Design and Construction
Berret's hull for the Idylle 1150 is closely related to that of the First 35, but the cruising brief reshaped the underwater profile and topsides. The Idylle carries a more moderate keel than the First 35 and keeps the skeg-hung rudder, while the coachroof was raised and extended and fitted with a fixed screen to gain interior volume and shelter. Yachting Monthly noted she was substantially built, and the construction includes a moulded shaft log. The generous centreboard plan carried over from the racing lineage gives her the ability to shorten draft when moored or exploring, and the 11,464 lb displacement carried on a 12.1 ft beam and 4.36 ft draft reflects a hull tuned more for steady cruising than for the racecourse. Classic Boat described the result as a comfortable cruising boat that makes the best use of all interior space, proposed as a cruising boat of great comfort in the tradition of the great French shipyard.
Rig and Handling
Above the waterline the Idylle is a masthead sloop with an anodized light alloy mast and boom, two tiers of spreaders, and internal halyards—a cut-down rig relative to the First 35, but still carrying a significant sail area that the period press credited with making her a fast boat, rigid to canvas and able to sail close to the wind. The mainsail track sits forward of the downhaul hatch, leaving the cockpit completely clear, and the boom has a quick reefing device. Standard sail inventory was competition-cut dacron: a three-reef mainsail, a 43 sq m medium genoa, a jib, and a storm jib. Deck gear is serious, with Lewmar 44 three-speed winches for the jib sheets flanking the cockpit and a Barbarossa or Goiot winch on the mainsail halyard. When the wind fails, the 50 horsepower Perkins diesel ensures a remarkable cruising speed and excellent maneuverability in port, a trait that reinforces the motor-sailer side of her character.
Accommodations
Berret's reworking of the First 35 shell produced accommodations that Yachting Monthly found more spacious and better fitted out than the donor hull. The layout emphasizes comfort above all: only two separate double cabins, one forward and one aft, but seven berths once the dinette is brought into use. The aft cabin holds a super-comfortable double bed with side lockers, hanging space, and drawers, while a door separates the forward cabin's two bunks that convert to a single berth. There is only one bathroom, but it is very large, placed immediately to starboard of the descent and fitted with a marine toilet, pressure-water sink, and shower. The saloon is an effective, seagoing space with a stainless-steel-base table whose wings fold down and a left high berth supplementing the settee berths. The starboard bulkhead carries a particularly good Grand'Aigle chart table with library, card rack, and the electrical panel. The galley is practical, with a tilting two-burner stove and oven, a two-basin stainless pressure sink, an icebox, and provision storage.
Deck and Equipment
The cockpit is self-draining and lined with teak, with a teak filler and recessed stern storage for an inflatable alongside a remarkably large sail locker accessed from the starboard bench. Forward, a stainless bow snout carries fairleads and a quick-release tack point, and the bow pulpit adds halyard rings and way lights; the stern pulpit opens and carries a lifebuoy ring mount. Stanchions stand 62 cm high with double stainless steel lifelines. Three 600x600 Goiot hatches serve the forward cabin, saloon, and head, and the aft cabin has two Goiot portholes opening to the cockpit. Lighting runs from a 12-volt battery through ceiling, chart, marker, anchor, and navigation lamps, and an electric and manual double-acting bilge pump backs up the drainage design.
Known Issues
The principal shortcoming is a shortage of stowage relative to the boat's cruising ambitions. The substantial build and moulded shaft log reflect a hull-to-engineering interface treated seriously in the era's production.
The Verdict
The Idylle 1150 is a thoughtfully compromised cruiser: Berret took a proven racing hull, softened its keel, raised its coachroof, and wrapped it around an interior that prizes comfort and sea-going function over berth count. She sails well for her type, motors with authority, and offers a genuinely large head and a proper chart table. The stowage penalty is real but manageable for a couple or small family.
Pros
- Related to the First 35 hull yet tuned with a moderate keel and raised coachroof for cruising
- Significant sail area and clear cockpit make her fast and rigid to canvas
- Large single head and well-fitted, spacious accommodation
- 50 hp diesel gives strong maneuvering and motoring range
Cons
- Shortage of stowage
- Only one head despite seven-berth capacity
