After the Bô 28, which owes a lot to the mackerel makers, the Bonnin/Bossuet tandem once again finds its sources of inspiration on the stretch of water that the two builders know by heart, the Arcachon basin.
But this time, it is the sailboat that interests them... a flat workboat born on the Aquitaine waterways at the end of the 19th century, the sailboat is a kind of robust barge with a low deck - and flat too - to transport all sorts of materials. This sailboat, which holds very little room to land its goods directly on shore and easily runs aground, was also used by oyster farmers and for sardine fishing.
A hull adapted to yachting
We're a long way from the cruise, don't you think! In the end, not at all: Jean-Baptiste Bossuet - to whom we owe the plans for the Ti'Bac - understood that this flat hull was perfectly suited to shallow waters and that a vast cockpit would certainly create a friendly atmosphere.
That's the main lines of the project, for the rest, the architect-builder and Alexis Bonnin opted for a shelter deckhouse and much more modern attributes for the rigging, fittings and appendages. The Ti'Bac is built in epoxy plywood on a mahogany and red fir structure, and her deck plan - just like the interior - knows how to highlight the wood species (teak remains a sure value). Add a touch of stainless steel, a comfortable upholstery and a meticulous finish and it is a small cruiser that you will discover.
Stiff to the canvas
When you get on board, you are surprised by the boat's slight heel. However, she has very little ballast - only 60 kg in the swivel daggerboard. The appendage is made of 12 mm steel sheet profiled by two laminated and coated half hulls.
The reason why the ballast is so small is because this first model is equipped with a diesel engine, fuel tank, batteries and water reserve - 235 kilos that make up the weight, right where you need it, on either side of the daggerboard well (and just behind for the 14 hp Nanni.) The daggerboard is also equipped with a water tank, which is a very small one. The Ti'Bac equipped with a more modest outboard are therefore fitted with lead socks to achieve a total displacement close to 1,200 kg.
Easy to operate
The movements are easy, one only regrets a handrail on the port side of the deckhouse to access the short foredeck without any problem. On the starboard side, the notch of the off-centre companionway offers a good grip. With the exception of the mainsail, all manoeuvres are carried out on a winch aft of the daggerboard well. In a few tacks, you have the boat in hand, as it is so easy to rig and trim.
Astonishing performance
On the water, ideal conditions: 15 to 18 knots of wind and small chop. Alexis and Jean-Baptiste don't hesitate for a second... we're hoisting all the canvas! Upwind, the Ti'Bac has a few good gusts of heel in the gusts, but once again, its stiffness to the canvas is astonishing.
Although the crew is well prepared for the recall, the marine qualities of this extra-wide hull are to be commended. At 40° to the true wind, a speed of 6 knots is recorded. By unbridling the sheets, you can easily stall 2 knots more. On small waves, the boat starts some nice surfing; sure that with a good downwind sail, the Ti'Bac will turn into a little sledge!
See you on the beach!
Particularly evolutionary, the Ti'Bac turns into a handkerchief; it invites you to venture into the narrowest passages... and the shallowest. Obviously, the more you raise the daggerboard and rudder, the more you have to anticipate the trajectories and the daggerboard. But it is still possible to manoeuvre and even windward in 50 cm of water.
The rudder is fitted with a double lifting system. It adjusts itself vertically to the water depth and pivots backwards on its own in case of sudden and unexpected contact. Difficult with such a boat to resist beach approaches. Light enough to be pushed back by hand, you don't hesitate to look at it.
Epicurean above all
It is especially at anchor that the epicurean qualities of Ti'Bac are appreciated. First of all, her cockpit is 4.50 m long, excuse the pun. Then, the central cockpit tabletop is raised thanks to integrated 9 cm jacks; the seat flaps are then put in place to enjoy a 60 by 50 cm table. You can eat at seven... and there's still the engine hood for the kids! Finally, there are three external lockers to store the on-board equipment.
At the stern, the transom is equipped with a gate for direct access to the sea (or sand). An integrated ladder is at the station while the mainsheet hatch opens to clear the way. Another small detail that makes life at anchor easier: the starboard bench folds down to make it even easier to move towards the deckhouse.
A small cabin for two
As we've seen, our cabin has a staggered starboard access. As a result, the mast is placed on the daggerboard, just aft of the bulkhead. Inside, only 1.08 m high, but there too a nice finish - exposed wood and white lacquer. The shipyard has managed to fit in a lot of storage space and even a very clever galley with its stove that tilts over the sink. The saloon offers a feeling of cosy comfort. And a removable cushion makes it possible to enjoy a real double berth.
The opinion of Bateaux.com
Already five Ti Bac yachts have already been sold, demonstrating that there is a market for its neo-retro yachts built in small series and customizable to suit your needs. Fast and exhilarating under sail without being demanding to sail, the Ti'Bac is as atypical as it is seductive - especially at anchor.
Admittedly, its CE approval in category C confines it to sheltered waters and the coamings of the deckhouse make your back a little uncomfortable when you're sitting down... But its wooden construction (the hull is perfectly protected thanks to glass cloth and epoxy resin) and its quality of finish make it a mini cruiser that won't leave you indifferent..
