Expanded horizons

Back in 2015 I stepped aboard the all new Jeanneau 64 and took it for a spin. The review I subsequently wrote up made it clear that, although I was impressed with many aspects of the boat, I also thought the French manufacturer had gone off its rocker in producing a yacht sitting just below the superyacht bracket. I argued that Jeanneau Yachts itself as a mass producer was the very antithesis of the exclusivity they seemed to be chasing with the 64. Many hulls sold later and I am obliged to take a hearty meal of my own words. It turns out that a 64 footer was exactly what the world needed and other manufacturers such as Hanse, Bavaria and Dufour found themselves scrambling to keep up with the trendsetters. I guess the idea of a mini superyacht that was a tad more accessible than, say, a Swan 65 is not the crazy idea I originally thought it was. Anyway, seven years on and the 64’s production run is finally over,