Cap Horn Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the Cap Horn in 1959 marked Jouët's commitment to crafting seaworthy and well-designed vessels, a philosophy deeply rooted in the company's early years when its craftsmanship was primarily in traditional wooden designs. The Cap Horn, with its wooden hull and deck, exemplifies this era of Jouët's production. Jean-Jacques Herbulot's design philosophy for the Cap Horn focused on delivering a simple yet surprisingly sophisticated small cruising boat, distinguishing it from other basic models popular in France during the 1950s. The remarkable feat of a Cap Horn completing the 1960 OSTAR race underscored the boat's inherent seaworthiness and robust construction, a testament to both Herbulot's design and Jouët's building quality. While Jouët later transitioned to fiberglass construction, the Cap Horn remains a representative model of their earlier wooden boat building heritage.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Given its length overall of 21.33 feet and a waterline length of 19.67 feet, the Jouët Cap Horn is designed as a small, manageable cruiser. Its hull speed is estimated at 5.94 knots. A notable design feature is its centerboard keel, allowing for a versatile draft ranging from a shallow 2.16 feet to a maximum of 5.2 feet. This centerboard configuration enhances its adaptability for exploring shallow anchorages while still providing stability and upwind performance when deployed. The historical participation of a Cap Horn in the challenging OSTAR race further speaks to its surprising offshore capabilities and robust handling characteristics for a boat of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its compact size, the interior accommodations of the Jouët Cap Horn are designed for efficient use of space, primarily catering to weekend cruising. Typical layouts for small cruisers of this era often prioritize sleeping berths and basic amenities. One standard configuration suggests the presence of a single cabin with sleeping capacity for up to four individuals, though it typically does not include a dedicated toilet compartment. Information regarding specific headroom or the finish quality and materials beyond its wooden construction is not extensively detailed in general reviews, but boats of this period from reputable builders like Jouët often featured functional, durable interiors.