Calife 23 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Jouët Calife 23 spans a pivotal era in the history of its builder. Production began in 1969, just before Jouët, founded by Jean-Pierre Jouët in 1925, became a subsidiary of Yachting France in 1970. This transition saw Jouët, a company with roots in traditional wooden boat building, fully embrace fiberglass construction, a material that revolutionized boat manufacturing by allowing for more efficient production. The Calife 23 was one of the models produced under both the independent Jouët name and subsequently under the Yachting France umbrella, reflecting this lineage.

Philippe Harlé, the designer behind the Calife 23, was known for creating practical and seaworthy designs. For the Calife 23, Harlé opted for a fin keel with a transom-hung rudder, a configuration typical for performance-oriented cruisers of its size. Reports suggest he aimed for a "slightly more spacy hull design" for the interior, indicating a focus on maximizing usable space within its compact dimensions. The boat's construction in solid fiberglass, and its design to be unsinkable with polyurethane foam, underscored Jouët's (and later Yachting France's) commitment to robust construction and safety during this period. A total of 350 units of the Calife 23 were built, a testament to its popularity and successful design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact size, the Jouët Calife 23 is regarded as a good performer on the water. With a length overall of just under 23 feet and a waterline length of over 19 feet, it is characterized as a moderate-weight sailboat that offers a stable and stiff platform. This inherent stability contributes to its reliable handling, making it a suitable choice for both coastal cruising and day sailing.

The Calife 23 features a masthead sloop rig, providing a balanced sail plan. Its fin keel and transom-hung rudder contribute to responsive steering and good maneuverability. These design elements combine to offer a sailing experience that is both engaging for enthusiasts and manageable for those seeking leisurely cruises. The boat's hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.85 knots.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Jouët Calife 23 is designed to provide essential comforts within its relatively modest dimensions. The boat is equipped with a single cabin, typical for a sailboat of this size. While the maximum headroom is noted to be below average, the designer's intent for a "slightly more spacy hull design" suggests an effort to optimize the usable volume.

The general interior arrangement typically includes a V-berth forward, a small salon area with settees that may convert to berths, and a compact galley and head. Given its production era, the interior finish would likely feature a combination of fiberglass liners and some wood trim, offering a practical and durable environment. Storage solutions, though limited by the boat's size, would be integrated to accommodate cruising essentials. The emphasis was on creating a functional space for weekend trips or short cruises, providing shelter and basic amenities for a small crew or family.