KÉRABAN has undergone a thorough refit in 2020 and 2025, with upgrades in all key areas (new rig and sails, new chain and anchor, new propeller, heating system, water maker, wind generators, hydrogenerator and solar panels amongst others).
THE BOAT
KÉRABAN Le Têtu
An ultra-light displacement hull with clear Open 60 influences, yet solidly built in aluminium, the Cigale 16 is designed by Jean-Marie Finot: A rounded hull form and wide beam carried aft enhance form stability and promote early planning downwind. The displacement-length ratio on the order of 80 (extremely low) and high sail area-to-displacement ratio (~28) offer quick accelerations. One of the Cigale's most distinctive features are the twin water-ballast tanks of 900L each. By transferring hundreds of liters of water to the windward side (the equivalent of 10-12 crew members) when beating or reaching, the Cigale 16 can dramatically increase its righting moment, keeping sail surface up for longer when the breeze increases, also providing a superbly neutral and confidence inspiring behaviour. KÉRABAN is the last Cigale 16 Finot design ever to be built, and she benefited from a custom deck plan for shorthanded sailing designed by Vendée Globe winner and explorer Christophe Auguin (who sails his own Cigale 16 in Antarctica).
SPECIFICALLY ADAPTED TO HIGH
LATITUDE OFFSHORE SAILING
Aluminum construction with hull thermal isolation and the highest standard deck fittings, rig and sails allow us to venture in the most remote areas. Maintained to highest safety standards: Maintained & equipped above World Sailing (formerly ISAF) Offshore Special Regulations (OSR) Category 1 standards. Additionally, KÉRABAN has been upgraded to / certified as merchant vessel for unrestricted waters, the highest standard to carry passengers. She is thoroughly maintained and constantly upgraded , having recently benefited from, amongst others: New genoa, new spinnaker, new rig, new propeller, upgraded electronics, professional grade heating system, high throughput water-maker, twin wind-generators, hydro generator and 1000w of solar panels.
COMFORT
Guest number limited to 4, guaranteeing comfort and personalized attention from the crew (two crew) and guide, and unencumbered use of amenities. The approach of a very reduced group allows flexibility and smoothness during embarking and disembarking, maximizing time spent onshore. The wooden interiors are warm and welcoming and the cabins each offer Individual heating, lightning and power supply. First mate and chef will spoil you with a full breakfast, après-ski snacks and 3-course dinner using local specialties coupled with carefully matched wines. The inner hull is thermally isolated and portholes are double-glass offering excellent shielding against humidity and external temperatures, and reducing energy consumption. A new, commercial grade heating system feeds an array of radiators, offering constant temperature control in silence (no blowers).
Small groups
We sail in small groups, limited to 4 guests. comfort, personalized attention from the crew, easy walk through and unencumbered use of amenities. A small group ensures flexibility in the choice of landing spots and smoothness during embarking / disembarking, maximizing time spent exploring onshore.
High comfort
Accommodation with bespoke wooden interiors, warm and welcoming, with two spacious double-berth cabins for guests.
Space on board
The Cigale 16’s interior is purpose-designed to support performance cruising and long passages. Finot gave the Cigale a signature aft saloon — an expansive living and dining area located beneath the cockpit at the stern of the boat. This is a departure from conventional layouts that put the main saloon amidships. The main table can comfortably seat 10 guests.
Thermally isolated
Thermally isolated inner hull from the shipyard, offering excellent shielding against humidity and external temperatures, and significantly reducing energy consumption. Commercial grade heating system ensures stable interior temperatures with individual cabin controls, as well as heated air to dry clothing and gear in dedicated lockers.
No water problems
The combination of an onboard water maker system and instant hot-water making capability (directly connected to the heating system) allows for maximum comfort onboard, particularly given the limited number of guests . The boat is also equipped with additional freeze-storage systems for extended range sailing into the remotest areas without access to food supply chain.
Safety on board
Radar and 3 independent GPS systems, satellite compass
EPIRB, portable AIS beacons and portable PLBs
Iridium 9575N portable sat phone, fixed and portable VHFs
Starlink
Life vests and lines provided onboard
Onboard sat-phones and sat-data system and Starling for wherever GPRS coverage is absent.
12 people life raft
AUTONOMOUS AND ENERGY EFFICIENT
An aluminium hull with a displacement of 10 tons only and large sail area, KÉRABAN will perform well under sails with as little as 4 knots of wind.
We are highly autonomous, producing potable water from the sea through a 105L/h water-maker. We have smartened utility systems and electronics onboard for low energy consumption and our energy needs are entirely covered by solar, wind and hydro power generation systems. Our range under engine alone 1'000nm
SMART SOLUTIONS FOR SKIING AND HIKING
The boat is thoughtfully adapted to host and embark-disembark skiers, hikers and their gear, making the entire operation smooth and safe.
A wide transom with a loading platform seats low on the water, allowing for effortless and dry boarding and disembarking onto and from the dinghy, especially when carrying your gear.
Boots and clothing are stored in dedicated heated and ventilated lockers to make sure you will find your gear properly dry for the next session.
TECHNICAL SPECS
Builder
Alubat
Architect
Jean-Marie Finot
Lenght
16m
Beam
4.60m
Material
aluminum
Rig
Cutter
Draught
2.50 m
Displacement
11t
Engine
Volvo Penta D2-75
Fuel capacity
500 L
Cabin(s)
2 guest cabins (large splittable double beds)
+ 1 crew cabin
Bunks
10 (3 double cabins plus 4 additional bunks)
Water Capacity
300L + 105L/h water maker
