Four years ago, the Latitude 46 shipyard in La Rochelle presented the Tofinou 9.7, an unusually elegant and sporty daysailer. YACHT has analysed the boat in detail in the test presented. The Tofinou 7.9 is now being added as a smaller sister in continuation of the proven concept. Yacht architect Michele Molino, also based in La Rochelle, has also supplied the design for the new and smaller boat. The elongated, classic lines with little freeboard and a pronounced positive deck projection are typical of his style.
Like its bigger sister, the small Tofinou 7.9 is also available with a fixed T-shaped keel and single rudder or with a hydraulic swivelling keel and shorter, but double rudder blades. The version with the flexible hull appendage and a width of just 2.30 metres makes the boat particularly suitable for road transport on a trailer. And: the boat can also be easily slipped over the ramp. The simple, but nevertheless quite high and powerful aluminium rig can also be positioned and laid by hand. This is even easier with the optionally available and significantly lighter carbon fibre rig, which is available for around 20,000 euros extra. In addition to the basic price of just under 100,000 euros, the buyer has to pay an extra charge of around 12,000 euros for a simple set of sails. Additional sails such as Code Zero or a gennaker, which can be used on the long, permanently attached bowsprit, are also available as options.
Lots of innovative details and the option to stay overnight
An engine is also not specified as standard. However, the shipyard offers various options. The simplest solution is the outboard motor (electric or petrol) attached to the stern. A small built-in diesel with 10 hp output is also possible (surcharge approx. 21,000 euros) or an electric pod motor with 3 kW output for around 14,000 euros surcharge. The shipyard installs up to four battery packs, depending on the application and desired range. The batteries, which weigh just eleven kilograms, can be removed individually and recharged at home via the power socket. This means that the Tofinou 7.9 is independent of shore power and is therefore also suitable for mooring at a buoy.
The sheets, halyards and trim lines are redirected below deck to the two winch platforms mounted in the centre of the cockpit. This means that the helmsman can easily operate all functions himself without having to leave his place at the tiller. Exciting detail: The seats of the front cockpit grommets are removable and can be used as a cockpit table when pushed together (see picture gallery above).
The small Tofinou also offers sleeping accommodation for two people in the foredeck. A small companionway leads from the cockpit into the slip cabin. However, there is not much living space below deck. But it's certainly enough for a weekend for two.
Technical data Tofinou 7.9
- Designer: Michele Molino
- CE design category: C
- Hull length: 7.94 m
- Waterline length: 6.20 m
- Width: 2.30 m
- Draught with fixed keel: 1.70 m
- Draught with swing keel: 0.68 m-1.95 m
- Weight: 1.2 tonnes
- Mainsail: 21.0 m²
- Self-tacking jib: 10.0 m²
- Code Zero: 25.0 m²
- Gennaker: 52,0 m²
- Base price ex shipyard: 98,050 euros (gross, incl. 19 % VAT)
