An explorer yacht is generally understood to be a stately, robustly built vessel for long voyages and long ranges - equipped with plenty of space for supplies, technology and comfortable living on board on blue water tours. French designer Eric Henseval's latest development, the Divinité 7m, shows that there is another way, much smaller, but still with a real expedition character.
With a length of just seven metres and a scow bow, which is now standard on mini-transat yachts, the Divinité breaks new conceptual ground. Henseval himself describes his design as "probably the smallest explorer yacht in the world" - and the boat does indeed have numerous features that are otherwise only found on much larger blue water yachts: robust construction, high autonomy, variable draughts, great flexibility when dry-docking and easy maintenance.
For falling dry and trailering
The Divinité 7m is built from plywood using modern composite technology. The material is not only light and easy to work with, but is also suitable for self-build. And this is precisely part of the concept: the plans are sold directly to self-builders and smaller shipyards under licence. This keeps the boat affordable - and therefore customisable, depending on use and application.
The special feature is the underwater hull: two laterally offset, retractable keels together with retractable rudder blades ensure a versatile range of uses. Falling dry in tidal waters or anchoring in shallow bays is therefore no problem. At the same time, the twin keels are designed to provide plenty of course stability and safety under sail - even in rough conditions. The striking scow bow, which provides a lot of buoyancy in the foredeck, also contributes to this. With a width of just 2.55 m and a calculated total weight of just 1.5 tonnes, the Mini-Explorer can also be easily transported on a trailer on the road.
The voluminous front also maximises the space below deck. Inside, the Divinité concept surprises with a functional layout for plenty of cosiness: two berths, a small galley and even space for a separate toilet with shower option. There is also a headroom of 1.82 metres inside - a rarity on a boat just seven metres long.
There are still no official prices for the purchase of the construction plans from Eric Henseval. Interested parties should contact the Website of the designer.
Technical data Divinité 7m
- Designer: Eric Henseval Yacht Design
- Hull length: 7.30 m
- Overall length with bowsprit: 7.60 m
- Waterline length: 6.70 m
- Width: 2.55 m
- Draught (recoverable double keels): 0.40 m - 1.45 m
- Mast height above waterline: 11.40 m
- Weight unloaded: 1.53 tonnes
- Mainsail: 22.8 m2
- Genoa: 14.3 m2
- Gennaker: 38.0 m2
