Jeanneau Yachts 60 became the Philippe Briand’s 120th production yacht design. She was due to be launched at this year’s Dusseldorf Boat Show in January, but the bold new design is still making waves after a virtual launch.
It took four years of hard work with Jeanneau’s in-house designers to bring the project to fruition. Measuring 60ft overall, with a modest taper towards the stern, a chine in the hull and a reverse bow, the proportions of the boat are absolutely amazing.
“The JY 60 is special because it is the last in the range, and also the 120th of our series drawings,” explains Briand. “We put all our know-how into the yacht, and also a lot of personal emotion. I am used to putting myself in the shoes of the customer every time I draw a production boat. It's easy for me: I would like to own this one.”
Beneath the aesthetics, the technical qualities of the hull and rig also promise agility, seakeeping and excellent balance. The chine will dig in to fight heeling, while buoyancy at the bow and stern reduce pitching. Twin rudders give a perfect balance on the helm, and the integrated bowsprit makes light work of launching a big reaching sail. In fact, the boat can be readily sailed by a couple, thanks to the option of in-mast furling for the main and a self-tacking jib. Either way, it is a fast hull, capable of an easy 8kt upwind and 12kt on a broad reach.
Philippe Briand
“This is a real sailor’s boat,” says Briand. “It is ideally suited to almost any brief from fast bluewater cruising to a leisurely jaunt across the bay – a boat for both the Mediterranean and the Baltic. The interior space is the owner’s home on the water, while her exterior living spaces are unmatched by the competition. She is more fun to sail, faster and more comfortable under sail and power than any catamaran available for the same budget.”
The interior design of the yacht was made by Andrew Winch: sculpted surfaces with the use of real wood, fine fabrics and leathers create an atmosphere of timeless elegance below. It has the option of a full-beam owner’s cabin that is simply flooded with light, with a his-and-hers bathroom not usually seen in this size range. The open galley is positioned forward and includes the option of a full-height fridge. Meanwhile, the floor of the flexible saloon is slightly raised to give clearer sightlines out through the coachroof windows.
This shipyard was founded in 1957 by Henri Jeanneau, and it has designed, produced and sold an extremely wide selection of over forty outboard, inboard, sailboat and yacht models around the world for over 60 years. Jeanneau stands out with its elegant, ingenious boats, ranging from 15 to 64 feet, with their pure, modern, timeless lines created by world-renowned architects.
Credits: Jeanneau Yachts