Design and Construction
Philippe Briand delivered a modern hull that incorporates a hard chine for increased speed, stability, and interior volume, and the structure itself reflects a serious production engineering effort. The vacuum-infused hull and deck are cored with discontinuous end-grain balsa set in polyester resin, while solid laminate is interposed around the keel root and high-load deck hardware installations are set over plywood coring vacuum-infused hull and deck cored with balsa. The hull’s exterior is finished in isophthalic NG gelcoat and the bottom is barrier-coated to thwart osmotic blistering. A bonded structural grid with laminate tabs in high-load areas, vacuum-infused structural bulkheads tabbed into deck and grid, and an aluminum-framed saloon sub-floor give the boat a solid foundation. Both keel options—a deep L-shaped keel or a shoal wing keel—feature cast iron encapsulated in epoxy, and the single rudder is fiberglass over a foam core wrapped around a stainless steel stock.
Rig and Handling
The 64 comes standard with a 9/10ths fractional aluminum Sparcraft rig carrying line-controlled in-mast furling, three sets of swept-back spreaders, and discontinuous Dyform wire standing rigging. A cockpit arch forward carries a bridle for the mainsheet, and on the test boat that sheet was controlled with an optional belowdeck Harken electric captive-reel winch. Headsail flexibility is broad: a self-tacking blade jib or staysail on an optional inner forestay sheets to an athwartship track forward of the mast, an overlapping genoa uses side-deck tracks, and an A-sail or Code 0 attaches forward of the headstay. All halyards lead to mast-mounted tensioning tracks with removable tails, and standard SRPC Spectra/Carbon sails are from North. In a 7-to-9-knot true wind the test boat proved responsive for its size, topping 7 knots on close or beam reaches, exceeding 8 knots in 13-knot apparent puffs at 42 degrees, and pinching to about 38 degrees apparent. Off the wind at 120 degrees it managed 4 to 5 knots without downwind sails.
Deck and Cockpit
The cockpit follows the best superyacht style with strictly segregated working and social spaces. Aft, a working cockpit wraps twin helm stations fitted with Raymarine electronics, Harken Rewind winches, deck organizers, and Spinlock clutches. Forward, a power-lounging pit holds high-backed bench seats around two cockpit tables on electrically controlled collapsible pedestals that drop to form sun-lounges or double berths. Between the zones the test boat carried an optional wet-bar sink, drinks fridge, and a collapsible barbecue stowed under the starboard helm seat. A tender garage behind the fold-down transom uses an articulating rail and electric reel winch for launching heavy RIBs, its forward bulkhead and floor integral to the molded deck. A standard Quick bow thruster and optional retractable stern thruster aid close-quarters control.
Accommodations
Andrew Winch’s interior brings meticulous attention to detail, with subtle leather trim and wooden sinks in all heads; all owners so far chose blonde oak, though teak remains available. The boat is a semi-custom yacht with several thousand possible combinations of fabrics, woods, and layouts, yet Jeanneau does not allow fully custom interior features. Only the port galley and starboard saloon dinette are fixed; six other zones offer optional modules. A full-width owner’s stateroom can sit aft or forward with two further ensuite staterooms opposite, while a port cabin becomes pantry-workshop or day head, a starboard cabin takes bunks or nav office, and the forepeak is sail locker or crew quarters with berths and toilet. Dedicated deck spaces cover relaxation, reading, cooking, dining, and sunbathing.
Known Issues and Systems
Systems installations are well organized, neatly done, and clearly labeled, accessed through a full-sized engine and systems space with full headroom behind the companionway. Under power the test boat pulled hard to starboard going forward and to port backing down, presumably from maladjustment of the standard four-bladed Flexofold folding propeller prop walk tied to propeller maladjustment. The Volvo D4-180 reached only 2,940 rpm on test, delivering 10.4 knots max and 8.3 knots at a 1,960 rpm cruise.
The Verdict
The Jeanneau Yachts 64 compresses superyacht ambience and volume into a production framework without sacrificing real sailing ability. Its modular interior and hard-chine hull make it a compelling flagship for couples wanting space and style, though the strong directional pull under power on test and automated-systems dependencies deserve owner attention.
Pros
- Hard-chine hull adds speed, stability, and interior volume
- Segregated cockpit keeps guests clear of working lines
- Broad modular interior with fixed galley and dinette only
- Responsive performance under light-air test conditions
Cons
- Standard folding prop showed strong directional pull under power on test
- Not a true custom builder; interior options bounded by modules
