Boreal 56: A rugged globetrotter put through its paces on the North Sea. Watch the test video

​Built for long voyages and extreme sailing conditions: the Boreal 56 from France is one of the most uncompromising aluminium blue-water yachts in its class. In the first part of our video feature on YACHT-TV, we showcase the concept, the design and, above all, how this robust globetrotter performs under challenging conditions on the North Sea.

An unpainted aluminium hull, a variable centreboard system and a well-protected cockpit: the Boreal 56 makes it clear at first glance what it was built for. The French shipyard in Tréguier has designed the yacht specifically for long voyages and challenging sailing areas – right up to the high latitudes.

The first part of the test video at YACHT-TV First of all, it examines the design and the special features on deck in more detail. These include the retractable centreboard, the protected main rudder and the two additional retractable auxiliary rudders. These are designed to ensure course stability whilst also protecting the rudder from grounding.

​Things got particularly exciting during the test off IJmuiden. Following several stormy days, the North Sea was still experiencing strong winds and correspondingly rough seas. It is precisely under such conditions that the Boreal 56 can demonstrate what it was designed for. Under reefed sails, the large aluminium yacht glides smoothly and in a controlled manner through the waves, remaining easy to handle and instilling a great sense of safety.

The deck layout, too, is clearly designed with small crews and bad weather in mind. The cockpit is sheltered behind the doghouse, there are plenty of handholds to provide a firm grip, and the main sheets can be operated in such a way that the helmsman hardly ever has to leave his station.

Anyone who wants to delve even deeper will find the A detailed review of the Boreal 56 on YACHT online – including all the background information, test impressions and the editorial team’s detailed review.

The second part of our video presentation will follow next week. We’ll then be heading below deck to look at the interior fit-out, layout and on-board systems.