Brin DE Folie (Jeanneau) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Brin de Folie is intertwined with its predecessor, the "Folie Douce." Initially launched as the Folie Douce in 1970, the vessel was later rebranded as the Brin de Folie, with production under this new name commencing in 1975 and continuing until 1980. This transition, reportedly due to a legal dispute, saw the Brin de Folie retain much of the original design's spirit, albeit with minor modifications, such as a slightly longer coachroof compared to the Folie Douce.

The design collaboration between Jean Marie Finot (Groupe Finot) and Philippe Harlé was significant. Finot was known for his innovative, scientific approach to boat design, aiming for perfectly balanced and seaworthy vessels. Harlé, one of the most prolific yacht designers of his time, contributed to numerous Jeanneau models. Together, their goal for this model was to create a comfortable cruising sailboat with excellent sailing capabilities. During the Brin de Folie's production, Jeanneau, by then a significant force in sailboat manufacturing, focused on embracing new technologies and efficient production techniques, following the success of models like the Sangria. The Brin de Folie was offered with variations in draft, including a "Standard" and a "Deep draft" version, accommodating different cruising preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Brin de Folie, with a length overall of just over 28 feet and a waterline length of approximately 22 feet, exhibits a well-balanced design for its size. Its reported sail area to displacement ratio of around 21.46 suggests a boat that is relatively powerful for its displacement, indicating good performance in light to moderate winds and a lively feel. The ballast to displacement ratio of approximately 0.36 indicates a moderate degree of stability, allowing the boat to stand up to a reasonable amount of wind without excessive heeling. With a displacement to length ratio of roughly 271.9, the Brin de Folie falls into the category of a moderate to heavy displacement cruiser, suggesting a comfortable motion in a seaway and good directional stability.

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the Brin de Folie for its excellent sailing characteristics. Its hull form, featuring a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributes to a good blend of maneuverability and tracking ability. The skeg-hung rudder provides protection for the rudder blade, a valuable feature for coastal cruising. The combination of these design elements results in a boat that is both rewarding to sail and forgiving, making it suitable for a range of sailors from novices to experienced enthusiasts.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite its compact size, the Jeanneau Brin de Folie was designed to maximize interior volume and provide comfortable accommodations for cruising. While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the design aimed for "liveable boats" with "clever layouts" as per Jeanneau's general philosophy. The typical interior arrangement generally includes sleeping for up to five or six, often featuring a V-berth forward, a convertible dinette or settee in the main salon, and a quarter berth aft.

The galley typically incorporates a cooker, a sink, and a coolbox, providing basic amenities for meal preparation. A dedicated head compartment is usually present, offering privacy. Storage solutions, including hanging lockers, are integrated throughout the cabin, crucial for extended trips. The general finish quality, characteristic of Jeanneau boats of that era, would likely include a combination of fiberglass liners and practical wood trim, prioritizing durability and functionality suitable for the cruising market. Ventilation would typically be managed through deck hatches and portlights.