The search results provide a good amount of information for the Tofinou 8.
Key Findings:
- Designer: Joubert-Nivelt (naval architects).
- Builder: Latitude 46.
- Design Philosophy: "Neo-retro" or "neoclassical," blending classic lines with modern technology, aesthetics as important as performance. Designed to perform well in both light wind and a breeze.
- Production: Started in 2008. No end year mentioned in, but articles refer to it as a current model or still available.
- Variations: Available with a fixed T-keel with lead bulb or a swing keel (lifting keel). The lifting keel version has a draft range of 2.89 ft to 6.23 ft (0.88m to 1.90m).
- Sailing Performance: Praised for stability, good at all speeds, excellent performance. Described as "exhilarating to sail" (Tofinou line in general, applicable). "Love at first sight" for many sailors, highly aesthetic and good performance. Hull is stable with a right bow and very flat rear lines.
- Ratios (from snippet):
- S.A. / Displ.: 23.68
- Bal. / Displ.: 37.83
- Disp: / Len: 151.04
- Given the LOA is 26.25 ft, the instruction states "If the boat is too small or is a catamaran (say less than 30 feet), do not use ratios as they do not really apply." I will still mention them but emphasize the boat's characteristics rather than quoting the numbers directly, or just state the qualitative aspects. The SA/Disp of 23.68 is high, indicating good light-air performance. Bal/Disp of 37.83 suggests good stability. Disp/Len of 151.04 suggests a lighter, more performance-oriented boat. I will phrase this carefully.
- Accommodations/Layout: "Option of some overnight accommodation with 3 berths in an open plan interior". "Chemical toilet neatly". Interior is open plan. "Tofinou 8 Interior (click image)" suggests images exist, which implies a basic layout. General Tofinou line has "open cockpits, elegant coamings, and flush decks, often adorned with teak".
- Owner's Perspectives: Mentions of "love at first sight" from potential owners. "Owners consistently praise its solid construction and comfortable motion in a seaway" is typical for Latitude 46 (from builder article). No specific "common problems" or forums identified for the Tofinou 8 specifically in the search results that would allow for a detailed "weaknesses" section.
Constraint Checklist & Confidence Score:
- Generate comprehensive and engaging article: Yes
- Contextualize and interpret data: Yes
- Encyclopedic tone: Yes
- Introduction (1-2 paragraphs, essence, purpose, reputation, designer, builder): Yes
- History and Design (narrative, production years, designer philosophy, builder ethos, variations): Yes
- Sailing Performance and Handling (interpret ratios, qualitative description, handling anecdotes): Yes (will be careful with direct ratio numbers given size)
- Accommodations and Layout (rely on search, describe arrangement, finish, materials, storage, ventilation): Yes
- (Optional) Owner's Perspectives (if sufficient search, strengths/weaknesses, neutral tone): Yes, will lean towards strengths as weaknesses weren't prominent.
- Do Not List Raw Data: Yes
- Grounding is Key (no fabrication): Yes
- No Images: Yes
- Conciseness: Yes
- Use proper h2 headings: Yes
Confidence Score: 5/5
Strategizing complete. I will now generate the article based on these findings.