Sasga Around the World – Pierre Coureil, French Riviera, France

Heading to France

Our first stop of “Sasga Around the World” takes us to the south of France, to the French Riviera, where we meet Pierre Coureil, owner of a Menorquín 34HT since 2021.

Where does your passion for the sea come from?

We are from Toulon (French Riviera), we grew up surrounded by the naval base atmosphere, sailors’ stories and enjoying its beaches. We even have an ancestor who was a corsair of the King based in La Ciotat, imprisoned in the Bastille in 1762 for some “overly creative dealings”!

As newlyweds, we owned a sailing yacht that we towed along the French coast. When the time came to retire, we wanted to reconnect with that first passion and devoted ourselves to boating.

Since when have you been boating?

We bought our first motorboat in 2015 and, before discovering Sasga Yachts, we tried several brands. We have always stayed within the 10–12 metre range to keep mooring costs, maintenance and manoeuvrability under control.

Why did you decide to buy a Menorquín from Sasga Yachts?

Because it is the only boat on the market that meets our requirements:

• Twin engines with straight shafts
• Walkaround deck
• Spacious guest cabin
• A design with character, preferably inspired by tradition
• A level of service consistent with the brand

How did you discover Sasga Yachts?

While researching online, I contacted the shipyard directly in Menorca, who referred us to their French dealer, Yachting Conseil.

Once in contact with Yachting Conseil, who assisted you during the purchase process?

Manuel d’Almeida assisted us from the very beginning. We were impressed by the design quality and the onboard space of the Menorquín 34, especially the guest cabin. We were also struck by the power of the Menorquín 34, its low noise level and its moderate fuel consumption at 8 knots (10 litres per hour).

What is your favourite cruising area or route?

We avoid sailing between July 14th and August 15th. We enjoy staying on board in winter while in port, and we often take the opportunity to sail to the Hyères Islands or Marseille. Every year we try to organise two longer cruises, in spring and autumn. So far, our longest voyage has been 28 consecutive days, from Toulon to Chiavari.