From micro to travel sailboat
At the origin of Huari Voiles, Florian Desray, who like his current associate Kaelig Tripoz came from training at Ateliers de l'Enfer in Douarnenez, set up his sailmaking business at home in 2015 before quickly moving to a workshop in Plouhinec, then back to Douarnenez in 2018. He explains the sailmaker's development: "After launching ourselves with the Micros series, we gradually took a more ocean-going direction, specializing in voyaging sailboats. There's a real travel hub in Douarnenez, with people preparing their transatlantic race or a departure for the North. This also allows us to have contacts with boats that are already far away."
Making and repairing durable sails
At Huari Voiles, a boat's wardrobe is made to last. The sailmakers display the Répar'acteurs network symbol, and their commitment is well understood. Kaelig Tripoz sums it up: "People understand that we're not looking to sell a new sail at any price. The idea is to repair as much as possible to make it last. We're against disposable sails. It's more belt and suspender for finishing, selecting the strongest products. It's quite enjoyable because it also creates a bond with people who travel and send us news."
For new sails, which represent a good twenty units per year, Huaro Voiles works with VB Voiles for the design, before having the fabric cut by Pro-Cut. All materials are sourced from Europe.
Full service
New at Huari Voiles, the company is also working on rigging, with the arrival of a cable crimper for up to 16 mm monotoron. Kaëlig Tripoz justifies: "There weren't any for these diameters in Douarnenez, and we were sending customers 1 hour away to a competing sailmaker. The investment goes with the idea of diversifying and providing work for two, such as furling assembly. This was planned as soon as I arrived in 2022."
After redoing its 100 m2 floor in 2023, to comfortably accommodate two workstations, the sailmaker is planning to recruit for the 2024 season.
