Loup Information, Review, Specs

The Loup sailboat originated in 1931, largely credited to Franck Roy, who was known for constructing several wooden sailboats including the Joli Morgan and Monotype d'Arcachon. While some records also indicate early production by Chantier Madiana, the design has a strong association with Franck Roy's craftsmanship from its inception. The initial construction emphasized traditional wooden boatbuilding, reflecting a philosophy of creating elegant yet enjoyable sailing vessels.

A notable characteristic of the Loup's design is its centerboard keel, allowing for both shallow draft capability (as little as 0.49 feet) and deeper draft for enhanced upwind performance when deployed (up to 4.99 feet). This feature significantly contributes to its versatility, enabling access to shallow anchorages while offering improved stability and tracking in open waters. The Loup is rigged as a fractional sloop, a configuration that typically allows for a more easily managed sail plan and good performance across a range of wind conditions.

The enduring nature of the Loup's design is evident in its continued presence and association with the Franck Roy legacy. Franck Roy later founded Construction Navale Franck Roy in 1999, a company celebrated for its neo-classical yachts, and the Loup design has been listed among the boats built by this later entity, suggesting a revival or continuation of the model's production or influence. Interestingly, Franck Roy himself repurchased the molds for the Loup's hull during the liquidation of his former shipyard in early 2022, underscoring his personal connection and commitment to the design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its length overall of just over 18 feet and a relatively light displacement of 1,213 pounds, the Loup is a sprightly performer, well-suited for day sailing and coastal exploration. The fractional sloop rig, combined with its total reported sail area of 203 square feet, suggests a lively boat that can be easily handled by a single sailor or a small crew. The centerboard design is a defining feature, offering a dual advantage: a minimal draft of under half a foot when the board is retracted, ideal for beaching or navigating very shallow waters, and a significantly deeper draft of nearly five feet when extended, which enhances its stability and upwind pointing ability. This flexibility allows the Loup to adapt to various sailing conditions and cruising grounds. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions for the Loup are limited, its design characteristics point to a boat that is responsive and enjoyable to sail in light to moderate conditions, with the ability to stiffen up and track well with the centerboard down.

Accommodations and Layout

The Loup, with its modest dimensions of 18.04 feet in length and a beam of 6.56 feet, is primarily configured for day sailing, with basic accommodations suitable for short overnight trips. While detailed interior layouts are not extensively documented, it can be inferred that the interior typically features a cuddy cabin arrangement. This usually comprises a simple V-berth forward, providing sleeping space for one or two individuals, often in an open plan with limited privacy. Given the lack of specific headroom data, the interior would likely necessitate crouching or sitting, consistent with boats of this size and era. Storage would be minimal, generally consisting of under-berth lockers. The design prioritizes sailing efficiency and ease of handling over extensive creature comforts, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts who value traditional aesthetics and a direct connection to the water.