DOUCE FRANCE Yacht Charter — 42.2m Alu Marine sailing multihull for 12 guests, with a crew of 7
- Length
- 42.2 m
- Guests
- 12
- Cabins
- 6
- Crew
- 7
- Builder
- Alu Marine
- Year
- 1998
42.2m · Alu Marine · sailing multihull
DOUCE FRANCE at a glance
DOUCE FRANCE is a 42.2m Alu Marine sailing multihull launched in 1998, sleeping 12 guests in 6 cabins with a crew of 7. Her charter season is Winter 2026 in Oceania.
- Length
- 42.2 m
- Guests
- 12
- Cabins
- 6
- Crew
- 7
- Builder
- Alu Marine
- Year
- 1998
Blue Ocean Club overview
Alu Marine launched her in 1998
Alu Marine launched DOUCE FRANCE in 1998, with a refit listed for 2023.
She measures 42.2 m in length, 15.5 m across the beam, 2.8 m of draft.
She has a listed cruising speed of 10 knots and a top speed of 12 knots.
Design is credited to Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP).
She is flagged in Belgium.
01 · On deck
BBQ. Foredeck Seating
On deck: BBQ, Foredeck Seating, Foredeck Seating Table, Outdoor audio system, Outdoor Bar and Sun pads.
The outdoor spaces serve up to 12 guests.
02 · On the water
Inflatable Watertoys and Dinghy
DOUCE FRANCE carries 18 listed toys and tenders, including Inflatable Watertoys, Dinghy, Donut, Foilboard, Kayak and Kite board equipment.
Diving on board: Master Diving Instructor.
03 · Where she cruises
Micronesia. Winter 2026
DOUCE FRANCE is offered for charter in Oceania.
Winter 2026: Micronesia and Polynesia.
Summer 2027: Micronesia and Polynesia.
04 · The crew
A crew of 7. English
A crew of 7 runs DOUCE FRANCE.
Crew languages listed: English.
Interiors
DOUCE FRANCE interiors
The photo set shows “Main saloon” and “Main saloon library”.
Listed on board: air conditioning, mp3 music server, outdoor bar, satellite communications, starlink satellite internet and wi-fi.
Smoking policy: smoking on deck.
Accommodation
6 cabins
DOUCE FRANCE sleeps 12 guests in 6 cabins.
Water toys
DOUCE FRANCE water toys and tenders
Every item below is listed for DOUCE FRANCE.
Paddle and sail
Kayak · Kite board equipment · Paddleboards · Sailing dinghy · Surf board · Windsurfer - Adult
Tenders
Dinghy
Jet skis and Seabobs
Seabobs · Waverunners (Sit Down)
Skis and boards
Foilboard · Mono ski · Wakeboard · Water skis - adult · Water skis - child
Towables and inflatables
Inflatable Watertoys · Donut · Towable Toys · Tube - towable
Diving
Diving equipment
- Scuba Diving Equipment
- Snorkeling Equipment
- Diving insured: No
- Scuba tanks: 12
- Buoyancy compensators: 12
- Regulators: 12
- Compressors: 1
Route inspiration · Winter 2026
Journeys in Micronesia
Winter 2026: Micronesia and Polynesia. These routes follow waters this yacht is listed for.
On board
Amenities and equipment
As listed for this yacht.
Listed amenities
- Air Conditioning
- BBQ
- Big game fishing gear
- Light fishing gear
- Foredeck Seating
- Foredeck Seating Table
- Indoor audio system
- MP3 music server
- Outdoor audio system
- Outdoor Bar
- Satellite Communications
- Starlink Satellite Internet
- Sun pads
- Sun loungers
- Water maker
- Wi-Fi
About the yacht
About DOUCE FRANCE
Description as supplied.
