Jongert 21 S Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The first Jongert 21 S, named "Spes Nostra," was launched in 1981, marking the beginning of a distinctive series of classic yachts from the Jongert yard. The collaboration between Jongert, known for its commitment to durability and strength in blue-water cruising, and designer Doug Peterson, celebrated for his ocean-going yacht designs, aimed to create a vessel that could confidently handle challenging sea conditions. Constructed primarily from steel for the hull and deck, the 21 S reflects Jongert's manufacturing ethos of utilizing robust materials for enduring quality, 2]. Peter Sijm's contributions focused on a contemporary and stylish interior, complementing the yacht's formidable exterior. While specific variations like MkI or MkII are not widely documented, the series began with a design featuring a short keel and separate rudder, optimizing its sailing characteristics. Production of the Jongert 21 S continued into the early 1980s, with yachts like the "Serenity of Sea" being built in 1982.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Jongert 21 S is characterized by its heavy displacement and ketch rig, indicative of its design as a comfortable and stable offshore platform. With a length overall of 72 feet and a waterline length of 51 feet, she is built to offer a powerful and steady motion. Her calculated displacement to length ratio of approximately 370.2 highlights her substantial build, prioritizing strength and seakindliness over outright speed, ensuring a comfortable passage even in adverse conditions.

Her sail area to displacement ratio, reported at 16.10, suggests that while not a light-air racer, she possesses a balanced sail plan capable of propelling her considerable mass efficiently. This ratio is consistent with a vessel designed for long-distance cruising, where ease of handling and stability are paramount. The ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.18 might appear modest, but in a steel-hulled vessel of this size and type, stability is derived significantly from its overall form and robust construction, rather than solely from a high percentage of internal ballast. Owners and reviewers note that the 21 S "sails really well and can easily cross the oceans only by sail power," underscoring its inherent sailing capabilities. The masthead ketch rigging offers flexibility in sail configuration, allowing for easier management of sail area in varying wind conditions, and her deck layout is "optimally designed for safe and comfortable sailing".

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jongert 21 S is renowned for its spaciousness, volume, and meticulous craftsmanship, featuring original Jongert carpentry often crafted from fine teak. Designed by Peter Sijm, the layouts are practical and luxurious, typically accommodating up to six guests across three capacious staterooms. These accommodations commonly include an owner's cabin and two guest cabins, each with an en-suite bathroom, providing privacy and comfort for all aboard. The design intent for the 21 S was to provide ample living space, making it suitable for extended periods at sea. The yacht's generous beam of 18.58 feet allows for broad interior volumes, contributing to an open and airy feel below deck. A hallmark of Jongert designs, the fully protected cockpit area often extends seamlessly from the interior, creating an integrated indoor-outdoor living space that enhances comfort and protection during passages.

Owner's Perspectives

Jongert yachts, including the 21 S, are widely praised for their enduring quality, robust engineering, and timeless appeal. Owners consistently highlight the reliability and solid construction of these vessels, which contributes to their strong resale values in the brokerage market. The ocean-going design and proven capabilities make the Jongert 21 S a favored choice for those aspiring to serious blue-water cruising or even for use as a charter vessel, with some models holding sought-after Spanish charter licenses. The emphasis on comfort and safety, combined with Jongert's reputation for meticulous attention to detail, means that the 21 S continues to be a highly regarded and capable yacht for discerning owners globally.