JPK put the 998 forward as a possible replacement for the Mumm 30 in the Tour de France à la Voile tender. Although it outperformed its rivals in the selection process, the M34 was chosen instead.
Design and Construction
Valer gave the 998 a hull with a highly developed chine. The yard built both the hull and deck in solid fiberglass, with a lead bulb and spade rudder.
The boat displaces 5,952 pounds and carries 2,778 pounds of lead ballast. That gives it a ballast ratio of 46.7 percent, which is high for its length. Its displacement-to-load-waterline ratio of 87.74 reflects its light weight on a 31-foot 2-inch waterline.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The fractional sloop carries 591 square feet of sail, producing a sail-area-to-displacement ratio near 28.8. The builder describes the 998 as unbeatable in light airs and credits it with stunning upwind and downwind behavior in sustained breeze.
For day sailing and coastal use, auxiliary power comes from a 13-horsepower Volvo Penta D1 diesel, supplied by a 20-gallon fuel tank.
Cockpit and Accommodations
The 998’s defining feature is its huge aft deck, with an expansive cockpit and stern platform suited to lounging and short-handed sailing. A deck shower further reinforces the dayboat brief. There’s no cruising interior.
The Verdict
The JPK 998 is a focused Valer daysailer with race-bred lightness, a high ballast ratio, and an elaborate chine. It’s quick in light air and composed in strong breeze. Its huge aft deck clearly marks it as a dayboat rather than a cruiser.
Pros
- Unbeatable in light airs and stunning in sustained breeze
- High ballast ratio and very low racing weight
- Huge aft deck for day sailing
- Category A design homologation
Cons
- Sidelined for the Tour de France à la Voile despite outperforming its rivals
- Dayboat with no cruising interior
