Boréal 47.2, NARVAL

Broker’s Comments

Jean-François Delvoye and Boreal have collaborated to produce an extraordinary, go-anywhere bluewater yacht. Introducing the Boréal 47.2. NARVAL is a recent build, commissioned in 2024 and fully prepared for serious cruising. She is only now available for sale because her owners’ plans have changed, offering a rare opportunity to step into bluewater cruising at the highest level without the wait for a new build.

Her owner, a highly experienced yachtsman, has specified her with great thought and care. Her aluminium construction, centreboard with daggerboards, and well-considered sailing layout make her a compelling choice for those seeking a true mile-munching yacht.

Note: A list of the extras ordered at build and the spare parts is available on request.

Owner’s Comments

I am a neurosurgeon, sailor, and author. In my sailing life, I have reached Antarctica from Ushuaia and crossed the Arctic Circle by kayak. My dream was to sail the Northwest Passage. As a contributor to YACHT, a leading Turkish sailing magazine, I have reviewed many bluewater yachts and visited numerous yards specialising in aluminium long-distance cruisers.

After years of sailing the Mediterranean with my wooden-epoxy yacht, I decided to sell her and commission a Boréal 47.2. During the build process, I selected nearly every option available for safety and comfort at high latitudes. The boat was launched in October 2023 and, after a short shakedown sail from Tréguier to Guernsey and back, was kept on land.

In May 2024, I sailed from Tréguier to Istanbul, and this year continued from Istanbul to Bodrum. My plan had been to participate in Jimmy Cornell’s High Latitude Challenge next year, for which I was already registered and attending preparation meetings. However, life had other plans: following an unexpected quadruple coronary bypass, my doctors advised me to adopt a simpler lifestyle, with less challenge. With great regret, I have decided to sell my beautiful NARVAL and look for a smaller yacht more suited to the Aegean.

This Boréal has proven itself on every passage. I crossed the Bay of Biscay and sailed the full length of the Mediterranean, experiencing a wide variety of conditions. The boat’s greatest strength is the sense of safety she provides in all weather. With MaxSea TimeZero and Iridium connectivity, route planning is precise and reliable, even offshore. Long watches are a pleasure from the protected doghouse. Under sail, NARVAL performs exceptionally well, making 150 nm per day with ease. The lifting centreboard allows access to shallow anchorages and improves performance downwind. It is with a heavy heart that I make this decision, but I hope that her next owner will realise the dream of completing the Northwest Passage with this extraordinary vessel.