The French high-volume manufacturer Jeanneau is particularly well known for its cruising yachts in the Sun Odyssey line, with or without a deck saloon, as well as the sportier Sun Fast range. Since 2009, however, Jeanneau has also maintained a smaller, more exclusive range for the upper luxury segment under the simple type designation "Jeanneau". The project was launched with the Jeanneau 57 (test in YACHT 17/2009), followed shortly afterwards by a Jeanneau 53 (short test in YACHT 3/2010).
The focus of the new line: elegant size, upmarket standard equipment, conceptual independence and a clear commitment to luxury. And, of course, the pricing is no exception: the yachts in the Jeanneau range do not follow the favourable pricing of Sun Odyssey and Sun Fast.
Jeanneau is now expanding its luxury range even further and presenting initial plans for a new flagship. Like her smaller sisters, the Jeanneau 64 was designed by Philippe Briand. The visual direction: hull with a wide stern, pronounced chines, large hull windows, but only one rudder blade. In addition, the largest Jeanneau ever built now has a Targa bow above the cockpit, a first for the shipyard. The bracket is intended to free the cockpit from the mainsheet on the one hand, but also offer the option of attaching a large and long sprayhood on the other.
The cockpit is divided into two sections. Aft is where the steering and trimming takes place, with all lines, outhauls and halyards consistently redirected aft, all below deck. At the front of the cockpit, guests can enjoy the journey and look forward to numerous opportunities for sunbathing and relaxing. An external refrigerator and a plancha grill round off the relaxation options on deck. The large, folding bathing platform provides access to a spacious tender garage, where a small inflatable boat with outboard motor can be stowed transversely. As standard, the Jeanneau 64 is equipped with a furling mast and a short overlapping genoa. Alternatively, a conventional mast or a self-tacking jib are also possible.
Below deck, the Jeanneau 64 offers numerous possibilities for customisation. The enormous volume allows a whole range of different layout options. Spacious owner's cabins, each with its own bathroom, are possible both forward and aft. The highly customisable interior concept of the Jeanneau 64 allows layouts with between two and six individual cabins. The customer can choose from a variety of woods, fabrics and colours. For the interior design, Jeanneau is relying on the skills of British designer Andrew Winch for the first time.
The shipyard in Les Herbiers has not yet announced the price for the Jeanneau 64. The prototype is now under construction and the presentation is scheduled for spring 2014.
