Django 8 S Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Django 8 S emerged from Marée Haute's long-standing tradition of producing performance-oriented yachts, building upon the success of their acclaimed Django range. Marée Haute, established in 2004, has consistently focused on modern materials like fiberglass for its hulls, ensuring strength and efficiency. The Django 8 S, first introduced in 2019, continues this lineage, reflecting the shipyard's manufacturing ethos of combining speed with practical features for diverse sailing needs. The collaboration with naval architect Pierre Rolland, who is the design force behind the entire Django line, underscores the boat's design philosophy. Rolland's designs for Marée Haute are known for their robust seaworthiness and remarkable versatility, a philosophy deeply embedded in the Django 8 S. The vessel is specifically optimized for offshore regattas with small crews, showcasing Marée Haute's dedication to creating boats that excel in demanding conditions. There is no readily available information suggesting significant variations in the production run of the Django 8 S since its introduction.

Sailing Performance and Handling

Despite its compact length overall of just over 26 feet, the Django 8 S is engineered for impressive sailing performance, especially in offshore conditions. It features a fin keel with a bulb and dual rudders, a configuration typically found on larger, more performance-oriented yachts, contributing to its stability and precise handling. The design aims to provide a "boosted" experience, particularly for long downwind glides, appealing to sailors interested in offshore racing with reduced crews. Owners and reviewers often describe the Django 8 S as a "big mini," implying that it offers the performance and capabilities typically associated with larger vessels in a more manageable size. Its lightweight fiberglass construction further contributes to its agility and speed on the water.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Django 8 S is designed to be functional and comfortable for its primary use as a sport keelboat for ocean racing and short-handed cruising. The layout typically features two cabins and can accommodate up to four berths. While specific details on headroom are not available, the design prioritizes practicality for offshore living. Reviews and specifications indicate a focus on essential amenities without excessive frills, common in performance-oriented boats of this size. The interior is generally constructed from fiberglass, maintaining consistency with the hull material, and is expected to offer a good standard of finish, reflecting Marée Haute's commitment to quality in its lightweight constructions. Storage solutions are integrated to maximize space, crucial for provisions and gear during longer voyages.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Django 8 S often commend its solid construction and its ability to handle challenging sea states, a testament to Marée Haute's reputation for building marine and ultra-versatile boats. The dual rudder system and bulb keel contribute to its praised handling characteristics and stability, even when pushed hard. The boat is frequently highlighted as a strong contender for races like the Transquadra, underscoring its performance capabilities in competitive offshore environments. While specific owner forums or common issues are not widely detailed in public search results, the overall sentiment points towards a high degree of satisfaction regarding its performance and suitability for its intended purpose of fast, short-handed offshore sailing.