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• Sailboat Guide

Blue Jacket 40

Blue Jacket 40 is a 39 ′ 9 ″ / 12.1 m monohull sailboat designed by Tim Jackett and Robert K. Johnson and built by Blue Jacket Yachts starting in 2012.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Shallow draft version: 5.16’/1.56m Disp. 17185 lbs/7795 kg Bal.6785 lbs/3078 kg

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Blue Jacket Yachts

Blue jacket 40 – ce category a offshore performance cruiser, production slots for 2023 now available.

Click here to contact us for more information

• Fast Balanced Powerful Performance Cruiser
• Infused VE Resin/HD Foam/Quad E-Glass Composite
• Premium Quality Solid Woods & Interior Finishes
• Carbon Mast, Rudder Stock, and Boom
• Solent Rig – 100% Self Tack Jib/150% Lt Genoa
• Efficient, Ergonomic, Safe Cockpit Layout
• Lavish Comfortable Customizable Interior Layouts
• Incredible Chef’s Galley Layout
• Uncluttered deck – easy to sail
• Cruising World’s Boat of the Year Award – 2014

Blue Jacket 40 sailing in Annapolis, MD.

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Boat Review: Jackett Packet

Island packet yachts and designer tim jackett teamed up to create the blue jacket 40 performance-cruiser..

Photo Courtesy of Blue Jacket Yachts

When classical musicians start playing rock and roll, fans take note. When their first songs a hit, everyone listens to the lyrics. Bob Johnson, Bill Bolin, and the Island Packet Yachts (IP) crew have decades of experience delivering traditional cruisers to appreciative owners, but IPs newest player has increased the tempo.

For more than 30 years, long keels, internal ballast, heavy displacement, attached rudders, a beige hull, and a headsail-handling, self-tacking jib boom have defined the Island Packet fleet. But when the IP crew teamed up with performance-oriented designer Tim Jackett, all bets were off, and the switch from perpetual beige to a dark blue hull was just the beginning.

Starting with a clean slate, the collaborative design effort led to the launch of a very different cruiser. Creator of many C&C Yachts and Tartan Yachts designs, Jackett puts more emphasis on light-air sailing and upwind performance than past IP designers. Island Packet founder Bob Johnson made sure that the accommodations worked at anchor and at sea. At times, the dialogue was probably filled with internecine debate over issues ranging from foam core choice to the need for solid acrylic countertops. But the quest stayed focused on a best-of-both-worlds sailboat, and at first glance, the rig dimensions, no-nonsense deck layout, comfortable interior, and efficient hull/deck proportions seem to have hit the mark.

Built in IPs Largo, Fla., facility, the Blue Jacket 40 (BJ40) is an Island Packet cousin with fleeting family resemblance. The title block attributes the design to the complementary tag team of Tim Jackett and Bob Johnson N.A. By the time the development was complete, the traditional Island Packets long keel had morphed into a fin and bulb (5 feet, 9 inches or 7 feet, 10 inches), a couple tons of weight had been shed through a commitment to using Divinycell foam core and resin-infused FRP hull and deck construction; less ballast was used more efficiently. Island Packets signature attached rudder was eschewed in favor of a high-aspect-ratio spade rudder, while another IP badge, the self-tacking Hoyt jib boom, survived the design overhaul.

Design Development

Jackett was the lead proponent for change and had hold of the tiller during the hull design development. Much of his ground-breaking prior success revolved around adding a performance edge to mainstream cruising boats. During his tenure as president and lead designer at Tartan and C&C, Jackett focused on building club racers that could handle a little cruising and cruisers that had enough rig and sail area to put the pleasure of performance back in the game. When the opportunity arose, Johnson and Jackett considered collaborating on a performance cruiser as an adjunct to the Island Packet lineup. Jackett envisioned a moderate, wedge-shaped canoe body hull with a long waterline, plumb bow, and enough dead rise (V-shape) forward to smooth out the ride and lessen the slamming found aboard more extreme race-boat hull shapes.

When the collaboration began in earnest, the goal was to reduce weight and increase sail area while engineering to Category A (Ocean) CE standards. Johnson has played a key role in the developing CE standards and is quick to point out the value of minimizing down-flooding potential, maximizing righting moment when deeply heeled, and delivering a stable boat. The Blue Jacket 40 carries a CE Stability Index (STIX) number of 40, well into the A category, which begins at 32. Add to this the well-engineered approach to construction, and its clear that a firm foundation has been laid for an able under-sail, seagoing cruiser.