Introducing the magnificent DOUCE FRANCE, affectionately known as the "Gentle Giant," she is a 42.2m schooner sailing catamaran offering the pinnacle of luxury yacht charters. As the largest schooner sailing catamaran in the world, she combines elegance, performance, and comfort in a way that sets her apart. Her sleek lines and refined stance on the water highlight not only her beauty but also her remarkable sailing capabilities. With expansive deck spaces, including a sunbathing area on the aft deck and trampolines perfect for lounging while feeling the ocean spray, she promises an unforgettable experience of relaxation and adventure.
On board, the "Gentle Giant" comfortably accommodates up to twelve guests in six beautifully appointed, air-conditioned staterooms. Each room is lined with pale sycamore wood, four of which offer the flexibility of either a queen double or twin single bed arrangement. The spacious cabins, each around 16 square meters, are en suite with separate shower and head compartments, and a convertible desk or dressing table, providing a perfect blend of functionality and comfort. The yacht’s interior, is a masterpiece of understated elegance, featuring mahogany and rosewood finishes throughout. Guests can enjoy panoramic 360-degree views from the curvaceous deckhouse, while the large saloon offers a private office space and library, creating an atmosphere that is both luxurious and intimate.
A true performance yacht, capable of cruising at 10 knots with a shallow draft, enabling access to some of the most unspoiled, pristine destinations around the world. Her fine lines and sleek design reveal the vessel’s speed and agility, making her perfect for those seeking the thrill of sailing without sacrificing comfort. Beyond her lavish accommodations, Douce France provides a wide range of activities and amenities to suit all tastes. Guests can enjoy diving, big game fishing, water sports, sunbathing, or simply relaxing in the spacious outdoor areas. DOUCE FRANCE offers an unparalleled charter experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and world-class service in the most exquisite settings.
Particulars
DOUCE FRANCE specifications
- Length
- 42.2 m
- Length (ft)
- 138 ft
- Beam
- 15.5 m
- Draft
- 2.8 m
- Category
- Sailing
- Hull
- Multihull
- Construction
- Aluminum
- Builder
- Alu Marine
- Designer
- Van Peteghem Lauriot Prévost (VPLP)
- Year launched
- 1998
- Refit
- 2023
- Flag
- Belgium
- Guests (sleeping)
- 12
- Guests (cruising)
- 12
- Cabins
- 6
- Crew
- 7
- Crew language
- English
- Engine
- 2x Cummins at 350hp each
- Cruising speed
- 10 kn
- Maximum speed
- 12 kn
- Cruising range
- 3000 nm
- Fuel (cruising)
- 35 l/h
- Cruising speed (km/h)
- 18.5 km/h
- Maximum speed (km/h)
- 22.2 km/h
- VAT registered
- No
- USA duty
- No
- Smoking
- Smoking on deck
- Diving certification
- Master Diving Instructor
Photographs courtesy of the yacht's charter management
DOUCE FRANCE charter rate & availability
| Season | Period | Weekly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Winter 2026 | Micronesia, Polynesia | €115,000 per week |
| Summer 2027 | Micronesia, Polynesia | €115,000 per week |
The published rate and availability are confirmed for the requested dates.
Need the cost structure first? Read the Blue Ocean Club guide to base charter fees, APA and taxes.
Who DOUCE FRANCE suits
DOUCE FRANCE is a sailing multihull from Alu Marine, measuring 42.2 m. With generous accommodation for 12 guests across 6 cabins, she is well suited to family gatherings or groups of friends seeking relaxed adventures at sea. A dedicated crew of 7 looks after every detail on board. Between peaceful anchorages, guests can gather at the outdoor bar or take to the clear waters with seabobs, a foilboard, and paddleboards.
Completed in 1998 and comprehensively upgraded with a refit in 2023, she presents an established sailing multihull platform designed for comfortable voyages. Her expansive layout allows guests to socialise together or retreat to quiet corners in comfort, supported at all times by the attentive service of her crew. Her stable characteristics under sail make life on the water thoroughly relaxing.
