The sailboat and the crew

The project, the boat, the team

The Venus Project

Professional skippers, a golden shipowner

One cannot discuss Venus without first mentioning Loïc, our shipbuilder. With 40 years of maritime experience, he has designed an extraordinary sailboat that combines comfort on board with performance under sail.

His ambition? To create a unit capable of striking the perfect balance between these two requirements. This vision is being realized in collaboration with the naval architecture firm Petit & Berthelot.

After ten years of sailing, the meeting between Loïc and Raphaël would change the fate of this unique sailboat.

Together, they decided to professionalize the operation of the sailboat, offering it for rent with a skipper and organizing cruises in the Aegean Sea. Every year, they ensure that Venus complies with the latest safety standards and maintains its exceptional performance.

Loïc & Raphaël

Partners for three years, they have been constantly improving this extraordinary sailboat. Recent developments focus on autonomy and environmental friendliness.

The crew of the Venus

Enthusiasts who love the Aegean Sea

Raphael

Date of birth: 1988
Qualifications: Yachtmaster Offshore
Experience: 15 years
Aegean Sea: 6 years
Languages: French (native), English, Spanish, Italian, Greek (basic)
Nautical CV: PDF link

Raphaël wants to offer you a genuine sailing experience. That's why our cruises take place in the Aegean Sea, where the wind blows in summer and there are numerous islands. Safety, enthusiasm, teaching, and sharing are Raphaël's watchwords. He knows the Cyclades like the back of his hand and will be your best guide both at sea and on land 🙂 Contact us, and he'll be the one to answer!

Skipper & reservations manager

Raphaël has been working with the association for three years. LesSkippers.com, a group of independent skippers offering sailing cruises around the world. He is responsible for cruises in the Aegean Sea aboard Vénus and coordinates multiple projects to offer you new destinations.

Daniele

Born: 1990
Qualifications: Yachtmaster Offshore, École des Glénans
Experience: 4 years
Aegean Sea: 2 years
Languages: Italian (native), French, Spanish, English (intermediate), Greek (basic)

Between the shipyard, transport services, and cruises in Greece, he is now the project's second skipper. Calm and communicative, Daniele embodies quiet strength: his caring and attentive approach will guide you beyond your expectations. Whether you want to learn the ropes of sailing, discover secret anchorages, or simply enjoy the sea with confidence, he will be your ideal companion on board.

Skipper & maintenance manager

He joined the Venus project in Marseille, at the shipyard. After participating in the renovation of the sailboat—particularly the rigging and underwater hull—he grew fond of this unique vessel. Today, he is one of the cornerstones of the project.

Venus 63

20-meter modern sloop (known as a Bermudian sloop)

It was launched in 2015 at the Launet shipyard in Beauvais. The result is a powerful and elegant sailboat, featuring:

a displacement of approximately 25 tons,
a slender hull measuring 20 meters long and 5 meters wide,
a draft of 2.70 meters, allowing it to access many shallow anchorages.
an average speed of 10 to 11 knots, allowing it to connect the islands quickly.

Topped with a 26-meter carbon mast, Venus deploys up to 242 m² of sail area, offering a unique sailing experience for a boat of this size. On board, there are no electric winches or power steering: everything is operated manually, for an authentic and immersive experience.

Participation in our cruises remains deliberately accessible: the aim is to make the sensations of sailing, discovery, and sharing accessible to as many people as possible.

More than just a sailboat, Venus reflects a philosophy: that of committed, shared, and authentic sailing, where every mile traveled tells a story, and every crossing becomes an experience to be lived to the fullest.

The cabins

Feel at home

Designed to accommodate between 6 and 10 passengers, the boat offers generous space and a headroom of 2 meters.

4 double cabins & 2 bunk beds

"Owner's cabin" with its large bed (160×200)
"Portside double cabin" with one double bed (140×200) and one single bunk bed (70×200)
"Starboard double cabin" with one double bed (140×200) and one single bunk bed (70×200)
"Aft cabin" with two separate beds (70×200)
"Les 2 bannettes" 2 bunk beds (80×200)

Each cabin is equipped with 220V power outlets, reading lights, a mirror, and storage space.

You'll love the large sun deck at the front of the boat, ideal for soaking up the sun and/or sleeping under the stars.

Common areas

Living together on board

The galley, on the same level as the cockpit, is very well equipped. Offering a 360° view of the outside, it is the most convivial space on the boat, where everyone gathers to share meals.

Kitchen equipment:

Gas lights
Gas oven
Refrigerator with 2 drawers
Freezer
Electric coffee maker
Toaster

Both bathrooms are shared:

At the front: a large bathroom with a spacious shower and an electric toilet
On the port side: a more compact bathroom with a shower and electric toilet

Square

Chart table

Refrigerator

View from above

Kitchen

Square table

Technical data sheet

63-foot crosstail, clinker-built hull

Dimensions and materials

Construction materials: aluminum and composite
Carbon mast: 26 meters
Overall length: 19.60 meters
Width: 5.30 meters
Draft: 2.75 meters
Displacement: 25,000 kg

Navigation and autonomy

Engine: Iveco Marine – 150 hp
Fuel capacity: 1,100 liters
Instrument: Radar , AIS class B
Fresh water capacity: 900 liters
Desalinator: 100 liters/hour
Solar power generation: 1,000 W of solar panels
Windlass: hydraulic
Bow thrusters: 2 units
Hot water tank: 50 liters
Heating: 5 kW

Sail plan

82 m² mainsail, fully battened, made of Hydranet.
Manual roll-up awning, 82 m², made of Hydranet.
Manual furling jib, 40 m² in Hydranet.
Code 0 on Karver furler, 160 m², in Prolite.

Onboard equipment

The little extras for your cruise

Paddle and flotation aid

Take a paddleboard to explore the turquoise waters of the anchorages while maintaining your balance. In addition, a wide range of accessories—buoys, life jackets, floats, boards, etc.—are available for you to swim safely.

Apnea

Our two freediving buoys, each equipped with 60 meters of cable with counterweights, are at your disposal. A medical oxygen tank that complies with regulations is also available.