ARCHITECT

Portrait of Guy Saillard

Naval architect and maritime expert Guy SAILLARD is the man of all seafaring challenges, capable of designing and producing all sorts of embarkations.

He started his career designing sailing ships, some of which have already done several round-the-world voyages or sailed the north west passage (from the Bering Straits to Labrador) notably Michèle Demai in 2002-2003. He worked with Stéphane Peyron on all his windsurf crossings of the Atlantic, designing sailboards and selecting routes, including his expedition to the North Pole by board. There is also the multi-role he had in Raphaëla’s three previous crossings. His latest designs are for a 25-meter motorboat the Ocean-Cruiser 82 built to an original concept giving it transoceanic autonomy and low fuel consumption. Guy SAILLARD is also known in sailing racing circles where his expertise is appreciated.

To contact GUY SAILLARD :
Mobile phone : 06 15 92 82 19 - Tel/Fax : 02 97 30 08 61
E-mail : saillard.guy@wanadoo.fr - Web : www.saillard-guy.com

Interview

What are the main imperatives set out in designing a sailboard for the ‘high seas’?

The main imperative is to be autonomous, that is, to be able to live on the sailboard independently, not to require the presence or the random accompaniment of another vessel, which gives a false sense of security. Raphaëla’s sailboard is a cork, intended to float in all circumstances even if it were damaged (despite being made of carbon/Kevlar/epoxy). It is clear that the sailboard must also be very resistant and as light as possible.

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