Let´s start the first in-depth article of this year´s Cannes Yachting Festival-series with a boat that doesn´t even exist as of now. I´ve first heard rumors that Allures is going to make a new large blue water cruising yacht as early as January 2025 during Boot Duesseldorf. But as it is often the case with rumors, they aren´t really confirmed nor denied. Anyone involved with the shipyard or at Berret-Racoupeau I was asking didn´t comment, of course, and so we had to wait until recently. I found Allures teasing campaign with this strange blurry “X-ray”-image rather confusing, but now we are happily embracing not only the first renderings and specs but also a scale model which was on display in Cannes.
I used the chance and sat down with Grand Large Yachting´s Jerome Guillou to do a little interview aboard the Allures 51.9 on display. He also guided me through the model: Which in itself was a bit tiny at first, but could transport the concept and new features of this interesting yacht surprisingly well. If you are looking for an almost-50-footer, go-anywhere aluminum yacht that bristles with beauty, fresh new design approach and loads and loads and loads of natural light – this one should definitely be on your shortlist! Here´s what I talked about with Jerome …
Talking to Jerome Guillou of Grand Large Yachting
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Jerome, now that word is out, the real renderings can be downloaded and this beautiful little model can be seen here in Cannes, tell me: When and why did the shipyard began to develop the new Allures Horizon 47?”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”Actually we started not too long ago. Serious works began early 2024. Our goal was to in somehow “reimagine” Allures. You see, some twenty years ago, the brand marked a real breakthrough in the bluewater cruising yacht market, notably with the technical choice of an aluminum hull combined with a composite deck. Over three boat-generations the models have improved through successive refinements, with a fairly classic aesthetic continuity. An Allures was and is always tasteful. With this new model, we wanted to reconnect with the original spirit of innovation that defined Allures, and propose a concept that is more distinctive, perhaps a little less conventional, but all the more desirable. All the while we wanted to remaining true to the brand’s pillars: Safety of sailing, performance of the boat, and elegance of course. The new Horizon 47 is therefore very much an Allures.”
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “What is the basic premise of this new yacht and where would you say are the main differences or new focal aspects of this boat in comparison to the Allures 45.9, which for me and for many is one of the best bluewater-yachts today.”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”Well, beyond safety, performance, and elegance, the brief was built around several key themes. First of all, we wanted the boat to be open to the world, very bright, and spacious, so owners can fully enjoy the pleasures of long-distance cruising. This is based on the following observations: During a circumnavigation our owners spend most of their time outside. So we wanted on one hand to reinvent the interior, giving it a more lounge-like, luminous orientation where the outside world literally comes inside. And on the other hand, to create a cockpit that combines safety and comfort under sail with conviviality, pleasure, and easy access to the sea at anchorages. So it is really a philosophy of enhanced enjoyment. Compared with the Allures 45.9, the Horizon 47 goes much further in terms of comfort and safety. It offers a very different concept, while still honoring its lineage.”
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “The new boat has again be designed by Berret-Racoupeau. What do you think makes Olivier Racoupeau the perfect choice (over so many years) for your Allures yachts?”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”Olivier Racoupeau and his entire team has an excellent understanding of the market in general, and of the bluewater cruising segment in particular. Of motorboats too, which can be of help sometimes. His office is extremely versatile, designing both monohulls and multihulls, from 35-foot production yachts to 100-foot one-offs. This brings an open mindset and fresh proposals. Olivier knows how to design high-performing, well-balanced, and seaworthy centerboard hulls. His proposal, in terms of vision and luminosity, matched our brief perfectly! Better than we had imagined, even! And he added a very original technical solution that provides an additional dimension of safety at sea. I mean, look at the model – the new Allures Horizon 47 s truly something very, very different, right?”
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “What are the main, let´s say Top 3 or 5, key features or elements a Horizon-skipper can be looking forward to in the new yacht?”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”For me, that will clearly be the panoramic view from inside, the fluid and safe movement on deck, especially while sailing, and the comfort at anchor, with an aft platform that truly extends toward the sea. This will really enhance the experience of the crew aboard. All this comes from Berret-Racoupeau’s proposal to design lowered side decks, running from the front of the mast all the way aft to the cockpit on a single level. By maintaining the yacht’s lines, this solution provides a 40 cm bulwark that encircles the entire aft section. To this, they had the absolutely brilliant idea of adding a lightwell into the bulwark, aligned with the coachroof windows, at the living area. This creates windows as high as 80 cm, without weighing down the yacht’s profile. And inside, even without being a true deck saloon (the saloon is not raised), you get the deck-saloon effect: Even seated, you can see the outside! It´s remarkable and very beautiful. I can´t wait to see in in real life!”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”With Isabelle Racoupeau, we wanted to rethink the interior layout, giving a central role to the galley. Pleasant both at anchor and at sea. The saloon has been turned into a true lounge, with a low table (which can still be raised to comfortably seat six people). At the center, a central island unit punctuates circulation and creates new uses. Not unlike of a contemporary apartment, where friends can gather for a drink, standing close to the galley. True to Allures-DNA, the Horizon 47 keeps a dual-seat chart table, which can also serve as an office for new clients practicing “boat-office.” Isabelle added her touch, with an embracing design, soft shapes, and warm material accents. The whole feels refined yet understated. Again, it will be so exciting to see it turning reality in the first boat.”
