Tofinou 12 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Tofinou 12 entered production in 2000, emerging from Latitude 46's shipyard near La Rochelle, France, a builder recognized for its commitment to blending traditional elegance with contemporary performance. The design, penned by Joubert-Nivelt, aimed to create a high-end day sailer that was both fast and easy to handle. This vision aligns perfectly with Latitude 46's core ethos of crafting vessels that are "beautiful to behold and exhilarating to sail," utilizing Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for robust hulls while adorning interiors and decks with generous amounts of teak and mahogany to achieve a timeless, classic yacht aesthetic. The Tofinou 12, with its pure lines and meticulous attention to detail, made a significant impact from its inception. During its production run, an notable interior variation included an open-plan layout option designed by the famous stylist Philippe Starck, offering a distinctive take on the boat's internal spaces.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of 39.34 feet, the Tofinou 12 is characterized by its moderate beam, lean profile, and a deep draft of 7.87 feet, indicative of its performance-oriented design. Its sailing characteristics are quite impressive, as reflected by its key performance ratios. The sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 29.25 is exceptionally high, suggesting that the Tofinou 12 will excel in light air conditions, demonstrating brisk acceleration and the ability to maintain speed even when the breeze is light. This makes it a "sporty Euro-daysailer" that delivers spirited performance.

Conversely, its ballast to displacement ratio (B/D) of around 0.29 indicates a design that prioritizes performance and responsiveness, perhaps leaning towards a more tender feel than a heavily ballasted cruiser. However, coupled with a bulb keel and spade rudder, the boat maintains good stability and precision. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 105.68 classifies the Tofinou 12 as a very light, ultra-performance-oriented vessel for its size. This combination contributes to its reputation as a "slick boat" that offers excellent light wind performance and is easy to handle, even with a large, roached main. Owners and reviewers often praise its balance and the sheer joy it provides under sail.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily conceived as an elegant day sailer, the Tofinou 12 offers surprising comfort below decks for weekend excursions. The interior is designed to allow for sleeping, cooking, and relaxation within a dinette area. Typically, the layout features a forward V-berth, a head, a salon area with settees that convert to berths, and a compact galley. Some configurations, notably the optional "By Stark" version, showcase an open-plan interior, further emphasizing the boat's clean, modern aesthetic. The general finish quality, consistent with Latitude 46's reputation, utilizes exquisite timberwork, such as rich mahogany and teak, creating a stylish and comfortable environment. While specific maximum headroom is not provided in the data, the interior is thoughtfully arranged to maximize the available space for a vessel of its type, providing a well-kept and inviting cabin for short cruises.