The Finot-Conq carbon fast cruiser inspired by IMOCA
Ribelle is the first example of the Finot-Conq 56 (FC56), launched in 2021 at Knierim YachtbauYACHTmagazinedescribed it as a sail sculptureThe owner is a precision engineer involved in the design from component selection to system programming.
Hull design: IMOCA-inspired cruising
Finot-Conq designed the hull using the same principles as a modern IMOCA: full reverse bow, rounded edges, pinched sides, flat bottom with minimal rocker, twin rudders with sharp trailing edges. No foils. The stated goal is to retain the efficiency of a 60-foot racer while simplifying handling for cruising.
Construction
- Hull and deck: carbon epoxy sandwich, Corecell core throughout — including non-visible areas.
- High-modulus carbon in highly stressed areas (mast step in particular).
- High-modulus carbon mast without running backstays, square-top mainsail.
- Lifting keel with carbon fin and lead bulb.
Main specifications
- Overall length: 18.90 m
- Hull length: 17.10 m
- Beam: 5.24 m
- Draft: 4.00 m / 1.65 m (lifting keel)
- Light displacement: 11.9 t — about half the weight of a comparable-generation Swan 55 (YACHT figure).
- Upwind sail area: 197 m² — sail area/displacement ratio 6.2.
- Engine: Yanmar 80 hp / 59 kW, saildrive.
Easy short-handed sailing
Optional electric winches and hydraulic line-handlers: the boat is designed for solo or short-handed sailing. YACHT tested it at a steady 12–14 knots under spinnaker, with a peak of 16 knots.
Legacy
The second FC56 was ordered from Baltic Yachts in Finland.
