Reve DE Mer Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Rêve de Mer is widely regarded for its lively and responsive handling, a direct result of its Quarter Ton pedigree. With a displacement of roughly 1,500 kg and a ballast-to-displacement ratio hovering around 40%, the boat is remarkably stiff for its size. This stability allows it to carry its sail area longer than many of its contemporaries before needing a reef. According to technical archives from Groupe Finot, the hull features a relatively fine entry that transitions into a wide midship section, a hallmark of Finot’s quest for interior volume without sacrificing upwind performance.

On the water, the boat tracks well, though like many IOR-influenced designs of the era, it can become "touchy" on the helm when pushed hard downwind in a blow. The rudder is semi-balanced and provide good feedback, allowing the helmsman to feel the boat's "groove" easily. Owners often report that the Rêve de Mer excels in light to moderate airs, where its relatively high Sail Area/Displacement ratio allows it to ghost past heavier cruisers. It is a boat that rewards active trimming and is frequently cited in French maritime retrospectives as a "school of sailing" boat due to how clearly it communicates the effects of sail shape on hull balance.

Interior Comfort & Variations

For a 24-foot vessel designed in the 1970s, the Rêve de Mer offers a surprisingly functional interior. The layout is a classic "four-berth" arrangement: a double V-berth forward and two long settee berths in the main saloon that extend under the cockpit seats. The use of a wide beam (2.70m) allows for a sense of spaciousness that was revolutionary at the time of its release. The galley is typically split, with a small sink to one side and a stove area to the other, located immediately at the base of the companionway for optimal ventilation.

There were two primary versions of the hull: the GTE (Grand Tirant d'Eau), featuring a deep fixed keel for maximum racing performance, and a rarer lifting-keel version designed for shallower coastal waters. While the interior remains largely consistent across these variants, the lifting-keel model utilizes a centerboard trunk that slightly intrudes upon the saloon floor. Materials used by Chantier Mallard were standard for the era, featuring a mix of molded GRP liners and mahogany or teak plywood bulkheads, which provide a warm, traditional aesthetic despite the boat's modern performance profile.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers should approach the Rêve de Mer with the diligence required for any 40-year-old fiberglass vessel.

• Deck Delamination: Like many Mallard builds of this period, the deck utilizes a balsa or foam core that can become soft if moisture has ingressed through poorly bedded deck hardware. A thorough "tap test" or moisture meter reading is essential.
• Keel Bolt Integrity: On the GTE (deep keel) versions, the interface between the cast iron keel and the GRP hull should be inspected for the "smile" gap, which may indicate the need for re-torquing or replacing the keel bolts.
• Rudder Play: The pintles and gudgeons on the transom-hung or spade rudders (depending on the specific production year) often show wear. Significant play in the helm usually requires bushing replacement.
• Osmosis: While Chantier Mallard used high-quality resins, early GRP boats are susceptible to osmotic blistering. Hull inspections should look for signs of previous repairs or active "wicking."
• Rigging Tension: Because the Rêve de Mer is often sailed hard, the chainplates and the mast step area (which sits on a deck-stepped compression post) should be checked for any signs of structural sagging or hairline fractures in the gelcoat.

Community & Resources

The Rêve de Mer enjoys a dedicated following, particularly in France and along the Atlantic coast of Europe. Owners often find technical support and historical documentation through the Association des Propriétaires de Rêve de Mer. Additionally, because of the shared design DNA with other Finot boats, the "Finot-Conq" design office remains a high-authority resource for original sail plans and technical specifications.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Excellent performance-to-price ratio for a vintage cruiser.
• Large interior volume for its 24-foot length.
• Robust construction capable of handling moderate offshore conditions.
• Strong aesthetic appeal with classic IOR lines.

Cons:

• Age-related maintenance (osmosis and deck core) is common.
• Can be "flighty" downwind in heavy seas due to the IOR hull shape.
• Limited headroom for taller sailors compared to modern high-volume cruisers.