Construction

To build the Blue Jacket 40, the IP factory adopted the resin infusion and foam core construction approach. A low-void content, high fiber-to-resin ratio laminate was achieved by vacuum infusing vinylester resin into the biaxial and quadraxial e-glass reinforcement, creating a stiff, strong, foam sandwich structure. Both the hull and the deck were laminated in one-part molds, eliminating secondary bonds. The core was tapered to solid fiberglass in high-load areas such as where hardware attachments were made or keel-bolt loads were focused. A big upside to resin infusion is the way it forces resin into kerfs (checkerboard-like slots in the foam), allowing it to conform to compound curves.

Instead of encapsulating ballast in a long run of keel, a well-proven Island Packet approach, the new design called for external lead ballast, which offers several advantages to the cruising sailor (PS, November 2012). The fin and bulb design developed more righting moment with less ballast by placing much of the lead in an anvil-shaped bulb at the very tip of the NACA foil-shaped keel. J-shaped, stainless-steel keel bolts were cast into the lead and bolted to a grid bonded to the inside the hull. This fiberglass (fiber-reinforced plastic, or FRP) framework spread the lever-like keel loads over a much larger section of the hull.

The rudder is one of the three key elements attached to the hull and deck. And like the other two-the rig and the keel-the attachment needs to be well engineered and equally well constructed. The higher the aspect ratio of these appendages, the more significant the forces will be at the point(s) where they attach to the hull. The closer the junction is to a right angle, the greater the stress riser. A look at the difference between the Island Packet 40 (IP40) and the Blue Jacket 40 says it all.

In the case of the classic IP rudder, its clear that the bottom of the rudder blade support strut and a shorter bearing-to-tip span lessen the load on the rudder bearing, which is mounted on the hull skin. On the other hand, the Blue Jacket 40s deep, large surface area, semi-balanced spade rudder offers a different set of design and engineering challenges. The efficiency of such a foil is hard to beat. It is both a superior lifting surface and a steering appendage. But the carbon-fiber stock carries all of the blade-induced torsional steering loads as well as the bending force linked to the righting moment of the boat. Between Johnsons Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) engineering training and Jacketts years of spade-rudder familiarity, the transition was in good hands.

From a construction perspective, its always nice to see interior components that also contribute to overall strength and stiffness. The Blue Jacket 40 designers made good use of hull-bonded liners, carefully installed bulkheads, and interior molded parts to enhance the overall structural web. This is seen less and less in production sailboats, where the trend has been to loosely hang joinery and trim rather than make it part of the internal structure stiffening, helping to link the hull and deck and aiding in the distribution of global loads radiating through the structure.

Rig and Rigging

When comparing the IP40 and the BJ40, nowhere do the numbers have more to say than in the comparison of displacement and mast height. The formers 22,800 pounds and 53-foot mast versus the latters 17,900 pounds (deep keel) and 62-foot mast define a huge increase in light-air performance under sail. This nearly 9-foot increase in mast height and the shedding of almost 5,000 pounds redefine sailplan options. Some might assume this would set the stage for a carbon mast and boom, plus create an urge to use titanium pins and other weight-saving hardware. But part of the genius of this boat is the design teams clear grasp of the cruising market. The BJ40 is a cruising boat for those who love to sail and do so without a crew of eight; the rig has been designed and engineered with this in mind.

The mast, rigging, and sailplan reflect a sensible convergence where technology, performance, and cost correlate. Esoteric extremes have been avoided, but design development has not been ignored. The nicely tapered Sparcraft T6061L alloy spar, boom, and spreaders are a proven workhorse combo. The slight performance uptick of upgrading to a carbon rig would significantly bump up the bottom line, and using an alloy spar instead makes it easier to mount tracks or a radar bracket. It also eliminates concerns about what a lightning strike would do to the carbon spar.

