A sailboat inspired by materials and travel
The young shipyard in Crozon, Organic Boats, is the result of Julien Gratiot's reconversion. Engineer and diver for the study of marine biology for 10 years, the young man had to stop diving for health reasons. In 2016, he decided to train in marine carpentry at the Ateliers de l'Enfer in Douarnenez. It is the interest in maritime heritage matured in large gatherings that guides him. "That led me to this project I have been working on since 2018. The different influences have given this little boat a little hybrid, inspired by travel" explains Julien Gratiot.
Palatto : a wooden and fabric multihull
Organic Boats' first prototype boat, the Palatto, hit the water in March 2020, a few days before containment. It is a double-beam monohull with floats reminiscent of Polynesia. "On a main structure made of cypress for the prototype (Editor's note: the next one should be made of thuja), is fixed a network of slats and bamboo beams. A coated canvas covers the whole to make up the hull planking," explains the designer and manufacturer.
Raising funds to offer a sailboat in small series
While the prototype's first sailings have enabled the concept to be validated, Julien Gratiot is looking for funding to build a demonstrator. "I'm looking for funding to have a 2nd boat to show at the shows and do some tests. Up until now, I have been self-financing, with a support partnership from the Armorique Natural Park. Eventually, the objective is to make a small series, adaptable to the demand, by modifying the benches for example, but without touching the constructive mode. We can also imagine involving the customer in the construction. There are also possibilities with nautical centers or within the framework of educational projects."
For the Palatto, Julien Gratiot envisages a sales price of around 8,500 euros. The carpenter doesn't think he's going to stop there. "I have other ideas in other influences," he says. If it surprises by its style in the bay of Douarnenez, the boat and its environmentally friendly manufacture is undoubtedly part of a necessary reflection on the impact of yachting and its ecological footprint.
