P'tit Gars (Herbulot) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the P'tit Gars in 1953 by Jean-Jacques Herbulot marked a significant contribution to French recreational boating. Herbulot, a prominent figure in the French sailing world, was known for his pragmatic and efficient designs, contributing greatly to the popularization of sailing through accessible boats. He designed around a hundred sailing vessels, from small dinghies to larger yachts, and is credited with pioneering modern pleasure sailing. The P'tit Gars, with its modest dimensions, was likely intended to be a simple, robust, and enjoyable boat for a broad audience.

Chantier Naval Costantini, the builder of the P'tit Gars, was founded in 1932 by Louis Costantini. In its early years, the shipyard was known for constructing traditional wooden boats, a craft in which Louis Costantini excelled. The P'tit Gars, featuring a wooden hull, aligns with the shipyard's initial manufacturing ethos. While Costantini later embraced innovative materials like plywood and fiberglass under the leadership of Louis's sons, Gilles and Marc, starting in 1957, the P'tit Gars originated in the era of classic timber construction. The design of the P'tit Gars incorporated a pivotable centerboard ("dérive pivotante") and a liftable rudder ("safran relevable"), enhancing its versatility for shallow water navigation and beaching.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its compact size, with a length overall of just under 14 feet and a displacement of only 198 pounds, the P'tit Gars is a remarkably light and responsive vessel. Equipped with a fractional sloop rig and 91 square feet of sail area, it is designed for nimble handling and spirited performance, particularly in light to moderate winds. The centerboard configuration, allowing for a minimum draft of just 0.23 feet and a maximum draft of 1.9 feet, enables easy access to shallow coves and facilitates trailering and launching. This design choice underscores its nature as a versatile dinghy suitable for coastal exploration and casual racing.

Accommodations and Layout

The P'tit Gars, being a small dinghy or very light monohull, primarily features an open cockpit layout. Its compact size precludes any extensive interior accommodations or standing headroom. The design prioritizes sailing functionality and ease of use, with space dedicated to the sailing crew rather than overnighting comfort. Such a layout is typical for boats of this class, offering an unencumbered deck and a simple, functional arrangement for day trips and training purposes.