The project, presented under the name Archipel 36, is aimed at cruising sailors who are primarily interested in sailing along the coast. The most striking feature of the design is the raised helm station on the side, which offers an excellent view forward and of the sails. As with many catamarans, all halyards, sheets and trimmers are routed over the roof to the helm station. The helmsman sits or stands on a raised bench to the side. The layout of the outer cockpit and saloon on a single continuous level, separated only by a sliding glass door, is also reminiscent of modern multihulls.
Two bedrooms and two bathrooms
The interior layout features a spacious saloon with a raised seating area and a long, narrow galley situated to one side. To ensure full headroom in the saloon, the deckhouse is relatively high, though it is largely glazed. The wraparound windows provide plenty of light and an almost uninterrupted panoramic view. In the foredeck is a very spacious owner’s cabin with a king-size bed, complemented by a large bathroom with a separate shower cubicle. A second double cabin is located deep in the stern and is partially built under the cockpit floor. A second wet room is also planned aft, though without a shower. The shipyard emphasises that extensive customisation of the interior is possible according to the customer’s wishes.
The rig plan specifies an aluminium mast with two spreaders. As standard, the boat is equipped with a full-battened mainsail and a slightly overlapping genoa. The short, fixed bow nose serves both as an anchor mount and as a spinnaker pole for the gennaker or Code Zero, which are available as options. The hull and deck of the Archipel 36 are constructed from plywood with glass and basalt fibre reinforcements; bio-based epoxy resins are used for the laminates.
The first boat is scheduled to go into production in spring 2026. The shipyard has quoted an initial price of €352,000 for the basic version, including sails and engine. Including 19 per cent VAT, the gross price comes to just under €420,000.
Technical specifications: Archipel 36
- Designer: Gildas Plessis Yacht Design (GPYD)
- Hull length: 11.00 m
- Width: 3.75 m
- Draught: 1.40 m
- Weight: 5.5 tonnes
- Sail area when sailing close-hauled: 74.0 m²
- Gennaker: 60.0–90.0 m²
- Engine: Volvo Penta 50 hp inboard diesel
Further links that may be of interest
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
