Jet (Lanaverre) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Lanaverre Jet is intrinsically linked to the pioneering efforts of its builder, Lanaverre, and its visionary designer, Christian Maury. Lanaverre, established in 1944, truly hit its stride in 1955 when Maury joined Lucien Lanaverre, ushering in an era of innovation. The company quickly distinguished itself by embracing Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) construction, a significant departure from traditional wooden boat building. This transition allowed for mass production, reduced maintenance, and consistent performance, thereby making sailing more accessible.

The Jet, introduced in 1967, was one of many successful dinghies to emerge from this innovative period, alongside the iconic 420 and 470. 2, 4, 5, Builder Article Designed by Christian Maury, who was also behind models like the 420 and 510, the Jet was engineered for speed and agility. Its design ethos clearly focused on delivering an exhilarating sailing experience for two crew members, featuring a centerboard hull and a fractional sloop rig, characteristic of performance dinghies of the time.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light, high-performance dinghy, the Lanaverre Jet is characterized by its responsive handling and lively feel on the water. With a length overall of 15.58 feet and a displacement of just 265 pounds, it is designed for agility and speed. Its centerboard hull type allows for excellent upwind performance when deployed and shallow water access or easy beaching when retracted. The fractional sloop rig further enhances its performance characteristics, providing a flexible sail plan that can be finely tuned for varying wind conditions.

The Jet's design as a two-person dinghy suggests it is intended for active sailing, requiring coordinated crew work to extract maximum performance. Its lightweight construction contributes to a hull speed of approximately 5.21 knots, a respectable figure for a boat of its size. Sailors could expect the Jet to accelerate quickly, point well, and offer an engaging ride, particularly in moderate to strong winds, typical of boats designed for competitive racing.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design as a high-performance dinghy, the Lanaverre Jet does not feature traditional interior accommodations. Instead, its layout is optimized for an open cockpit arrangement, providing the necessary space and ergonomics for a two-person crew to manage sails and control the boat effectively. The open design facilitates quick maneuvers and easy access to all control lines, which are crucial for a boat intended for spirited sailing and potential racing. The focus is entirely on sailing functionality, with no enclosed cabins, bunks, or galley facilities typical of cruising sailboats.