Declic Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the Phileas Declic commenced in 1998, with Phileas Boats, based in Rochefort, France, taking on its construction. The design work was a collaboration between André Herskovits and Philippe Thomé, with H&T Architecture Navale contributing to the conception and execution plans. Phileas Boats has consistently focused on creating agile, responsive, and durable sailing vessels, particularly dinghies and sport keelboats, a philosophy clearly reflected in the Declic. The builder's aim was to offer an exciting and practical boat for various uses, from competitive racing to recreational family outings. The Declic was specifically introduced as a performance vessel within a compact size, emphasizing dynamic sailing experiences.

Constructed with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, the Declic is a durable boat built for the rigors of active sailing. Its design incorporates a centerboard, offering flexibility in draft for launching and beaching, alongside a fractional sloop rig which is typical for responsive sport dinghies.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Declic, at 14.11 feet (4.3 meters) in length overall, is a lightweight dinghy with a displacement of 181 pounds and a beam of 5.61 feet. Its fractional sloop rig features a reported sail area of 118 square feet, complemented by the option of an asymmetrical spinnaker with an area of 86.1 square feet, enhancing its downwind performance.

Phileas Boats' design philosophy for their dinghies, including the Declic, focuses on creating vessels that provide a direct connection with the water and dynamic performance. The Declic is often described as a "double dinghy," suitable for two sailors, and is praised for offering a comprehensive sailing experience. While its handling characteristics are sometimes compared to other popular sport dinghies like the Laser, Topper, and RS models, it is noted for balancing comfort with its sporty capabilities, featuring a spinnaker and trapeze. It is generally considered a responsive boat, designed for engaging sailing in various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact dimensions, the Phileas Declic is an open sport dinghy designed purely for on-water activity, rather than offering enclosed accommodations. The layout focuses entirely on the cockpit, providing an efficient and ergonomic space for two sailors. There is no enclosed cabin or headroom to speak of, emphasizing its role as a day sailer and trainer. This open design facilitates easy movement, quick capsizing recovery, and a direct feel for the boat's motion.

Owner's Perspectives

The Phileas Declic frequently features in discussions within sailing forums, particularly when comparing small sport dinghies for performance and versatility. Owners and enthusiasts often evaluate it against other popular models, indicating its recognized place in the recreational and sport sailing market. While specific, detailed owner reviews are not extensively documented in available public snippets, the boat's continued presence and discussion highlight its appeal as a dynamic and accessible dinghy. Some discussions note the simplicity of its fittings, suggesting a minimalist approach to outfitting which aligns with its sport dinghy categorization. Its robust construction, a hallmark of Phileas Boats, is generally appreciated, providing confidence for both new and experienced sailors.