Jet (Nautivela) Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Nautivela, founded in 1961 and commencing production in 1963, established itself with a clear vision: to produce racing and technical dinghies. The Nautivela Jet's production began in 1993, emerging during an era when the builder was solidifying its reputation for crafting fast, precise, and durable racing dinghies. 1, 4, Builder Article The company's design philosophy prioritizes hydrodynamic efficiency, structural rigidity, and consistent build quality, adhering to the stringent demands of competitive sailing classes. Phil Morrison's design for the Jet aimed to create a boat that was "well-balanced in appearance and sailing qualities," offering a high-performance, spinnaker-rigged experience. The emphasis during this period at Nautivela was on precision manufacturing, utilizing modern construction technologies and rigorous quality controls to ensure each hull faithfully replicated the intended design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nautivela Jet, with its lightweight displacement of just 166 pounds and a length overall of nearly 16 feet, is engineered for speed and responsive handling. Its fractional sloop rig boasts a reported sail area of 202 square feet, complemented by a substantial spinnaker of 36.00 square meters (approximately 387 square feet). This large sail plan relative to its light displacement allows the Jet to achieve a theoretical hull speed of 5.16 knots, and likely much more when planing.

As a centerboard dinghy with a minimum draft of just 0.25 feet and a maximum draft of 4.0 feet when the board is fully deployed, the Jet offers versatility for launching and sailing in varying depths. The twin trapeze configuration and racks are defining features, underscoring its design as a high-performance two-person skiff requiring active crew participation to maximize its speed potential. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Jet is a balanced boat, designed for optimal performance across a range of wind conditions, appealing to sailors seeking a thrilling and demanding dinghy racing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated high-performance racing skiff, the Nautivela Jet features an open cockpit layout, typical of competitive dinghies of its size and purpose. The design prioritizes sailing ergonomics and crew functionality over interior accommodations. Therefore, the Nautivela Jet does not include any enclosed cabin space, berths, or galley facilities. Its layout is focused entirely on providing a platform for two sailors to execute maneuvers and manage the extensive sail plan efficiently.