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Can you elaborate a bit more on the outside design? This is so special, I´d like to delve deeper into it.”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”Yeah, sure. So, outside, the same benefits appear: The flush deck layout with side decks on the same level as the cockpit allows smooth circulation. The 40 cm bulwark, topped with a 30 cm guardrail, provides extra safety when moving around. The stern remains closed, with welcoming seats behind the twin helms. This is a comfortable watch zone in fair weather. If conditions worsen, watchkeeping is done under the rigid sprayhood and hardtop, on a daybed-like seat, sheltered from the elements with instruments in view. You know that sprayhoods and dodgers are always a tricky thing since they can quickly look off, even ugly. I think we have managed to design a pretty neat dodger. Let me say a few words about comfort at anchor. I mean, this is where owners spend 80% of their time, right? We designed an aft section fully open to the sea. A platform unfolds to reveal two sunbeds, almost at water level. You can relax there, enjoy a drink, prepare water activities, or go swimming. This yacht lets you savor every moment at anchor! I know that people hate this term, but it really applies: With its flush deck plan, short companionway, spacious interior, panoramic view, and sea-facing aft platform, the Allures Horizon 47 offers an experience close to that of a catamaran.”
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Did you guys incorporate feedback, requests or lessons learned from Allures-owners into the new boat? How is the shipyard collecting and processing what your customers think of the boats and how they use them? Beneteau for example used huge amounts of their onboard Seanapps-system to draw conclusions for their new Oceanis 47 and 48.”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”Oh yes, of course! We took the time to thoroughly analyze market trends, discussing with various industry players, our partners, and of course, spoke with our owners. Allures clients are “demanding epicureans”: They want to discover the world while enjoying themselves, to live intense moments, to embrace life, and meet people. We therefore developed demanding specifications to respond to these expectations. In addition to these more “informal” exchanges we have with our owners, we carry out standardized satisfaction surveys after delivery, and more importantly, after a year of sailing. This is very valuable in characterizing and objectifying their feedback on the use and design of our yachts. Lastly, within our internal organization, we have a team that centralizes this data, and at different intervals, we analyze it. These analyses then feed into a steering body that drives the evolution of our models.”
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “We were able to see this tiny, but very impressive, model presented here in Cannes this year. What´s the overall schedule for the boat? When will the first boat hit the water and how can people, interested to buy one, get to see it?”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”It´s really a great story, I can tell you! You know that we had announced back in June the upcoming arrival of a new 47-footer. As a result, some prospects with serious projects had already been asking about this model. And now, as we reveal a scale model and the first complete images at Cannes Yachting Festival, I am very pleased to share that we already have 6 units on order! At every private presentation, the Allures Horizon 47 has generated a real “Wow!”-effect. So that´s good news and is really a reassurance that we are on the right track with this project. Talking of schedules, the first splash is set for October 2026. So roughly one year of pleasant anticipation …”
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Jerome, tell me why did you chose the name “Horizon”? Some find it fitting (as I do), some don´t like it all too much.”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: ”You see, given the originality and strength of the concept, we also wanted a more explicit name to make it stand out clearly as something exceptional. Since this yacht is oriented toward the sea, both visually and functionally, and will take its owners beyond the horizon … well, we chose this evocative word as its name. As for the concept created by Berret-Racoupeau, based on lowered side decks, a high bulwark, and light integrated into it, we decided to name it the Horizon Frame™ concept, protected by trademark rights. We really believe that we´ve come up with something precious and great here.
Lars Reisberg | NO FRILLS SAILING.com: “Last not least, Jerome: What is your personal highlight regarding the Horizon 47? And: Are you more a Garcia or an Allures-guy?”
Jerome Guillou | Allures Yachting: smiles ”I am, of course, fully convinced by the solutions proposed with this new model. But perhaps what strikes me most about this yacht is its aesthetics! Bluewater cruising yachts, especially aluminum yachts often look heavy, angular, some even clumsy. I find the Allures Horizon 47 truly beautiful. Olivier Racoupeau has once again drawn a lovely, sleek hull, with a very slight reverse sheer that gives it a dynamic look. Even at anchor. Then we refined the overall exterior design with the outside perspective of Patrick Le Quément, who collaborates with other brands in the group. The coachroof design has been meticulously shaped, and the rigid sprayhood is seamlessly integrated. You really can set off on an adventure aboard a yacht that is truly elegant! As for the tricky question of whether I am a Garcia-man or an Allures-guy. Well, honestly, I switch back and forth several times a day! Every time I sail a Garcia, I think “This is fantastic!,” then I step aboard an Allures and I rejoice: “This is fantastic too!” So I can´t really tell, Lars …”
No problem, Jerome: I feel this schizophrenic and erratic boat-loving turmoil in my head as well! Thanks for this great interesting interview and the time you took here in Cannes. See you in the shipyard, I´d say, when the boat is on the fitting line …
Other interesting articles connected to aluminum yachts and Allures in particular:
At the Allures/Garcia shipyard in Cherbourg
Walkthrough in the all-new Allures 45.9 S performance-version
Aboard the new Allures 51.9 bluewater cruiser