The sail area-displacement ratio of 20.6 and double-headsail solent sailplan make this a cruiser-friendly rig and a sailboat fine-tuned for a shorthanded crew. Gone are sluggish traits that would make a light breeze a sign to fire up the diesel. The roller-furled working jib sheets to the end of a self-tacking, carbon-fiber Hoyt boom. Our only concern is that, with no preventer attached, an unintentional jibe could send the deck-sweeping boom across the foredeck with a vengeance, and anyone in its way becomes a target. A preventer for the jib boom would make sense, especially in heavy weather and during off-the-wind reaching and running; another option would be ordering the boat sans the jib boom.

One of the make-or-break factors in any solent/reacher sailplan is the drive that the small-jib/big-mainsail plan delivers. We have tested similarly rigged boats that needed a larger headsail because there was just too much boat to be driven by the big main/small jib combo. The good news here is that the BJ40 is quite capable under this working jib and big main, thanks to the rig-height increase and hull-weight decrease.

We found that it wasnt until we were into single-digit windspeeds that the big main/working jib proved lacking. At that point, the big reacher rekindled the flame. The down side was that each tack or jibe required furling the sail, which gets old when tacking up a narrow channel. The really good news, however, is the way in which this sailplan makes it easy to set the right amount of sail to cope with a wide range of conditions.

The stem sports a stainless bowsprit that features several innovations. The weldment provides a tack point for both headsails, a roller and fairlead for the anchor and ground tackle, and a mount for the Hoyt boom. The slot and shape may put some limits on anchor choice, but the setup on the boat we tested worked well. The challenge with a plumb stem is getting the anchor far enough forward to allow retrieval without chipping away at the topsides. A relatively short extension will do the job in flat-sea anchor retrievals, but once the boat begins to pitch in a marginal anchorage, the anchors swing arc increases. The IP40s anchor-

handling attributes trump whats available on the Blue Jacket 40, but as adventure sailor Peter Hogg was fond of saying, Some people prefer to go sailing; others go anchoring.

Accommodations

Theres a distinct IP appeal thats apparent to those who step below on the BJ40. The dominant, oversized starboard galley features a smallish centerline sink/sinklet combo, copious solid acrylic countertop space, a first-rate, two-burner Force 10 stove with a guardrail, a microwave, and a stainless drawer-style refer/freezer. Theres a hatch above the galley, and the fiberglass nonskid sole is appreciated when cooking underway, or when crew, clad in rain-soaked foulies, come down the companionway.

The main saloon has a spacious feel with the table folded up against the bulkhead, and when lowered and unfolded, it affords dining space for those seated to port and starboard. This is more of an in-port or at-anchor amenity, and another example of how the design covers multiple bases. A very useful, strategically positioned nav-station has been tucked in to the port side adjacent to the companionway ladder. Beneath the ladder is the engine access, which is by no means an engine room, but it offers adequate access to key components.

Forward of the galley-saloon living area is a spacious head with shower and a sizable forward, double V-berth cabin. For aft accommodations, there are two options: side-by-side double berths in tight, but functional under-the-cockpit cabins, or a cabin to port and a massive cockpit locker to starboard.

Testers liked the idea of many smaller opening ports in the cabinhouse rather than a commitment to an overly large non-opening window. On the BJ40, hatches are strategically located near key areas below, but without any Dorade vents or other means of letting air in and keeping water out, tropical tradewind passagemaking will keep a crew overly eager to crack the hatch just a bit too soon. This is fine in fair weather, but tough to live with when the spray starts flying. The rigid vang swings back and forth over the main saloon hatch, so the lid cannot be fully extended underway.

Testers noted that both tankage and storage were consistent with the performance-cruiser mission: minimal but adequate.

During tests under power on a flat calm sea with a side-setting current, the BJ40s 40-horsepower, three-cylinder Yanmar hummed away and the Max prop delivered enough thrust to tally a 7.2 reading on the knot meter, which concurred with the GPS. The semi-balanced rudder did not flutter or vibrate, and the steering control was smooth and positive, remaining responsive even when our velocity through the water was nearly nonexistent. In reverse, all it took was a little sternway for the boat to be easily steered in either direction. Care needs to be taken when backing at anything above a couple of knots, due to the powerful rudders desire to lever itself into a hard-over position.

The big, full-battened, well-shaped mainsail behaved admirably on the Harken Battcar track, and lazy jacks tamed the main during hoisting, dousing, and reefing. Its a big plus to have the draft and roach available in a conventionally hoisted mainsail. Mid-boom sheeting and a diminutive traveler were tradeoffs to keep the cockpit free of mainsheet tackle. Racers will miss the control that end-boom sheeting delivers, while cruisers will love the dodger/bimini combo and the absence of the mainsheet tackle sweeping across the cockpit.

