The Tortarolo 55-foot Launet is a rare custom-built cruising–racing sloop designed by Daniel Tortarolo and constructed in France in 1990. Rooted in the same design lineage as offshore Whitbread racers like L’Esprit d’Équipe II, she combines a high-performance hull with robust steel construction, offering both speed and durability for bluewater sailing.
Her 2021 refit and upgraded carbon rig by Axxon Composites enhance her sailing efficiency, while top-tier deck hardware from Harken and hydraulic systems from Navtec ensure precise sail control under demanding conditions.
Equipped with a full wardrobe of North Sails sails, she remains capable of competitive performance as well as long-distance passagemaking. Antifouling 2025
Below deck, Launet has been adapted for comfortable cruising without losing her racing character.
The interior layout includes three cabins accommodating up to ten berths, along with two showers and a separate head, making her suitable for extended stays aboard.
A modernized systems package features navigation electronics from Raymarine, solar panels for energy autonomy, and a reliable 85 hp Nanni diesel engine installed in 2016.
Currently based in the Caribbean, the yacht reflects decades of real offshore use, blending proven ocean-going capability with practical upgrades for contemporary cruising.
Water maker is aquabase 60l/h.
Steel hull. Steel quality: C35 (5 mm bottom and 4 mm deck).
Location: Martinique
Flag: France
- Year Built: 1990
- Refit: 2021
- Construction: Steel hull
- Steel quality: C35 (5 mm bottom and 4 mm deck)
- Accommodation: 10 berths
- LOA 16 m
- Draft 2.8m
- Configuration: Monohull performance cruiser-racer
- 3 cabins
- 10 berths
- 2 showers
- 1 independent WC
- Antifouling 2025
Rigging & Sail Handling
- Sloop rig
- Carbon mast by Axxon Composites
- Carbon boom by Axxon Composites
- Standing rigging replaced in 2016
- Deck hardware by Harken
- Hydraulic systems by Navtec
- Full sail wardrobe: 10 sails by North Sails
Engine & Mechanical
- Engine: Nanni Turbo Diesel
- Power: 85 HP
- Engine Year: 2016
- Engine Hours: approx. 800 h
Navigation Electronics
- Wind instruments by Raymarine
- Autopilot by Raymarine
Electrical System
- 8 batteries total
- 24V / 12V electrical system
- 4 solar panels (approx. 3 years old)
Safety & Auxiliary Equipment
- 10-person liferaft
- Dinghy
- Honda outboard engine
Highlights
- Rare custom offshore cruiser-racer
- Whitbread-inspired design lineage
- High-performance carbon rig
- Fully refitted for bluewater cruising
- Ocean-capable with competitive sailing pedigree
