- Price: 2 000 to 4 500 euros
- Built from 1963 to 1980 with 800 specimens, 3 specimens in 2002
Vintage sailing boats are doing well! Aren't they a nod to our parents' (or grandparents') carefree years, with a riquiqui budget to boot? The 590 corresponds more than ever to the famous saying little boat, little trouble . It is not expensive, its repair and maintenance are within reach of any toolbox and the man who goes with it. As for its implementation, it could not be simpler.
A typical plan of Christian Maury
This full bow, this camus nose and this delicate transom are of course signed Christian Maury, the architect of the mythical 420, the light round box dinghy on which many of us have sailed a few times... A lot of volume in front, less behind, here is a slightly dated drawing - although, it seems, we come back to it. In any case 590 walks like a plane at all speeds.
Small car without complex
In spite of its anti rustic drift plan - the drift is a simple metal sheet - it cape at 45° of the real wind without skidding and rather well accommodates the lapping. Downwind, it offers long glides under spinnaker at over 12 knots. It's kind of an Open 570... designed over half a century ago! Obviously, the crew must practice an energetic recall to hold the boat in its lines. A trapeze is even planned, but one cannot use it, to the great displeasure of the aficionados of the series, during the Handicap National regattas.
Developments during production
During the 17 years of production, the 590 has evolved. The most notable transformation and the passage of the round caissons - assimilated to a sporting practice - to square benches, more typical cruising. No difference on the water, but the construction with interlocking of the bridge and reinforcement thanks to a wooden beam of the first models leaves place to a simple stapling and gluing of the two lips for the new ones..
A dynamic association
Carried since 1965 by a dynamic association, the 590 has therefore for a very long time known a friendly regatta activity, mainly concentrated on the Arcachon Basin and the large Aquitaine lakes. By the end of the 1990s, the level was rising. The boats are better prepared, lighter and equipped. The first mylar sails appeared in 1999. In 2000, many units no longer respected the original dimensions and a first 590 adopted retracted lower shrouds. As a logical consequence, a strict - but evolving - gauge was issued in 2001. The AS 590 is growing in power, has 180 members and regularly about thirty boats on the water. The 590 is in the wake of the FFV series.
A sailboat optimized to go faster
The rigs, much tighter, no longer hold the pressure: the masts fall on deck. The spreaders then move from 50 to 80 cm and a sponge takes over the efforts inside. Otherwise, the deckhouse collapses... The lower shrouds are therefore retracted to better tuck in the genoa - now on furler - and ensure a better heading. The free hardware is worthy of the best modern cruisers with spinnaker swallower - initially, a simple bucket cut -, automatic spinnaker pole, tiller with turret, adjustable genoa clew in 3D and of course piano. But the sail dimensions respect the original plan and the most expensive fabrics remain forbidden.
Old-fashioned sailing
No need for crutches when the water withdraws from the dead body area. The boat heeled slightly and leaned gently on the shell plating. Those who want to sleep more or less flat (there are not many of them, comfort here is very basic) are content to slide on either side of the salmon floating devices... The 590 is the school of resourcefulness, we sail the old way, without engines, one eye on the tides directory, the other on the weather, just to be sure that the wind will not let you go far from your sailing club. A rather enjoyable way to do without port infrastructures and modern comfort..
The diagnosis of Bateaux.com
Its programme is quite broad, from day trips to HN regattas. If you want to rub shoulders with one design, it's in Gironde. It's the perfect sailboat with no problems. It is forgotten in winter on its trailer, sails are not expensive and all maintenance can be carried out without the need for a yard. And not to spoil anything, it's exciting on the water!
The benefits
- Amazing performance in all conditions
- Huge cockpit
- Reduced price and operating budget
Disadvantages
- Salmon don't run aground flat - except with floating gear..
- Sporting by good breeze
- Optimisation essential to appear well in regattas
But what does he miss?
Flat bottoms to run aground... flat and make transport even easier. And maybe more neat appendages. Although the 590 does very well with its drift and its rudder in sheet metal..
The equivalent today?
The 590 is located between the small modern sledges like the Django SF 18 and the indéboulonnable Corsaire. But like the latter, it remains very affordable.