The best season to charter her spans winter 2026 and summer 2027, when she cruises throughout Oceania, Micronesia, and Polynesia. The best time for an itinerary depends on your preferred destination, whether sailing between the island chains of Micronesia, navigating the anchorages of Polynesia, or embarking on an extended passage across Oceania.
Written by Blue Ocean Club from this yacht's listed particulars and checked against them line by line. The yacht's own description is shown separately on this page.
What a week aboard DOUCE FRANCE costs all-in
Our planning estimate, built on the listed weekly rate shown in the rate section. APA, tax and gratuity are typical figures; your charter contract sets the final amounts.
- Charter fee per guest per night
- €1,369
- Weekly rate ÷ 12 guests ÷ 7 nights, before APA, tax and gratuity.
- Nearest airports · Polynesia
- Tahiti Faa'a (PPT); Bora Bora (BOB) and Raiatea (RFP) by inter-island flight
- Papeete's marina is about 10 minutes from Tahiti airport; inter-island flights reach Raiatea and Bora Bora.
- Typical extras
- APA 25% (typical for sailing yachts and catamarans), gratuity 10%.
- French Polynesian taxes depend on the operator and are not included.
| Charter fee (listed rate) | €115,000 |
| Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) (25%) | €28,800 |
| Crew gratuity (customary) (10%) | €11,500 |
| Estimated all-in week | ≈ €155,300 |
The APA is an advance for fuel, food, drinks, berths and similar running costs; unspent APA is returned. Some yachts are offered on all-inclusive terms, in which case the APA line does not apply. Delivery fees, if any, are extra. How charter costs work.
Cruising Polynesia: when to go and where to anchor
Best time
The dry season runs from May to October, bringing steady south-easterly trade winds known as the Mara'amu and lower humidity. July and August are peak charter months with firmer breezes. The wet season spans November to April, characterised by higher temperatures, increased rainfall, and lighter, variable winds. Cruising remains possible year-round, though the shoulder months of May, June, September, and October offer quieter anchorages and reliable conditions.
Practical tips
- Fly into Tahiti Faa'a (PPT); Papeete's marina is about 10 minutes away, with domestic inter-island flights reaching Raiatea and Bora Bora.
- Entering atoll passes requires precise timing around slack water due to strong tidal currents that can exceed eight knots.
- Respect customary marine reserves known as rahui, and ask permission before anchoring close to private motus or pearl concessions.
Anchorages to know
- Opunohu Bay, MooreaDeep fjord-like bay providing excellent shelter from prevailing easterly winds, surrounded by steep volcanic peaks.
- Baie d'Apu, Taha'aA well-protected anchorage situated within the barrier reef, convenient for visiting vanilla plantations and pearl farms.
- Motu To'opua, Bora BoraLagoon anchorage offering calm holding in sand behind the barrier reef, sheltered from ocean swell.
- Faaroa Bay, RaiateaDeep anchorage at the mouth of the island's navigable river, offering sheltered water and lush inland scenery.
Also listed
Listed with DOUCE FRANCE
Enhance your charter with Blue Ocean Concierge.
Every booking includes a dedicated concierge manager. Add any of the following — or anything else you can imagine — to shape a truly bespoke week.
- Private jet & helicopter transfers
- Michelin-trained private chef
- Sommelier-curated wine provisioning
- On-board yoga & spa therapists
- VIP beach club & restaurant access
- Photographer & videographer
- Bespoke shore excursions
- Live musicians & DJs
- Anniversary, proposal & celebration staging
- Chauffeured cars & discreet security
- Marine biologist for the children
- 24/7 personal concierge manager
DOUCE FRANCE yacht gallery
Photographs courtesy of the yacht's charter management
DOUCE FRANCE: your questions, answered
The most common questions we receive about chartering DOUCE FRANCE. For anything specific to your dates, guest list or itinerary, message us directly.