Concept and advantages of the Pilot Saloon
The Pilot Saloon is a concept developed by the Wauquiez shipyard, a range of boats whose characteristic is to be thought as a catamaran on a hull. "It's a quasi-apartment with a sea view so the crew doesn't get trapped in the bottom of the boat like on other monohulls." explains Christian Iscovici, site manager. Thus, the height under the bar allows for a square on the same level - except for 42 where it is raised - or in a seated position you can see what is going on outside.
A layout that is "very pleasant if the weather becomes unpleasant, and which allows you to be sheltered, under automatic pilot and to see what is happening outside from the inside," explains Christian Iscovici. "We enjoy the scenery while watching the boat and the surroundings." he adds.
The Pilot Saloon range includes 3 models of sailing yachts from 12 to 16 m designed for long distance cruising. "These boats allow you to cross the Atlantic or go around the world alone or with a small crew." details the leader. So, from retired couples to families with children, everyone will find happiness in the Pilot Saloon.
While the yachts are fully equipped for ocean cruising, coastal cruising is also on the range's programme. "He who can do more can do less." sums up Christian Iscovici.
In order to seduce its customers, Wauquiez has worked on the ability to navigate easily, especially in terms of manoeuvres. Thus, the manoeuvres are brought back to cockpit level to avoid going on deck, the reefing lines are automatic or the boom is furled.
The interior layout pushes comfort to the max with plenty of storage space for goods and large water and fuel tanks. "The idea is to be able to sail away and fill your boat with all the necessary equipment, which finds a place more or less already allocated" details Christian Iscovici. Thus, all the storage solutions have been designed to make the customer's life easier and everything in its place: the lifeboat, the water reserves..
With this attractive concept, the French manufacturer has already sold many boats, since the first model launched in 1991, the Pilot Saloon 40. Then came the Pilot Saloon 47, 48, 58 and the latest addition to the range, the 42.
"Our Pilot Saloon range has represented a nice fleet for several years. This concept is really appreciated by our customers who really find the sea view very pleasant to live in" adds Christian Iscovici.
The Pilot Saloon 42's advantages for blue water cruising
Launched in 2018, the Pilot Saloon 42 is the smallest model in the range, but also the most contemporary. The shipyard started with a blank sheet of paper - which was not the case for the 48 and 58, which were inspired by other models - and equipped her boat with a completely new hull.
This new generation has been entrusted to the Berret-Racoupeau architectural firm with specifications under the sign of performance. Thus, the Pilot Saloon is capable of sailing under sail, even in light winds.
The look is also more contemporary, but still retains the characteristics of the Pilot Saloon range.
The interior design has also evolved, moving away from the classic teak layout to more modern teak. The chamfers have been rounded, the galley modernised with corian coverings for the worktop and the lighting fixtures changed.
"The Pilot Saloon is a boat with a classic layout, but more contemporary inside and sexier", sums up the site manager.
With this modernization, the manufacturer is not necessarily seeking to rejuvenate its customer base, but to attract a more demanding clientele in terms of interior fittings. "They want to find in their boat what they have in their house. A modern interior design that makes them feel like they live in an apartment on the water." explains Christian Iscovici.
A sailboat full of assets for coastal cruising
This "long cruise" design is also perfectly suited to a coastal cruising programme. Starting with an undeniable asset, the size, which makes it easier to manoeuvre in narrow marinas or to meet the problems of harbour berths on the European and Mediterranean coasts. Its fixed keel, available in two versions - 2.05 m and 1.75 m - also makes it possible to benefit from a reduced draught, ideal for coastal navigation.
"Having a boat designed for the open sea allows you to do a lot of things in coastal navigation and enjoy a lot of amenities designed for the open sea." details Christian Iscovici.
The interior layout is also available in two versions, a large owner's cabin at the rear or an owner's cabin at the front and two rear cabins. However, it is the first version - more luxurious - that is the most attractive since, out of the 12 models sold, all are in a rear owner's cabin version.
In addition to the night section, the Pilot Saloon offers two comfortable bathrooms with shower and separate toilet. In the 2-cabin version, each has its own private bathroom. The convertible saloon can accommodate 2 extra passengers for the night.
