Tofinou 16 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Tofinou 16 in 2012 marked a significant addition to Latitude 46's celebrated Tofinou line, building upon a legacy of elegant day sailers. The shipyard, founded by Philippe Joubert in 1987, has consistently championed a design ethos that marries traditional aesthetic grace with contemporary construction techniques. For the Tofinou 16, this philosophy was realized through the collaboration with Joubert-Nivelt for naval architecture and Thierry Gaugain for interior design, ensuring both exceptional sailing characteristics and a refined living space. Latitude 46 is known for its meticulous attention to detail and a strategic combination of Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) for hulls, paired with lavish teak and mahogany for decks and exterior trim, though the Tofinou 16's interior leans towards a minimalist modern style, 7, 15]. This approach provides structural integrity and ease of maintenance, alongside an undeniable classic yacht appeal.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Tofinou 16 is engineered for both exhilarating performance and comfortable cruising. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 23.57, she is a powerful yacht, indicating excellent performance in light air and a lively feel on the helm. This high ratio positions her firmly in the realm of high-performance cruisers, capable of competitive sailing. Her displacement of 28,660 lbs, coupled with a ballast of 7,716 lbs, results in a ballast-to-displacement ratio of approximately 0.269. While this ratio is moderate, the Tofinou 16 benefits significantly from a lead bulb keel, which concentrates weight low in the fin, enhancing stability and allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze despite its powerful sail plan. The fin keel design further contributes to splendid maneuverability, a hallmark of the Tofinou range. The yacht is equipped with a modern fractional sloop rig, featuring a carbon mast and boom, which not only reduces weight aloft for improved stability and performance but also underscores its blend of tradition and modernity. Owners can expect a responsive and balanced sailing experience, characteristic of Joubert-Nivelt's designs.

Accommodations and Layout

While maintaining the sleek, low-freeboard lines characteristic of the Tofinou brand, the Tofinou 16 offers a surprisingly functional and comfortable interior, designed by Thierry Gaugain. The interior layout is described as minimalist modern, providing accommodation for 4 to 6 guests across two double cabins and a saloon. This arrangement is well-suited for day cruises or longer excursions, offering essential comforts without compromising the yacht's performance-oriented nature. The spacious, open cockpit is a defining feature, allowing for an expansive, open-air sailing experience, reminiscent of a large dayboat. Although specific details on headroom are not provided, the interior is thoughtfully laid out to maximize the available volume, offering a refined and elegant environment for its occupants. Latitude 46's reputation for high-quality finish and materials, including extensive use of teak, ensures that even the minimalist interior design exudes a sense of luxury and durability.