The Spirit of Yachting: Douce France
Sailing the World’s Most Exotic Seas
by Georgia R. Byrd
Douce France is equipped with an abundance of water toys, including: dive equipment, canoes, a diving instructor, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, water skis and a 21-foot, 110-hp dinghy.
When I was asked recently to recommend a sailing yacht for charter in exotic seas with remote islands, one extraordinary vessel came to mind. Douce France, a 138-foot (42.1-meter) catamaran with a beam of 51 feet (15.5 meters), is the largest yacht in her class and was compellingly my yacht of choice.
Having sailed this yacht firsthand in Antigua and the Seychelles, the basis for my recommendation was a grading system that is shared by astute charter clients the world over: crew performance, culinary presentation, spaciousness, cleanliness and the captain’s knowledge of the area. Douce France achieved the highest marks in all categories.
Simplistic Beauty
Douce France is perhaps one of the sailing world’s most-prized treasures. Whether she’s sailing at 15 knots in a 20-knot breeze or moored off a remote island in glassy blue waters, she exudes both the charms of a traditional monohull sailboat—with rich woods throughout—and the stability of a catamaran with her aluminum hulls.
Captain Pascal Goger and his Douce France crew
Her beauty is devoid of plush carpet, silk draperies and other formalities of traditional motor yachts. The teak floors of her outside decks are smooth and desirable to the touch and lure her guests to a variety of levels, including a towering fl y bridge that embellishes the surroundings. Douce France offers an environment that invites long naps and serenity in an abundance of comfortable outside settings where the natural scenery cradles the yacht.
Aboard Douce France, barefoot charter guests dine alfresco. Masterful creations fresh from the sea are artfully presented on Limoges china and are enhanced by a wine selection that is perhaps one of the most extensive offered aboard any private vessel.
Unparalleled Serenity
With her 5,692 square feet of sails unfurled, Douce France commands the seas with wide, twin hulls slicing steadily through the waters. Her trampolines are exceedingly spacious, offering enough room for guests to sprawl out on and feel the sea spray as she glides along. The evening can be spent savoring the light shows of the night sky while reclined on the teak aft deck in sky-blue canvas-covered chairs. And, when the day is over, guests may retreat to their spacious sycamore-paneled staterooms, where chic linens beckon a restful night’s sleep.
In 2010 and 2011, Douce France welcomes guests aboard in the islands of Tuamotu, Raja Ampat, Palau, Andaman and Micronesia. Charter rates vary by location. Captain Pascal Goger and his crew stand ready for up to 12 guests in six staterooms. For more information or to charter Douce France, contact Christel Daeseleire or Ariane Saverys at +32 3 2475800 (Fax: +32 3 2480887).
www.doucefrance-yacht.com
Photos by Joseph Byrd
