19 m expedition schooner, molded wood, Nigel Irens design, self-built in Etel
La Louise is a 19 m schooner designed by British naval architect Nigel Irens and self-built by Thierry Dubois in 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 at the yard 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 bow reinforcement, five watertight bulkheads. Irens' inspiration comes from traditional American three-masted 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 low keel
- Displacement: 40 t lightship, 45 t loaded
- Rigging: Schooner rig, two carbon masts, 220 m² sail area in 4 sails
- Engine: John Deere 235 HP, 2,000 L diesel
- Capacity: 8 passengers + 2 crew
Operation
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.
