Mallard Etendard Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Etendard is fundamentally a heavy-displacement cruiser with a Displacement/Length ratio typically exceeding 280, placing it firmly in the category of seaworthy "heavyweights." Its ketch rig, a rarity for boats under 30 feet, offers a high degree of sail-plan versatility. In heavy air, sailors can douse the mainsail and proceed comfortably under "jib and jigger" (headsail and mizzen), which keeps the center of effort low and significantly reduces heel.

Handling is characterized by high inertial stability rather than agility. With a relatively shallow draft of 1.20 meters and a full-bodied hull, the boat tracks well but requires a stiff breeze to overcome its significant wetted surface. According to archival mentions in Bateaux Magazine, the Etendard was designed to maintain momentum in choppy seas where lighter boats might be stopped dead. It is a "stiff" boat that provides a sense of security to families, though its upwind performance is modest compared to contemporary sloops. Under power, the boat is often equipped with substantial diesel engines, such as the Nanni or Perkins 50HP units, allowing it to maintain 6 knots comfortably regardless of headwind.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The "Fifty" philosophy is most evident in the Etendard’s living quarters, which were designed to provide a "home on the water" during an era when sailboat interiors were often cramped and dark. The cabin features a generous 1.82 meters (roughly 6 feet) of standing headroom, a luxury for a 1960s vessel of this size. The layout is centered around a traditional French carré (saloon) that benefits from the wide beam of 2.90 meters, typically accommodating four to five berths across a forward V-berth and convertible saloon seating.

Materials throughout the interior reflect the shipyard's roots in marine carpentry, featuring extensive use of teak or mahogany veneers and solid wood trim. Large side windows, a hallmark of the motorsailer design, allow significantly more natural light into the cabin than the small portlights found on racing-oriented siblings like the Ecume de Mer. While the Etendard 920 ketch is the most recognized variant, some hulls were reportedly finished with different engine configurations or minor cockpit variations depending on the original owner's preference for motor-heavy or sail-heavy cruising.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a vintage Mallard Etendard should focus on the following technical areas:

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many early GRP boats, the Etendard utilizes a sandwich construction in the deck. Over 50 years, moisture can penetrate through old hardware fittings (stanchions, tracks, or the mizzen mast step), leading to soft spots or delamination.
• Mizzen Rigging and Steps: The addition of a second mast increases the complexity of the standing rigging. The mizzen mast step and the structural supports beneath the aft cockpit should be inspected for compression or corrosion.
• Engine Service Life: Given its role as a motorsailer, the engine often has high hours. Many original units have been replaced; a modern 30-50 HP diesel is a significant value-add, as parts for original 1960s powerplants are increasingly scarce.
• Rudder Bushings: Owners have noted that the heavy, skeg-hung rudder can develop play in the bushings over time, leading to a "heavy" or vibrating helm under power.

Community & Resources

Support for these vessels is primarily found through broader French classic boat associations. The Musée Maritime de La Rochelle maintains significant archival records regarding Chantier Mallard and its contribution to the region's yachting heritage. Technical discussions are frequently hosted by the Association des Propriétaires de Mallard (APM), though their focus is often split between the more common Start series and the larger cruisers like the 9m and Etendard.

The Verdict

The Mallard Etendard is a sturdy, traditionalist’s motorsailer that prioritizes safety and volume over raw speed. It is an ideal choice for a couple or small family looking for a vintage "pocket ketch" capable of coastal hops and canal transit.

Pros

• Robust construction and high motion comfort in rough water.
• Exceptional interior headroom and light for its age.
• The ketch rig allows for easy sail balancing and reefing.
• A "classic" aesthetic that stands out in modern marinas.

Cons

• Sluggish performance in light winds (under 10 knots).
• Complexity and maintenance costs associated with two masts.
• Shallow draft limits extreme upwind pointing ability.