Something about the French...

I lived in France for over fourteen years so I may have a slightly different take on French sailors and their boats than many...

Sailing is a big thing in France (they even have a maritime documentary/magazine show on prime time) and whether it is racing or cruising, the general populace seems to understand the appeal of going off to sea in a boat whether it is in a Muscadet or a no-expense-spared-dream-machine. While I can't say for sure, I'd hazard a guess that home builders of boats in France just may be the highest per capita in the world.

One of the great advantages of building several boats in France was the awesome L'Unité Amateur which offers all sorts of support for the home builder from increased buying power, educational services and a social connection. Truth be told, I doubt we would have been able to build either of the Loose Mooses in France if it were not for being members of the UA! I am still amazed that no such organization exists in the USA...

With so many boat builders and sailors in France there is some serious competition within the design community to service the market. As a lot of French sailors like going off the beaten track, French designs follow suit and designers in France tend to actually listen to their clients. This creates a dynamic where whether you want a boat to sail on weekends, do the Mini or go to the Ultima Thule and dodge ice bergs, you can find a boat design that suits.

Which in a roundabout way brings me to Attainable Adventure Cruising who has an excellent three-part review of the Boreal 44.