Description:
The Laita is a graceful coastal sailboat inspired by traditional European working craft yet refined for modern recreational use. Its flowing sheerline moderate beam and well proportioned hull create a harmonious silhouette that feels both timeless and purposeful. Designed for day sailing and light cruising the Laita balances aesthetic elegance with practical seaworthiness making it suitable for varied coastal environments.
Built in our workshop with meticulous attention to detail the Laita features premium marine timbers such as Western Red Cedar Mahogany and Teak strengthened where required with U.S. made Hexcel fiberglass and sealed with System Three marine spar varnish for lasting protection. Each hull is hand crafted using traditional plank on frame construction ensuring durability structural integrity and authentic wooden character. The underwater profile is shaped to provide reassuring initial stability efficient upwind capability and smooth motion in moderate chop. Standard build time ranges from 4 to 6 months depending on interior finish and equipment level.
The Laita offers extensive personalization options allowing owners to define deck layout cockpit arrangement rig configuration interior fittings finish tone and hardware selection. Each commission is prepared individually to match the intended sailing waters and personal cruising style of its owner.
Specifications
- Hull length / waterline: 11.81 / 9.35 ft
- Breadth / waterline: 4.59 / 3.77 ft
- Draught: 0.56 / 2.46 ft
- Light weight / without rig: 191.80 / 141.10 lbs
- Sail area: 65.66 ft2
- Outboard motor: 3.5 hp
Performance and Use
Under sail the Laita delivers responsive helm feedback steady tracking and predictable heel behavior making it approachable for both experienced sailors and enthusiastic newcomers. The cockpit layout encourages social sailing while preserving safe and ergonomic control positions. Suitable for lakes estuaries and protected coastal passages the Laita combines traditional craftsmanship with reliable modern performance for family outings classic boat events and relaxed cruising adventures.
This wooden boat crafted by us is built from Vivierboats, with full credit given to the original designers where applicable. For each custom commission we obtain the appropriate drawings and construct the vessel to order offering both full size boats and finely detailed scale models.
Contact us to explore configuration possibilities technical specifications and build scheduling for your Laita.
History:
The Laita boat takes its name from the Laïta River in southern Brittany, a waterway historically used for fishing, small scale trade, and daily transport between inland villages and the coast. For centuries, local boatbuilders crafted sturdy wooden vessels suited to calm river currents and tidal estuaries, emphasizing shallow draft, stability, and efficient movement.
The Laita design reflects this regional tradition, drawing inspiration from classic Breton river and coastal boats known for their balanced hull lines and practical layouts. As maritime life gradually shifted from work to leisure, these humble craft influenced modern recreational rowing and sailing boats. Today, the Laita continues that legacy, honoring historic craftsmanship while offering reliable performance and timeless elegance on the water.