Sailing Performance & Handling
The As de Pique was designed by Philippe Harlé with a focus on seaworthiness and balance, traits that would later define his more famous designs like the Muscadet. Measuring approximately 8.50 meters with a beam of 2.65 meters, the boat features a traditional fin keel and a transom-hung rudder. Its displacement-to-length ratio suggests a vessel that is stable and "stiff" under press of sail, a characteristic frequently noted by owners who have restored these vessels for coastal trekking.
On the water, the As de Pique is known for its tracking ability. Unlike the light, flat-bottomed designs of the modern era, the As de Pique has a more pronounced "V" section in the bow, allowing it to part waves rather than slam into them. In historical racing contexts, such as early French club regattas, the boat was respected for its windward performance in moderate to heavy air. According to historical design records from the Ateliers Philippe Harlé, the boat was intended to provide a secure platform for offshore passages, a goal it met by offering a predictable motion that minimizes crew fatigue during long stints at the helm.
Interior Comfort & Variations
The interior of the As de Pique reflects the "marine carpentry" heritage of Chantier Mallard. With a cabin house that provides reasonable headroom for its era, the layout is traditional: a V-berth forward, a central salon with two settee berths, and a compact galley and navigation station flanking the companionway. The use of mahogany and high-grade marine plywood creates a warm, classic aesthetic that is often missing from later mass-produced fiberglass boats.
The As de Pique was part of a broader "card suit" series designed by Harlé and built by Mallard. Its siblings included the smaller As de Trèfle (Ace of Clubs), a 6.35-meter trailerable cruiser, and the As de Cœur (Ace of Hearts), which sat at roughly 7.45 meters. While the As de Pique was the "flagship" of this specific suit, providing the most interior volume and offshore capability, all three models shared the same design DNA—chined hulls optimized for plywood construction that maximized interior volume without sacrificing hull speed.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Purchasing an As de Pique today requires a rigorous inspection of the hull material, as most were constructed from "contreplaqué" (marine plywood). While Mallard's construction standards were exceptional, five decades of exposure present specific risks.
- Chine and Stem Rot: Prospective buyers should use a moisture meter and a sounding hammer to inspect the chines (the angles where the hull sides meet the bottom) and the stem. These are the primary areas where freshwater ingress can lead to delamination and rot in plywood vessels.
- Keel Bolt Integrity: The transition from the wooden keel timber to the ballast keel is a critical structural junction. Inspect for "weeping" at the joint, which may indicate that the keel bolts have oxidized or that the bedding compound has failed.
- Deck Core Softness: While the hull is plywood, the decks often featured a sandwich construction or heavy plywood overlays. Check for "spongy" areas around the chainplates and stanchion bases, where hardware may have leaked over time.
- Chainplate Corrosion: Given the age of the fleet, original stainless steel or galvanized chainplates should be viewed with suspicion. Inspect for crevice corrosion where the plates pass through the deck.
Community & Resources
The legacy of the As de Pique is primarily preserved by French classic boat associations. The Association de la Plaisance Classique often features Mallard designs in their registries, providing a repository for owners looking to maintain the historical accuracy of their vessels. Additionally, because Philippe Harlé was so central to French yachting history, technical drawings and design specifications are often archived through French maritime heritage projects, ensuring that structural data remains available for restoration efforts.
The Verdict
The Mallard As de Pique is a connoisseur’s classic, offering a level of craftsmanship and historical significance that few modern production boats can match. While it requires more maintenance than a fiberglass equivalent, its sailing manners and aesthetic charm make it a rewarding project for those dedicated to maritime heritage.
Pros:
- Excellent tracking and seaworthiness in heavy weather.
- High-quality interior woodwork that provides a "classic" atmosphere.
- Historical pedigree as a collaboration between Chantier Mallard and Philippe Harlé.
Cons:
- High maintenance requirements associated with marine plywood hulls.
- Performance is heavy by modern standards, particularly in light air.
- Finding replacement parts or specific hardware often requires custom fabrication.
