The boat was part of a larger family of variants built on the same 30.5-foot hull. These included the standard Rush, the Rush GTE (Grand Tirant d’Eau or deep draft), and the Rush Régate. While the hull shape remained consistent—characterized by the IOR-influenced wide beam amidships and tapered ends—the Royale and Régate versions were stripped of some cruising weight and tuned for maximum upwind efficiency. According to the Jeanneau official archives, nearly 600 units of the Rush series were produced, cementing it as one of the most successful performance-cruisers of its era.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Rush Royale 31 is an archetypal Ron Holland design, prioritizing upwind pointing ability and stiffness. Because it was designed under the IOR rule, the hull features a significant "tumblehome" (where the hull narrows at the deck level) and a deep, high-aspect-ratio fin keel. These characteristics provide a very "planted" feel when the boat is pressed hard on a beat. In moderate air, the Rush Royale is known for its ability to outpoint contemporary cruisers, feeling responsive and light on the helm.
Handling is generally predictable, though like many IOR designs, it requires active trimming to maintain balance. The large overlapping genoa provides the majority of the power, which can make tacking a physical exercise for a short-handed crew. When sailing off the wind, the boat tracks well, though the pinched stern—a hallmark of late 70s design—means the boat can become "rolly" in a following sea if over-canvased. Owners often report that the boat feels most "in its element" in 12 to 18 knots of breeze, where its ballast ratio allows it to carry full sail longer than lighter modern designs.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Despite its racing hardware, the Rush Royale 31 maintains a surprisingly functional interior for a 31-foot boat of its vintage. The layout is traditional, featuring a V-berth forward, a central salon with settees that double as sea berths, and a small galley to port of the companionway. Because it was built during an era when Jeanneau was emphasizing "liveable boats," the joinery is typically a warm teak veneer, providing a much higher level of comfort than the "stripped-out" racers of the same period.
The primary variations in the interior depend on whether the specific hull was commissioned for the Tour de France à la Voile or for private cruising. The Royale variants used for the Tour often featured simplified interiors to save weight, with fewer lockers and lighter cabin doors. In contrast, the standard Rush models offered a more robust cruising kit, including a dedicated chart table to starboard and a compact enclosed head located between the salon and the forward cabin. Headroom is adequate for a boat of this size, though sailors over six feet may find the forward transitions somewhat cramped.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Rush Royale's primary claim to fame is its tenure as the official boat of the Tour de France à la Voile (TFV) in 1982 and 1983. This grueling offshore race, which circumnavigates the French coastline, demanded a vessel that was both fast enough for professional tactics and rugged enough to handle the volatile conditions of the Bay of Biscay. The selection of the Rush Royale over its competitors at the time solidified Jeanneau’s reputation for building durable, offshore-capable performance yachts.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Prospective buyers of a Rush Royale 31 should focus on several age-related technical areas common to Jeanneau builds from the early 1980s:
- Grid and Bulkhead Attachment: The Rush uses an internal fiberglass grid (matrix) bonded to the hull to provide stiffness. Over decades of hard racing, the bond between this grid and the hull, or the bulkheads and the hull, can fatigue. Check for "tabbing" failure or stress cracks in the bilge area.
- Deck Core Integrity: Like most boats of this era, the deck is balsa-cored. Hardware that has not been re-bedded (stanchions, chainplates, winches) can allow water to seep into the core. Use a plastic hammer to "tap-test" the deck for dull thuds, indicating delamination.
- Mast Step Compression: The Rush is a deck-stepped rig. Over time, the compression post or the deck structure beneath the mast can compress, leading to rig tension issues and interior door misalignment.
- Keel Bolt Oxidation: Given the performance nature of the Royale, the keel-to-hull joint is under significant stress. Inspect the keel bolts for signs of weeping or "smiles" at the leading edge of the keel-hull join.
Community & Resources
Owners of the Rush Royale 31 benefit from a robust, albeit mostly Francophone, support network. The most prominent technical resource is the Jeanneau Owners Network, an independent organization that hosts technical manuals and historical brochures for legacy models. Additionally, the Association des Propriétaires de Rush is an active French group that organizes rallies and maintains a knowledge base specifically for the various Rush iterations, focusing on preserving the racing heritage of the Royale fleet.
The Verdict
The Jeanneau Rush Royale 31 is a classic "wolf in sheep’s clothing," offering a legitimate racing pedigree in a package that remains comfortable enough for weekend coastal cruising.
Pros:
- Excellent upwind performance and stiffness in a breeze.
- Strong historical pedigree as a Tour de France à la Voile one-design.
- High-quality interior joinery compared to modern "production" racers.
- Very affordable entry point into performance-oriented classic yachting.
Cons:
- IOR hull shape can be nervous and prone to rolling on downwind legs.
- Large overlapping genoas are physically demanding for short-handed crews.
- Aging balsa-cored decks and grid bonds require careful survey.
