Un entretien avec les créateurs du Boutique Boatel
The idea of launching a bateau-hotel on the Trois-Lacs was born one evening, after work, over a beer in Morat. Contrary to many other visions that are heading for the lakes, this idea had the potential and especially the team to become a reality. At the end of May 2021, we are learning the secrets of this fascinating story. A conversation with naval engineer Hans Hofstetter and project manager Beat Kläy.
Is it true that the idea of Boutique Boatel was born from a beer after work?
Hans Hofstetter: One of my friends, Richard Hurni, was dreaming of a boat. But I had to give it up completely, because it is forbidden to live on a boat in Switzerland. On the other hand, I knew that there was an old merchant ship for sale on the canal de la Broye in Sugiez, the MS Attila. It was actually during a beer after work that I had the idea of converting it into a small cruise boat. I made the first explorations inspired by the transformed boats that navigate the canals of France. Richard Hurni was always enthusiastic. That's how the project saw the light of day.
At what point were you sure that this project would see the light of day?
Hans Hofstetter: The decisive factor was the agreement of the Office of Navigation, the OCN, which approved the project according to our plans and confirmed that it would be possible to register it as a passenger vessel. Once the financing of the conversion and the first year of operation had been secured, we were even more confident that the first bateau de croisière sur les eaux intérieures suisses would welcome its first passengers in May 2021.
Beat, you joined the group a long time ago. Qu'est-ce qui t'a fasciné dans ce projet ?
Beat Kläy: I have been involved in this project since the beginning of March 2020. The idea of a cruise boat on the Swiss lakes is formidable for me, who have had a very close relationship with the Trois-Lac region since I was a child. Moreover, I consider it to be one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. This context, but also the fact that the task consisted of converting a ship, putting sales, marketing and communication in place and taking charge of the entire management of the project, delighted me from the very first moment. I also attach great importance to creating a sustainable added value in the region and working in close collaboration with many local partners. Furthermore, all the people we contacted in the course of this project were immediately delighted. We can count on a great deal of support. We must be delighted!
The project demanded an enormous commitment. How do you realize a project this big and unique?
Beat Kläy: It takes a lot of passion, but also flair. We have created a start-up that therefore logically depends on financial support. Thanks to more than 40 shareholders, the bank CIC (Suisse) SA and the economic and tourism promotion of the canton of Fribourg, the project is now sufficiently financed. It is fantastic how all the investors, partners and service providers support us; probably because we have succeeded in transmitting the "Attila virus" to them through our enthusiasm. A welcome experience in this covid period.
Transforming the old cargo into an elegant modern hybrid propulsion passenger ship, the first cruise boat on Swiss inland waterways, is without a doubt exceptional!
Hans, qu'est-ce qui était important dans le choix du bateau ?
Hans Hofstetter : In fact, it's the boat that we chose! L'Attila had been on sale for some time because the previous owner no longer wanted to carry out the necessary renovations for reasons of age.
En tant que connaisseur, quel est selon toi l'atout de ce bateau ?
Hans Hofstetter : Transforming the old cargo into an elegant modern hybrid propulsion passenger ship, the first cruise boat on Swiss inland waterways, is without doubt exceptional!
Et qu'attends-tu avec le plus d'impatience ?
After 130 years of training as a captain, I have now reached the final phase. I'm really looking forward to taking the bar of Attila very soon!
Beat, what is the point for you?
Beat Kläy : A historic first day will come on March 15, 2021, when the Fribourg Cantonal Navigation Office officially homologates the Attila. I am eagerly awaiting the moment when the Attila leaves the Sugiez jetty for the first time with its own means. It will be a day full of emotions. Afterwards, we will optimize the processes as well as the facilities in order to be ready for the first passengers.
Que peuvent attendre les passagers de l'Attila ?
Beat Kläy : Passengers can enjoy a "cinq étoiles" détente. The cabins offer everything you would expect from a cruise boat. One of the main points is certainly that the windows of the cabin can be opened completely, which allows passengers to discover and appreciate the lake as well as the fauna and flora at all times and immediately from their cabin. The proximity to other passengers and the warm and friendly hospitality on board made the cruise on the Attila a successful experience from all points of view.
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Téléphone: +41 26 673 92 02
E-mail: booking@attila.swiss