The big reacher is a powerhouse in light, close-reaching conditions and a major player on deeper reaches. In fact, the need for an asymmetrical is reduced thanks to the masthead hoist and upper girth of the furlable reacher. The one cautionary note is that although the sail seems like a plus-sized No. 1 genoa, its not meant to be used on a close reach in double-digit breezes. Sailmakers confirm this based upon an increase in their reacher repair business.

From our point of view, the Blue Jacket 40 hits a sweet spot midway between a race boat and the heavy-displacement cruiser that needs its diesel or 15 knots of true wind to really move. The BJ40s hull form and foils afford ample upwind performance, and headsail handling is a user-friendly experience. We don’t like the maintenance headaches of saildrives, but the only other negatives we found with the BJ40 were nit-picky ones.

With the hefty base price tag of $390,000, the BJ40 is not a bargain boat, but you do get what you pay for, and in this case, its a well-built boat made by a crew that stands behind what they build. The bottom line is that this boat gets a two-thumbs-up rating. The Blue Jacket 40 is an efficient, well-built performance cruiser with comfortable accommodations that brim with sensible usability.

• BJ40: A Well-designed and Well-built Racer-Cruiser

• Blue Jacket Yachts
• Island Packet Yachts

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Announcing Blue Jacket Yachts

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: September 4, 2012

Blue Jacket 40

According to a press announcement just released by the company, Island Packet Yachts is launching of a new line of performance cruising sailboats to be called BLUE JACKET YACHTS . The Blue Jacket 40 is the first in a series and has been designed by Tim Jackett (ex-President and Chief Designer at Tartan and C&C) in collaboration with Bob Johnson (CEO and Chief Designer at Island Packet). With 15 Boat of the Year award-winning designs between them, the new Blue Jacket 40 embodies the creativity and broad-based experience these noted designers have displayed over the past 30 plus years, melding the performance prowess of Jackett with the cruising focus and manufacturing acumen of Johnson and Island Packet.

This modern interpretation of a performance cruiser features either a three-cabin arrangement (with an option for a two-cabin layout) with the amenities and build quality expected of a luxury sailing yacht. The powerful and versatile Solent-type sailplan features a working jib with self-tending Hoyt Boom® along with a large reacher for offwind work. Twin wheels and a large cockpit enhance both sailing and socializing, and all frequently used sail controls are convenient to the cockpit. Construction features 100% VE resin infusion technology with Divinycell® coring for both hull and deck. Fit, finish and materials and equipment selections typify the high standards of Island Packet.

With Island Packet’s international acclaim for exemplary product quality, value and its long history of award-winning customer satisfaction, the Blue Jacket 40 represents a bold and important new entry into the performance cruising sailboat market.

An Interview with Tim Jackett and Bob Johnson

Q: Tell us about the inspiration behind creating the new Blue Jacket line? A: (BJ) For some time now Island Packet has been considering adding a line of performance-oriented cruising sailboats to expand our market. Tim and I have had a long friendship and a respect for each other’s work, so when I heard that Tim had established a new independent design office we contacted him to explore the possibility of working together on this new venture. A: (TJ) Bob and I have admired each other’s work for many years so when he first reached out to me about this project I quickly realized what a great opportunity it would be to work together on a new boat line with him and the Island Packet team.

Q: Two of the industry’s better known and most experienced “Chief Designers” working together has the potential for conflict and compromise . . . how is this working out? A: (BJ) Let me make it clear that the Blue Jacket is Tim’s design with my collaboration. We are enjoying working together and are both learning from each other’s experience, which I feel has tangibly benefited the creative process for this new yacht. I think it’s the proverbial “win-win” arrangement, largely facilitated by our compatible personalities. A: (TJ) Bob and I both have years of experience in materials and manufacturing technologies, yacht design, and corporate management that puts us in a uniquely qualified position within our industry. The new Blue Jacket series will reflect the benefit of our combining this depth and scope of experience.

