Shipyard update: Jongert

Thursday, 31 July 2008

After a period of stormy weather, the Jongert yard has now entered calm waters having significantly strengthened its capital base. An agreement with investment company VEP gives Jongert the financial clout to go forward with confidence in both the sail and motoryacht markets. Meanwhile, with three great projects at various stages – a 2400M, a 3900MY and the largest Jongert ever, the 5000M – the future is bright indeed.

Jongert and VEP: Partners in prosperity
In April 2008, Jongert signed an agreement with the Amsterdam-based investment firm Value Enhancement Partners (VEP), which now has a minority interest in the yard. “A number of setbacks during the construction of our new facilities and a temporary shift in the superyacht market placed us in a difficult position,” explains Jan Jongert, CEO and majority shareholder. “Now, having sold off our various non-core activities and with new capital available, we intend to retake pole position.”

Sistership for Charisma Nova
The reactions to the introduction at Boot Düsseldorf 2006 of the 2400M Charisma Nova were excellent. Now construction is well advanced on a sistership with a new deckhouse concept. Due to a change in plans, the commissioning owner is willing to sell, offering an ideal chance for someone looking to jump the queue and be sailing this superlative sloop in late summer 2008.

The 2400M has a long waterline for speed, a shoal keel with a flat ballast bulb for stability and a generous interior. The modifications to the deck house lines offer a contemporary look, with a trim profile. The cockpit features dining and sunning areas, and a console with sheet and vang controls allowing the helmsman complete mainsail control. With headsail sheets running under deck to hydraulic self-tailing winches at the cockpit, the 2400M is the ideal true shorthanded world cruiser.

Bathed in light by its wraparound windows, the pilothouse doubles as a deck saloon and nav station with PLC-based monitoring displayed on two large flat screens. The master double and two twin guest cabins are aft, while forward is a double cabin for guests or crew, a galley and a dinette.

Construction well underway on 3900MY

Jongert’s decision to re-enter the motoryacht market has been more than validated by the significant degree of interest. One of the first fruits will be the 3900MY, a gentleman's yacht capable of speeds of 30 knots. Jongert is delighted to work with Guido de Groot (exterior and interior styling) and Hugo van Wieringen of Azure Naval Architects on this project, for which the owner has also provided significant input.

    

The sleek lines of this aluminium semi displacement fast cruiser have been combined with ingenious hydrodynamics and exhaustive tank testing to create something truly special. Launching is expected in the summer of 2009.

Engineering starts on new 5000M
Being the largest project Jongert has ever built, the engineering phase on the new 5000M is an exciting time. As the third Jongert yacht in succession for a repeat owner, this project is a fine example of the loyalty that Jongert quality inspires in its clients. Construction will get underway in the beginning of 2009 and the yacht is expected to be launched in 2011.

This spectacular all-aluminium yacht will be ketch rigged and fitted with the patented Jongert folding keel, which offers a significant reduction in draft. Twin Caterpillar C 18 ACERT engines, will offer a range of 3600 nm at 12 knots and a maximum speed of 14 knots. A spacious open plan layout reflects the owner’s intention to extensively charter the yacht, and the 5000M will be built to MCA class (unrestricted).

Coming home for refits
Jongert’s dedicated service and refit facilities enables different projects to be carried out in parallel, offering significant time and cost synergies. Specialised teams are currently working on six yachts, including two major projects:

  • The Jongert 2900s Flying Magic is having her teak deck renewed and a paint job, plus some extensive mechanical maintenance and upgrading.
  • A comprehensive refit on a second Jongert 2900M, includes placing underwater lighting, taking apart the propeller shaft installation for inspection, renewing the cool water system, mounting a new generator, replacing the teak deck, a complete paint job and much more besides.