The Jeanneau 64 is a big boat, no two ways about it. From the floating docks in Annapolis as we gathered to go out for a sail trial, the deck was shoulder high and climbing aboard required a mounting block and a heave ho. From the dock, we had a look at her lines, the shape of her stern and bow and the symmetry of the low profile cabin to the sheer and everything about the design looked right.

Designed by Philippe Briand and styled by Andrew Winch, the new 64 has a long and valuable pedigree. Briand, who designs most Jeanneaus these days, has been one of France’s leading yacht designers for 30 years and is known for both his technical wizardry and the simple beauty of his boats. Admittedly, the new 64, like a lot of modern boats, will seem angular and futuristic to the more traditional sailors in the cruising fleet. But, if you can embrace the new styles, this boat is one of the best examples, from a purely aesthetic point of view. Read more.