Herbulot Brick Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Under sail, the Brick is characterized by its stability and predictable behavior, largely due to its flat-bottomed hull and generous beam relative to its length. Unlike the more athletic Vaurien, another Herbulot masterpiece, the Brick was never intended as a high-performance racer. Instead, it utilizes a modest sail plan of roughly 6.2 square meters, typically rigged as a fractional sloop. The pram-style bow (blunt-ended) provides significant buoyancy forward, allowing the boat to carry more weight than a traditional pointed-bow dinghy of the same size without diving into waves.

The handling is described by the Jean-Jacques Herbulot design archives as functional and robust. It tracks reasonably well thanks to a central daggerboard, though its leeway is more pronounced in a chop compared to deeper-keeled siblings like the Corsaire. Because of its hull shape, the Brick can feel "slappy" when heading directly into a head sea, but it excels in light-to-moderate breezes where its surface-piercing hull minimizes drag. For a boat of its size, the sailing experience is more about the mechanical satisfaction of traditional seamanship than raw speed.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Brick’s cultural footprint is deeply embedded in the French "Ecole de Voile" (Sailing School) tradition. While it lacks the international racing fame of the Laser, it is frequently cited in French maritime literature as the "Swiss Army Knife" of the 1960s and 70s coastline. Its designer, Jean-Jacques Herbulot, is a figure of immense stature in the nautical world, and the Brick is often discussed alongside his larger successes, such as the Caravelle and the Mousquetaire, as part of the "Herbulot Method" of making the sea accessible to the middle class.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Brick today requires a discerning eye, particularly regarding the materials used during its production run at Chantier Mallard.

• Plywood Integrity: Early models were constructed from marine plywood. Potential buyers should inspect the "seams" and the transom for any signs of delamination or "softness," which indicates freshwater ingress and rot.
• Fiberglass Delamination: For later GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) versions built by Mallard, check for osmotic blistering on the hull and soft spots on the thwarts (seats).
• Centerboard Trunk: The daggerboard case is a high-stress area. Inspect the trunk for vertical cracks or leaks where the case meets the hull, as repairs in this tight space can be technically challenging.
• Mast Step Stress: The mast step on the Brick is often a simple block or socket. Ensure the surrounding floor timber or fiberglass is not compressed or cracked from years of rig tension.
• Hardware Backing: Mallard-built boats from the 1970s sometimes lack substantial backing plates for cleats and fairleads. Check for "spiderweb" cracking in the gelcoat around these fittings.

Community & Resources

Owners of the Brick often find technical support through broader French classic boat associations. The most prominent resource is the Association Propriétaires de plans Herbulot (ASPROHERBULOT), which serves as a repository for original plans, rigging specifications, and restoration advice for all of Jean-Jacques Herbulot's designs. Additionally, the maritime heritage communities in La Rochelle maintain historical records of Chantier Mallard’s production, providing a cultural anchor for those restoring these vessels to their original specifications.

The Verdict

The Herbulot Brick is a charming, utilitarian classic that prioritizes stability and versatility over modern performance. It is an ideal choice for collectors of French maritime history or families seeking a sturdy, historic tender.

Pros:

• Exceptional Stability: The wide, flat hull is incredibly forgiving for beginners or for use as a utility tender.
• Historical Pedigree: Owning a Herbulot design built by Mallard is a point of pride in the classic boat community.
• Ease of Transport: Its compact dimensions make it easily trailerable or even car-toppable for most mid-sized vehicles.

Cons:

• Limited Performance: Its blunt bow and flat bottom struggle in choppy water and heavy wind.
• Maintenance Intensity: Older wooden models require significant upkeep to prevent rot and structural degradation.
• Scarcity of Parts: Finding original hardware or replacement spars often requires custom fabrication or sourcing from the French second-hand market.