Django 7.70 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Marée Haute shipyard, nestled in Brittany, France, officially launched the Django 7.70 in 2010. This followed a foundational period where designer Pierre Rolland, a key collaborator for Marée Haute, developed a mini-series before bringing the 7.70 to market as a "simple and easy sailboat." Marée Haute's overarching design philosophy, which guided the 7.70's creation, centers on producing innovative, high-performance vessels that offer speed, comfort, and practical features, notably their signature lifting keel designs. The company embraced modern materials from its inception, utilizing fiberglass (GRP) for its hulls to ensure both strength and efficiency.

The Django 7.70, with a beam of nearly 10 feet and a progressive chine along its hull, boasts a strikingly modern aesthetic. Pierre Rolland's design aimed to satisfy a variety of sailing needs, providing comfortable cruising capabilities alongside the performance of an offshore racer. Marée Haute offered significant versatility in the keel configurations for the 7.70, including twin keels, a lifting keel, or a fixed keel, with drafts ranging from 1.20m for the twin keel and 1.60m for the fixed keel. Approximately 50 units of the Django 7.70 were delivered in its early years, with few changes made between the initial models and number 50, indicating a consistent and well-received design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Django 7.70 redefines the performance expectations for a boat in its class, bringing its effective range into the same league as many larger sailboats. The builder article highlights the Django line's reputation for robust seaworthiness and remarkable versatility, with the 7.70 specifically noted for its stability, making it suitable for Atlantic crossings. It is described as a "very marine and ultra-versatile" boat.

The Django 7.70 is engineered for impressive speed and offshore ability, yet it is also known for being easily single-handed or managed without stress by two crew members. Its clear and wide deck layouts facilitate easy movement and handling. The availability of different keel types significantly enhances its adaptability; the twin and lifting keel options, for instance, provide the valuable ability to access shallow waters and even dry out, making it suitable for diverse cruising grounds.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Django 7.70 prioritizes practicality over overt luxury, offering a functional and comfortable space for its size. The maximum headroom reported is 5.58 feet (1.70 meters), achieved in part by the absence of traditional sole boards, allowing occupants to stand directly on the inside of the hull at the bottom of the companionway.

The vessel typically accommodates up to six people, though specific configurations may vary. Reviews indicate a layout that often includes a double V-berth forward and two cabins positioned on either side of the companionway, providing sleeping for four to six. The interior finish predominantly features a white top-coat, providing a clean and functional aesthetic. For convenience, the Django 7.70 generally includes one head with a shower, often with a dedicated utility cabin aft of the heads, which is considered a significant advantage by some.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Django 7.70 consistently commend its solid construction and its ability to provide a comfortable motion in a seaway, reflecting the broader reputation of the Marée Haute Django range. The boat's versatility is a frequently praised attribute, with many owners noting that it allows them to sail far beyond their typical cruising limits. Its ease of handling, even for a single person or a couple, is also a significant strength, contributing to a stress-free sailing experience. The Django 7.70 fosters a community of passionate sailors who value its distinctive blend of speed, comfort, and adaptable cruising capabilities. While specific widespread weaknesses are not commonly reported, the design's focus on performance and functional comfort remains a strong draw for its dedicated owners.