Although best known for its extremely competitive smaller offshore racing boats, this Breton yard also has a range of serious, yet fast and lightweight, cruising yachts of which the JPK 39FC is the latest. Toby Hodges took it for a test sail to find out how she performed.

The 39FC is the company’s second generation model in this size bracket, following the existing 38FC. The new design has fuller forward hull sections that increase form stability and improve interior space, plus a distinctive reverse sheer. The latter is an inherently stiffer shape and adds internal volume in the middle of the boat, while keeping the ends light.

This extra interior volume gives enough space for an optional three cabin layout, an arrangement that wasn’t offered for the 38FC. Both layouts for the new boat have a large linear galley to starboard, while the two-cabin model gains a bigger heads compartment, as well as additional stowage space in the saloon.

A combination of a fixed windscreen and removable canvas hard top gives good protection for crew at the forward end of the cockpit. Deck layouts share many of the attributes of JPK’s racing yachts, which are configured for easy, efficient sailing. A choice of two fixed keels or a ballasted centreboard are offered.

A huge amount of effort, knowledge and experience has gone into developing this design and optimising the balances between performance and comfort. The result is a fast boat that’s beautiful to sail and well thought through in every respect. The JPK 39 will be enormously appealing to anyone with a competitive sailing background who is accustomed to top-notch deck gear and equipment.

At the same time it provides attractive accommodation with enough comfort to appeal to non-sailing guests and family members. The two-cabin version offers sufficient stowage, both on deck and below, to live on board in a civilised manner for extended periods.

There’s an options list to tailor the boat to your own needs, but a downside to the JPK 39 FC is that it’s clearly not only me who likes this new design – lead times already extend to more than two years!

JPK 39FC specifications

LOA: 11.72m / 38ft 5in
LWL: 11.0m / 36ft 1in
Beam: 3.98m / 13ft 1in
Draught (standard keel): 2.15m / 7ft 1in,
Draught (lift keel): 1.30-2.70m / 4ft 3in-8ft 10 in
Upwind sail area: 82m2 / 880ft2
Price: from €205,100 ex VAT
Builder: JPK.fr

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