The JK28 project started as a private initiative by Hans-Werner Zachariassen, a regatta sailor from Hamburg (Finn, Dragon). He wanted a dinghy cruiser that sailed well, was more comfortable than the 20 and easier to sail for two. The design office Judel/Vrolijk & Co in Bremerhaven had the plans for an elegant 30 dinghy cruiser in the computer. These were subsequently adapted for the project to a roadworthy width of 2.55 metres with a length of 8.50 metres.
The JK28 is built and converted by Thomas Bergner Bootsbau in Trappenkamp, north of Hamburg. The shipyard is known for its beautiful, moulded 20-metre wooden dinghy cruisers. The JK28, on the other hand, is built as a GRP sandwich construction (hull and deck). An additional structural group of CNC-milled plywood panels is glued in for reinforcement. The weight saved is used as lead filling in a profiled carbon fibre ballast centreboard. The 225-kilogram, fully recoverable centreboard makes the JK28 capsize-proof.
The rig was adopted from the H-boat, but scaled up by 10 per cent. Unlike conventional dinghy cruisers, the concept of the JK28 dispenses with the use of a power-consuming and widely overlapping genoa. Instead, a shorter, higher headsail is used. A self-tacking jib is also an option. A furling system for the jib or genoa is installed below deck. A gennaker can also be used on an extendable carbon fibre bowsprit if required.
For touring, the JK28 has a simple interior layout with four sufficiently large berths. There is also the option of a toilet and a small galley block with cooker and sink. The concept envisages that the interior should only be used for sleeping, but not for relaxing. However, the entire cockpit can be completely closed off with a cake stand in bad weather.
With the fully retractable ballast centreboard and the attached rudder blade, the draught can be reduced to a minimum of 20 centimetres. This means that the JK28 can be sailed right up to the shore and slipped over a ramp. The boat, which is 2.55 metres wide and weighs just over a tonne, is very easy to transport on a suitable road trailer.
Berlin-based Andreas Bock is also part of the project team. He will be responsible for the marketing of the JK28 and the possible class construction. Thomas Bergner Bootsbau's price list has not yet been finalised. According to Bock, the JK28 could come onto the market in a simply equipped basic version for a price starting at 30,000 euros gross.
Additional information and contacts will soon be available on the website www.JK28.org be retrievable.
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
