Aven, the first sail & oar dinghy in France
Hull length: 4.60 m
Waterline length: 1.45 m
Weight: 200 kg about
Sail area: 10 m²
Launched in 1982, the Aven was the forerunner of the sail-and-oar dighies that have become so popular since then.
Its shape is inspired by traditional Breton boats, with a plumb stem and a fairly pronounced transom rake. The standing lug rig is as simple as can be. When tacking, simply pass the sheet from one side to the other and sheet in again.
It is equipped with a centerboard and the rudder can be raised to approach the shore.
Two long oars allow for “bow” rowing with one rower per bench, or double rowing if you are alone.
The Aven is strip planked with steam-bent frames. The strips are glued together (using resorcinol at the time) and nailied on edge. It was designed for professional construction and nearly 100 were built by Constructions Navales de Loctudy, Jean de Massol’s boatpyard. They can occasionally be found on the second-hand market.
On request, I am willing to draw up a complete set of plans, taking into account the improvements made over the years, to enable new constructions.
Aven was designed to be built by a professional, Chantier de Loctudy.
However, it remains an excellent sail and oar design and I look forward to proposing this plan for either pro or amateur construction.
This needs some updates and conversion of manual drawing to CAD, as well as adding dimensioned drawings.
If you do intend to build an Aven, please tell me in order to agree on delivery date.
Kind regards
Dear Sir,
Are the planes for this boat still available , I have see Mr Roger Barns cruising experiences, have had a look at the web site but don’t seam to be able to fine any information, please could you forward some information , I am considering building a boat and trying to glean as much information as I can to make a decision .
Thank you in anticipation.
Regards
Michael
Michael Swales
Isle of Man