Q: The Blue Jacket 40 is described as the first in series of planned designs. What do you envision down the road? A: (TJ) We are considering at least two additional models. While we have some ideas regarding these, we’re not ready to share anything yet. A: (BJ) I also think we will gain a lot of insight on how to evolve the designs both from owner feedback and the expansion of our new Blue Jacket dealer network in the US and abroad.

Q: This sounds like you’re planning for both a US and export market? A: (BJ) Yes. Island Packet’s export market historically represents over a third of our total sales. Our plan will be to design and build the Blue Jacket series to meet or exceed all ABYC domestic standards as well as the ISO/CE standards in place for export yachts. Island Packet was the first US sailboat builder to become CE certified back in 1992 when the standards first took effect, and we plan to continue supporting this third-party validation for compliance with all design and construction standards.

Q: Where will the Blue Jackets be built? (BJ): Our Largo, Florida facility will be headquarters for the actual boat construction, utilizing our Island Packet manufacturing team. This will ensure the same quality, customer support and corporate culture that have made Island Packet Yachts one of the world’s most respected yacht builders. Sales and marketing responsibilities for the Blue Jacket will also come from our Largo offices, assuring consistent messaging and a level of dealer involvement and support that has become renown in the industry. A: (TJ) The tooling is being done at both my Ohio facility and at the Island Packet plant. I am rapidly assimilating many of Island Packet’s preferred manufacturing methods and melding these with my own experiences for what we think will be a great new product. With Bob and I each having many decades of building experience, our shared efforts in this respect are producing a “best practices” solution that will benefit all parties and the yacht.

Q: Bob, given Island Packet’s successful 33 year track record with over 2,500 yachts built and sailing in all corners of the world, how do you see the Island Packet line evolving, and what impact might the Blue Jacket series have on future Island Packets? A: (BJ) Wow…give me a crystal ball! I guess I’d respond by first saying the “design brief” for Island Packet will almost certainly remain unchanged, with its focus continuing to be on seakeeping, safety, livability and ease of handling for a cruising couple. Different manufacturing technologies (infused composite hulls and decks, carbon fiber components, etc.) introduced with the Blue Jacket line may eventually find their way into Island Packet construction if deemed appropriate, but the two product lines address different market segments with different sets of priorities.

Q: Where does the name “Blue Jacket” come from? A: (TJ) Well, while it has an obvious connection with my last name and Bob’s initials, “Blue Jacket” has historical connections in the sailing world. First, for centuries the name has been a reference to both US and British sailors. The extreme US clipper ship “Blue Jacket” was also named for this reference, complete with a figurehead of sailor in a blue jacket. This clipper ship was known for her speed and luxury, features that will be associated with our own Blue Jackets. A: (BJ) I’ll add that the clipper “Blue Jacket” was also part of a fleet of well known “packet ships” providing fast and comfortable passenger service in the days of large sailing ships, part of the inspiration for our Island Packet name as well. A: (TJ) And don’t forget that the owners of the clipper ship “Blue Jacket” (the White Star line) were well known for their “impeccable level of customer care”, something Island Packet is certainly highly regarded for and will bring to the table with the new Blue Jacket line.

Q: How would each of you then summarize your decision to create the new Blue Jacket line? A: (TJ) Bob and his team have successfully built a strong and loyal following for the Island Packet brand over the last 33 years, building yachts noted for many superlative qualities, not the least of which is exceptional and consistent build quality. In my work with Tartan and C&C, I’ve also been responsible for the design and construction of over 2,500 yachts; between the two of us that’s more than 5,000 yachts worth of experience! The Blue Jacket series will greatly benefit from Island Packet’s stellar corporate culture and capabilities and will give sailors looking for a contemporary performance cruiser a great new choice. A: (BJ) Not only does Island Packet bring a wealth of manufacturing experience to the table, but also a history of designs that have been recognized with numerous industry awards for being the best for their intended purpose, for their innovation and for their value. Tim’s designs for Tartan and C&C have also garnered an equally large number of similar awards, with 15 Boat of the Year Awards alone between the two of us. This combination of proven talent and experience will produce a formidable new choice in the performance cruising yacht market.

