Jeanneau Yachts 64 Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the Jeanneau Yachts 64 in 2015 marked a significant statement from the French shipyard, building upon a legacy of innovation that began in 1957 with Henri Jeanneau's passion for speed and craftsmanship. Jeanneau, known for its early adoption of fiberglass in the late 1950s and its success with mass-produced sailboats like the Sangria in the 1970s, has consistently emphasized quality, innovation, and "liveable boats" in its design philosophy. For the Jeanneau Yachts 64, naval architect Philippe Briand aimed to create a "sailor's boat" that is "secure, fast, and enjoyable to sail," reflecting a commitment to both performance and safety. Complementing this, interior designer Andrew Winch focused on "meticulous attention to detail, quality and style," ensuring every space was "carefully considered for comfortable living". This collaborative approach, combined with Jeanneau's advanced construction techniques like resin infusion molding, aimed to deliver a yacht of refined elegance and robust build. A notable variation offered during its production run includes a choice between a standard keel with a draft of 9.68 feet (2.95 meters) and a shallower shoal keel option drawing 7.22 feet (2.20 meters).

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jeanneau Yachts 64 is engineered for steady and forgiving sailing, a crucial characteristic for a blue water cruiser of its size. With a reported sail area of 1,829 square feet and a displacement of 68,343 pounds, the boat achieves a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 17.39. This figure suggests a yacht with good performance characteristics, particularly in lighter airs, while still being manageable in stronger conditions. Its Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of about 148.3 indicates a boat that is neither overly heavy nor ultralight for its impressive 59.05-foot waterline length, striking a balance between robust construction and efficient hull form. The yacht's standard keel features a bulb and contributes to a Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of roughly 30.16%. While not exceeding 40% (a threshold often associated with exceptional stiffness), this ratio still provides a stable platform, allowing the boat to stand up well to the wind and offer a comfortable motion in a seaway. Anecdotal accounts from sea trials highlight its ability to maintain a steady 9.5-10 knots when reaching, even when comfortably reefed, underscoring its impressive cruising speed under sail. The yacht is also capable of a moderate cruising speed of 8.3 knots under engine power.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jeanneau Yachts 64, designed by Andrew Winch, is a hallmark of its "superyacht style," prioritizing luxurious comfort and extensive customization. Owners are presented with "several thousand possible combinations of fabrics, woods, leathers and interior and exterior layouts," allowing for a truly semi-custom vessel. The yacht typically features a spacious Mediterranean cockpit and offers various cabin configurations, including the option for a lavish full-width owner's stateroom located either aft or forward. This master suite is complemented by two or more additional staterooms, enabling configurations with up to four guest cabins. The design emphasizes clever layouts, high-quality materials, and comfortable amenities down to the smallest detail, consistent with Jeanneau's philosophy of creating "liveable boats", 4].

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Jeanneau Yachts 64 generally praise its robust construction, luxurious accommodations, and capable sailing performance, particularly its suitability for extended blue water cruising. The concept behind the 64 was to create the largest yacht manageable without a permanent crew, a goal that many owners appreciate. The yacht's flagship status within the Jeanneau line contributes to a sense of pride among owners, with even co-designer Andrew Winch becoming an owner himself. While comprehensive, aggregated owner reviews detailing widespread common problems are not readily available, some discussions in owner forums highlight potential areas for attention common across various models, such as engine, gearbox, and sail-drive issues, as well as wiring and rigging concerns. A more specific issue noted by some pertains to a "strum box issue (delamination within)". However, the overall sentiment points to a well-regarded yacht that, with proper maintenance and attention, is well-suited for ambitious voyages and comfortable living on the water.