Belouga Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Belouga began in 1943 when Eugène Cornu designed this innovative sailboat, a creation that significantly elevated his reputation as a naval architect. Production commenced in 1944 and continued for three decades until 1974, with over 900 units built, a testament to its enduring popularity. Initially, the Belouga was often constructed from wood, either by professionals or by amateur builders from plans, reflecting Jouët's early roots in traditional wooden craftsmanship. Over its long production run, Jouët seamlessly transitioned to fiberglass construction, embracing the new material that allowed for more efficient production. Later versions of the Belouga also saw a shift from its original gaffhead sloop rig to a more modern Bermudian/Marconi (fractional) sloop configuration. Throughout this evolution, Jouët maintained its core ethos of producing robust, seaworthy vessels known for their dependable performance.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Belouga, with a length overall of 21.33 feet and a waterline length of 19.19 feet, is renowned as a lightweight and fast sailing boat, designed with a focus on being a "racing-cruiser.", 4] Its performance capabilities are well-regarded, allowing for sprightly handling on the water. A notable feature contributing to its versatility is its centerboard keel, which allows for a remarkably shallow minimum draft of just 0.79 feet. This makes the Belouga highly suitable for exploring coastal waters and navigating shallow anchorages. When the iron centerboard is fully deployed, the draft extends to 3.74 feet, providing enhanced stability and upwind performance in deeper waters.

Accommodations and Layout

While detailed specifications on the interior layout are limited, the Jouët Belouga is classified as a habitable cruising monohull, suggesting an interior designed to offer basic overnighting or weekending capabilities. Given its compact size, the accommodations would be modest, typically featuring a simple V-berth forward, a small galley area, and potentially a basic head, reflecting the design’s emphasis on maximizing interior volume within a small footprint. As with many boats of its era and size, the finish likely featured a combination of fiberglass and wood composite elements, providing a functional yet inviting space for short excursions.