truly suitable for such demanding voyages, they decided to create vessels that could meet the exacting standards required for safety, comfort, and performance in extreme conditions. Their combined experiences ensure that every yacht produced by Boréal is grounded in real-world sailing demands, particularly those encountered in high-latitude environments.
In 2010, Jean-François Delvoye teamed up with another Jean-François, Jean-François Eeman. The two had crossed paths a few years earlier by chance on a dock in Ushuaia, where the first Boréal 44 was built for Eeman and his family. In 2020, Jean-François Eeman set off to explore the world again with his family aboard his Boréal 47. Around this time, Eric Vautrin joined forces with Jean-François Delvoye, taking the helm to carry on the Boréal adventure together.
Eric Vautrin is currently the president of Boréal. Vautrin plays a key role in managing the shipyard, which has gained significant recognition in the sailing community, particularly for their award-winning yachts designed for long-distance cruising and their focus on safety and innovation.
Design and Engineering Excellence
The yachts are designed by the founders themselves, ensuring that each vessel reflects their philosophy and meets their stringent criteria:
In-House Design Team: Led by Delvoye and Rolland, the team combines technical expertise with practical sailing experience.
Collaborative Approach: They work closely with clients during the design process, allowing for customization and ensuring the yacht meets the owner's specific requirements.
Innovative Solutions: Boréal yachts feature unique design elements, such as the raised deck saloon and the centerboard keel system, enhancing safety and versatility.
Focus on Safety: Every aspect of the design prioritizes the safety of the crew, from the protected cockpit to the redundancy of critical systems.
Why Aluminum Centerboarders Like the Boréal 70' Are Ideal for Serious Explorers
Strength and Safety: Aluminum's durability means it can handle the unexpected—like floating ice—with less risk of catastrophic damage.
Versatility in Depth: The centerboard allows you to adjust your draft from deep keel stability to shallow water accessibility, opening up a world of anchorage possibilities.
Performance Under Sail: Despite their ruggedness, aluminum centerboarders are nimble. The Boréal 70' offers impressive speed and handling, making long passages not just bearable, but enjoyable.
Self-Sufficiency: Designed for extended voyages, the yacht is equipped with ample storage, large fuel and water tanks, and systems that allow for independence from ports.
Comfort Without Compromise: The interior is thoughtfully designed to provide comfort in all conditions, with secure stowage, practical layouts, and a warm ambiance.
Behind these exceptional yachts are visionaries whose passion for exploration and commitment to excellence have created vessels that are not just modes of transportation but integral companions in the journey. Jean-François Delvoye and Jean-Yves Rolland, along with their dedicated team at Boréal, have infused each build with their dedication to quality, innovation, and the spirit of adventure.
Embrace the call of the wild seas. Let the Boréal 70' be the vessel that carries you to the edge of the world and back, forever changing the way you see the oceans and yourself.
