Europe's Yachts of the Year 2022: What the jury says about the winners - Part 2: JPK 39 FC

Last Friday, we announced the decision at the Boatbuilding Oscars on YACHT tv. If you haven't seen the video yet: click here !

Or simply read on. We will briefly list the winners in the five categories here before we go into more detail about the JPK 39.

• European Yacht of the Year 2022 in the Cruising Boats category: Hanse 460
• European Yacht of the Year 2022 in the Luxury Yachts category: Hallberg-Rassy 50
• European Yacht of the Year 2022 in the Special Boats category: Saffier SE 33 Life
• European Yacht of the Year 2022 in the Bluewater Yachts category: Outremer 55
• European Yacht of the Year 2022 in the Performance Cruiser category: JPK 39 Fast Cruiser

The latter is the subject of this article, or more precisely, the reasons why the jury chose it. In addition to Jean-Pierre Kelbert's latest creation, four other fantastic yachts were nominated: the Pogo 44 (pictured above in lee), the J/45, the Solaris 40 and the IC 36 from Independent Catamaran.

It was a close race with three favourites: Pogo, J/45 and JPK were in the jury's favour right from the start. All three have planing potential: JPK 39 and Pogo 44 need no more than 10 to 12 knots of wind from diagonally astern; the J starts to slip from 16 to 18 knots, but has the strongest upwind performance - and the most luxurious rig measured by its speed potential.

So what tipped the scales in favour of JPK in the end?

Morten Brandt-Rasmussen from the Danish "Bådmagasinet" says: "With the design of the coachroof, JPK's designers convey the clear message that the boat is intended for cruising. However, the hull lines, rigidity and light weight make it really fast and a pleasure to steer. Below deck, the attractive, bright saloon with an almost 360-degree view sets a new standard in this category and perhaps even for monohulls in general."

Our Spanish jury colleagueGerman de Soler from "Nautica y Yates"came to this judgement: "The JPK 39 Fast Cruiser is undeniably fast and lighter than most other boats. She fulfils all expectations of a yacht of this type. The complexity of the manoeuvres in the cockpit does not detract from its merits, as it will not frighten the experienced sailor, who just needs a little time to get used to it and feel completely at ease. A fast, solid and well-built cruiser that offers speed and feeling while allowing a comfortable life on board."

AlsoLoïc Madeline from "Voiles & Voiliers"in France emphasised the breadth of the concept: "The JPK 39 FC is indeed very fast for a performance cruiser. The advantages of the vacuum infusion design are obvious." He also praised the skipper-centred cockpit layout: "The deck equipment is perfectly arranged, making the JPK very easy to operate."

AndJochen Rieker from YACHTwho also chairs the jury, summarises: "To describe the competition in this class as demanding would be an understatement. The spectrum ranges from luxurious performance yachts to super-light fast cruisers. The winner lies roughly in the middle. But don't think about compromises! While the JPK 39 FC is quite comfortable and spacious, it still carries all the racing DNA that the yard is famous for - just in a more versatile package. The cockpit puts the helmsman at the heart of the action, with mainsheet and traveller within easy reach. Solo sailing is nowhere easier than on this boat. The JPK sails reassuringly stable and stiff, capable of fast downwind courses as well as full planing downwind - a combination that is still rare on the market."

Tomorrow you can read the jury's comments on the Hallberg-Rassy 50, winner in the Luxury Cruiser category, which we also present in detail in a photo gallery. The report on the Hanse 460's title win in the cruising yacht category has already been published; you can find it here (please click this link! )

The complete and even more comprehensive coverage of the winners and nominees will follow shortly in YACHT 4/2022, from Friday for subscribers, from Wednesday, 2 February, at newsagents or online in the Delius Klasing shop ( click here! )