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BlueJacket Ship Crafters, Inc. Searsport

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BlueJacket Shipcrafters, Inc. is the oldest model ship and model boat company in the US (in continuous operation since 1905). Specializing in the design and manufacture of fine wooden model kits, custom built models, antique restorations/repairs, and model ship fittings. All work is performed by our talented Maine craftsmen, not outsourced. BlueJacket Shipcrafters offers wooden museum quality ship model kits, fully built models, half hull models, fittings, tools, supplies and books, and model ship repairs & restorations. We are proud that BlueJacket has such a fine reputation and is considered a prime resource by professional modelers, museums, and educational institutions, and has so many friends in the modeling community.

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Sailing vessels, also known as sailboats, are a type of watercraft that uses the power of the wind to propel itself through the water. This method of transportation is one of the oldest and most enduring forms of travel, dating back thousands of years. Sailing vessels have played a crucial role in exploration, trade, and warfare throughout history, and continue to be popular for recreational purposes today.

There are several different types of sailboats, each with its own unique design and purpose. The most common type is the sloop, which has a single mast and a mainsail, along with a smaller jib sail at the front. Sloops are versatile and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for both recreational and racing purposes. Another popular type of sailboats are the ketch, which has two masts and a larger sail area, making it suitable for longer voyages and carrying heavier loads. Ketches are often used for fishing and coastal trading.

Bluejacket offers many kit choices. We have plank on bulkhead models, carved solid hull models, some have laser cut parts, some have etched brass, etc. Some of our kits are only appropriate for the most expert of builders, while others would be a great introduction to modeling for a first-timer.

Legend: s: solid carved laminated basswood hull, e: etched brass, pb: plank on bulkhead, r: suitable for radio control, pf: plank on frame, d: display stand, L: laser cut parts, c: cast resin, fg: fiberglass.

To choose a kit, click on the kit name below. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (207) 548 9970. Our working hours can be found at the footer of this website. Thank you for your business!

Naval and Revenue Service

Small work and pleasure boats.

There are several different types of sailing vessels, each with its own unique design and purpose. The most common type is the sloop, which has a single mast and a mainsail, along with a smaller jib sail at the front. Sloops are versatile and easy to handle, making them a popular choice for both recreational and racing purposes. Another popular type is the ketch, which has two masts and a larger sail area, making it suitable for longer voyages and carrying heavier loads. Ketches are often used for fishing and coastal trading.

One of the most iconic types of sailing vessels is the schooner, which has multiple masts and a variety of sail configurations. Schooners were widely used in the 19th century for both cargo and passenger transport, and were known for their speed and maneuverability. They are still seen in modern times as charter vessels and in some cases, as private yachts.

The history of sailing vessels can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where they were primarily used for fishing and transportation. The Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans were among the first to use sailboats for trade and exploration, with the Roman triremes being some of the most advanced sailing vessels of their time. In the Middle Ages, the Vikings used their longships for both trade and warfare, while the Chinese developed advanced sailing technologies such as the sternpost rudder and watertight compartments.

During the Age of Exploration in the 15th and 16th centuries, sailing vessels played a crucial role in the discovery and colonization of new lands. The Portuguese and Spanish were pioneers in using sailboats for long-distance voyages, while the Dutch and British dominated the seas with their powerful fleets of sailing ships. The advent of steam-powered ships in the 19th century led to a decline in the use of sailing vessels for commercial purposes, but they continued to be used for leisure and racing.

Today, sailing vessels are primarily used for recreation and sport. The popularity of sailing as a leisure activity has led to the development of modern, high-tech sailboats that can reach incredible speeds and compete in events such as the America’s Cup. Sailing schools and clubs around the world offer opportunities for people to learn how to sail and experience the thrill of being out on the water powered only by the wind.

In conclusion, sailing vessels have a rich and diverse history, serving as a vital mode of transportation and a source of fascination and wonder for centuries. From the simple fishing boats of ancient civilizations to the sleek, high-performance sailboats of today, they continue to capture the imagination and provide endless opportunities for adventure and exploration on the open seas.

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Welcome to Bluejacket Boats!

If you are looking for a cruising powerboat that you can trailer behind your family vehicle and still cruise in comfort in far away places, you have entered the correct harbor.

