JEAN-FRANÇOIS DELVOYE – NAVIGATOR, ARCHITECT, FOUNDER
From the lone designer…
The first Boreal, born from note- and sketchbooks
written during the Delvoye’s first family trip. This 6 year trip took Jean-François, his wife and their four children around the world on the 12 meter yacht he built himself, in his garden. From the Mediterranean sea to Cape Verde, from Brazil to Argentina, the apotheosis of this long trip certainly was the two years spent wandering in Patagonia’s canals.
Six years spent by Jean-François asking himself and the sailors they met “what is missing from our boat to make it the best yacht in the world ?”. And it is true to say that the question benefited greatly from their port-calls and encounters with Philippe Poupon, Oleg Belly, Alain Caradec, Bertrand Dubois and many others.
Coming back to France, the idea was to make the best of all the experiences they accumulated to design and build the almost perfect boat to leave for new adventures with the family.
« Six years sailing around the world with 4 children on board gives you an idea of what is essential.»
Jean-François Delvoye
That was the start of the Boreal 50…
A 15 meter aluminum boat that Jean-François draw in every details in 3D on his computer. The original project, to build and sail oceans again, quickly went awry… Two yachts were sold before the prototype even touched the water…
The company “Boréal” was created in 2005, a little bit by chance, with three clients, experimented sailors all totally convinced by the concept. The first sea trials totally validated the specifications.
JEAN-FRANÇOIS EEMAN – NAVIGATOR
… To the encounter of two sailors, then three sailors
In 2010, Jean-François Delvoye joins up with another Jean-François, Jean-François Eeman.
They met a few years before on a pontoon of Ushuaia.It is for him and his family that the first Boréal 44 was built.
In 2020, Jean-François Eeman decided to set off on a journey and sail round the world once again, with his family, on his Boréal 47 => Five years later, they are now in New Zealand on their Boréal 47 Milonga…
It was at this point that Eric Vautrin took the helm, joining forces with Jean-François Delvoye
to continue the Boréal adventure together.
Two sailors with complementary backgrounds. One knows ‘his’ boats inside out.
He designs them all and built the first one with his own hands. He heads up the design office whilst remaining closely involved in production.
The other is a true enthusiast of the sailing world.
He cut his teeth on dinghies and then in the Mini class. A competitive sailor of a high standard, he has undertaken numerous ‘long voyages’ with his family… At Boréal, he is the one who welcomes clients and supports them throughout their project.
Together, or in turn, they sail across the oceans on their Boréal 47.2.
“TO MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE”
JEAN-FRANÇOIS DELVOYE & ERIC VAUTRIN (Photo François Xavier de Crecy)
Boreal’s success
Today Boréal produces 6 yachts from 44 to 70 feet : 44.2, 47.2, 52, 55, 55oc, 70.
Our engineering team equipped with the best tools and our high-level professional team allow us to guaranty our clients they will leave on a boat that will answer all their needs.
Boréal, a brand now recognized worldwide.
Not even two months after being launched in 2009 the Boreal 44 was crowned “Yacht of the Year 2010” in France. The year after she is awarded the same prize in Holland.
In September 2014 the Boréal 52, newly launched yacht, ended up third at the “Yacht of the Year”‘s election in France, all categories included. That same yacht has been awarded with the title of European Yacht of the Year 2015”, category “Blue Water Cruiser”.
In 2017 Boréal presented for the first time a Boréal 47 at the “Annapolis Boat Show”. Right after the show the boat was elected “Best Midsize Cruiser 2018” and “Overall Winner Boat of the Year 2018”…
In 2020, the Boréal 47.2 won “Special Prize of the Jury” at the Sailboat of the Year 2020 2021 competition, Voile Magazine.
In 2021, the Boréal 47.2 officially received the award “European Yacht of the Year 2021” in the “Bluewater Cruiser” category.
We dedicate these prizes to all our suppliers, partners and teams who day after day put all their energy and expertise into building the best possible Boréal. We are very grateful for the trust of our owners. They are a source of inspiration in our quest for excellence.
Beyond all these successes, isn’t it more important that our boats take their crew on daily bases to all destinations around the world, including the most remote and wild destinations on Earth.
