Vent DE Fete Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Vent DE Fete began its production in 1982 under the watchful eye of New Japan Yacht Co. Ltd., a company that commenced its operations in 1969 from its base in Shizuoka, Japan. While specific details about the earliest days of New Japan Yacht Co. Ltd. remain somewhat private, the company has consistently contributed to the sailing landscape by producing a variety of distinct sailboat models, often hinting at a design philosophy centered on elegance and practical cruising. The choice of Jean Marie Finot, a designer celebrated for highly successful models like the Ecume de Mer, underscored a commitment to well-engineered and capable yachts. Finot's designs, including the Vent DE Fete, typically aimed for a blend of performance and offshore capability, often characterized by a fin keel and spade rudder configuration for responsiveness and control. There is no widely publicized information indicating significant variations or different marks during the Vent DE Fete's production run.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Vent DE Fete, with its design by Jean Marie Finot, offers a compelling blend of characteristics for a boat of its size. Its reported sail area of 436 square feet combined with a displacement of 6724 pounds results in a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 19.5. This figure suggests good light-air performance, enabling the boat to move efficiently even in lighter breezes.

With a ballast of 2976 pounds and a displacement of 6724 pounds, the Vent DE Fete boasts a ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.44, indicating a relatively stiff and stable vessel. This high percentage of ballast contributes significantly to the boat's ability to stand up to a greater amount of wind, providing a comfortable motion and a sense of security in choppier conditions. Furthermore, its displacement to length ratio, calculated at approximately 451 based on its 24.61-foot waterline, positions it firmly in the category of a heavy cruiser. While this suggests a solid, comfortable ride that handles well in a seaway, it implies less emphasis on outright speed compared to lighter displacement designs. The fin keel and spade rudder design provide good maneuverability and responsiveness, hallmarks often associated with Finot's work.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts for the Vent DE Fete are not extensively documented in public records, typical sailboats of its era and size often feature a practical and functional interior designed for coastal cruising. Given its nearly 30-foot length overall, the Vent DE Fete likely offers a forward V-berth, a compact enclosed head, and a saloon area with opposing settees that may convert into berths. A small galley, often equipped with a sink and space for a stove, would typically be found. The maximum headroom of the Vent DE Fete is not specified in the available data, but boats of this length generally prioritize efficient use of space. Interior finishes would likely have featured a combination of fiberglass liners with wood trim, common for Japanese-built cruisers from the 1980s, aiming for durability and a classic nautical aesthetic. Storage solutions, though compact, would be integrated throughout for provisions and personal gear.

Owner's Perspectives

Specific owner reviews or forums detailing common problems and celebrated strengths of the Vent DE Fete are not readily available in public search results. However, boats designed by Jean Marie Finot generally have a reputation for being well-behaved, capable performers, and robustly built. Owners of similar vessels from the New Japan Yacht Co. Ltd. often appreciate the build quality and the practical nature of their yachts. Without specific anecdotal evidence for the Vent DE Fete, general assumptions about boats of this vintage suggest potential common maintenance areas might include re-bedding deck hardware, inspection of original standing rigging, and ensuring the continued functionality of older engine and electrical systems.