19 m expedition schooner, Nigel Irens design, home-built in Etel
La Louise is a 19 m schooner designed by British naval architect Nigel Irens and home-built by Thierry Dubois on the Ria d'Etel between 2004 and 2010. The first exchanges between Dubois and Irens date back to 2002, during the Around Alone race. The first timber arrived on site in August 2004; launched in April 2010 — approximately 23,000 cumulative hours of design and construction. The boat is dimensioned for expedition cruising in high latitudes.
Design and construction
Molded wood hull, epoxy resin, fiberglass and Kevlar. Stainless steel ice-breaking stem reinforcement, five watertight bulkheads. Irens' inspiration comes from traditional three-masted American schooners, adapted here as a two-masted schooner.
Technical specifications
- Length: 19 m
- Beam: 4.80 m
- Draft: 2.15 m / 3.50 m with lowered centerboard
- Displacement: 40 t lightship, 45 t loaded
- Rigging: schooner rig, 2 carbon masts, 220 m² sail area in 4 sails
- Engine: John Deere 235 HP, 2,000 L diesel
- Capacity: 8 passengers + 2 crew
Operations
Since 2011, La Louise has been operated by Thierry Dubois on expedition cruises departing from Etel: Iceland, Greenland (Disko Bay, Uummannaq, Ilulissat) and Baffin Sea. Approximately six months of high-latitude sailing per year; wintering in Etel.