Bluejacket boats plane at low speed and never stick their nose in the air or create huge wakes. They need smaller engines than other similar sized boats and offer commensurate high fuel mileage for cruising economy.  Since LIZ was launched in 2000, the issue of fuel use has become of much greater importance.  Fortunately, the Bluejackets were designed with fuel economy as a major goal and high fuel prices are of much less concern to builders of Bluejackets.  Cruising comfort is not compromised as there are large berths in the  forward cabin and standing headroom in the pilothouse with excellent visibility at all times. A great feature is the private head with standing headroom in all Bluejackets which is very rare in boats this size. The Bluejacket has comfortable seating for captain and crew, lots of galley counter space and storage, plus plenty of fuel and water capacity.

In the powerboat world there are displacement boats, semi displacement or semi planing boats and full planing boats.  Displacement boats are restricted to speeds below the “hull speed” of the boat determined primarily by the waterline length. For most smaller boats this will be about 6 to 7 mph.  Planing boats can run at very high speed but tend to behave very poorly between their hull speed and up to about 16 to 20 knots.  In this range they will assume a bow high – stern down attitude, make large wakes, steer poorly, absorb gobs of fuel and be generally unpleasant to be aboard.  Unfortunately, this mid speed range is just where most cruisers would like to run if they had a choice.

This common characteristic is never relayed to a novice boat buyer by dealers or the sales brochures.  These usually show the boat happily zipping across the water at high speed or sitting at the dock with the crew lounging about with a beverage in hand.  Such poor behavior may appear for the first time when the proud owner takes the new boat out for a spin.  Often there is great disappointment and the boat may spend far more time at the dock than the new owner intended.  Perhaps one family member, usually the wife, does not like running at full bore all the time and the husband can’t stand idling along at 6 mph.  Of such circumstances are boat widows born.

Semi planing boats will run in the intermediate speed range but do require higher power and fuel relative to displacement boats.  They will generally be heavier than planing boats and still make large wakes when pushed into their upper speed range.

A boat that will plane at several times its hull speed and and also be comfortable and economical in the transition range while providing a high level of cruising comfort to its crew would be very desirable.  That was the primary goal assumed by the designer of the Bluejacket 24.

This goal and its achievement along with many other equally desirable objectives are described in a magazine article available by clicking “Designing Liz” .  A mostly non-theoretical look at the basic forces that allow a boat to plane on top of the water rather than plowing along through it can be seen by clicking here .

To read an account of performance and handling of the Bluejacket 24 in various water conditions, click here. As these accounts relate, the Bluejacket offers a carefully tailored combination of classic appearance, comfortable accommodation, performance, economy of operation and rough water capability that is difficult if not impossible to find elsewhere.

The ability to be trailed behind a family vehicle is paramount to achieving all the goals set for the Bluejacket.  This not only makes it possible to cruise in desirable waters far from your  home port but also drastically reduces the cost of owning and maintaining a cruising boat.  Cost of marina slip storage is very high and will only increase as available space is filled.  The ability to store the boat at home or in public dry storage allows a huge reduction in cost of boat ownership.  Even the cost of an enclosed boathouse can easily be offset by lack of marina slip and maintenance charges.

The classic lines and general appearance of the Bluejackets is apparent to a casual observer but the design elements behind these desirable characteristics is not so readily obvious. The hull is constructed in the stitch and glue method with quality marine plywood, fiberglass and epoxy, following modern aircraft monocoque principles, resulting in a strong, rigid and light weight structure. All interior parts of the boat are designed to provide both structural strength and integrity as well as whatever other functions they may be required to perform. One result of having all parts fulfill multiple functions is that there are no frames or timber members required in the boat. With the cabin, cockpit sole and berth bases bonded to the hull bottom with longitudinal and transverse bulkheads, the hull becomes a very rigid torsion box structure that can withstand all the stresses that such a boat may be subjected to.

The following sequence of photos shows the Bluejacket 24 running from slow speed to wide open throttle.

One main thing to notice on this series of photos is that the stern of the Bluejacket never sinks or squats as normally seen on powerboats running through their transition speed range from displacement to full planing.

The evidence of this is that the white boot top at the stern remains visible and above the water surface at all times.  The bow rises to a maximum trim angle of a little over 3 degrees, providing excellent visibility from the helm at all speeds.  The low bow rise also allows a more comfortable ride by causing  the sharper part of the bow to meet wave chop.  Wide reverse angle chines near the stern distribute dynamic lift over the bottom  giving the boat greater longitudinal stability so that trim changes little when crew moves about fore and aft.

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