If you could own any boat, what would it be? And just one? Does it exist, or would you have to create your own? What follows is no ordinary review, of no ordinary yacht nor owner, but a story about a particularly unique new vessel and the visionary owner behind it.
This 60ft daysailer is the latest commission by French businessman and serial boat owner Jack Setton. Those familiar with Setton's yachts over the last few decades will know he is a pioneer who has owned a fleet of vessels ranging from a catboat to an ice-breaking tug. This latest carbon creation is the pinnacle of the purist 'upwinder' daysailers he has long been passionate about.
Setton has arguably done more for the innovation of boat design than any other individual enthusiast of our generation. He opened my eyes to the efficiency of certain craft when I sailed with him 12 years ago on his converted maxi catamaran Swift. So when he invited me out to Sardinia to sail his latest custom project, not only was it a chance to sail a finely tuned one-off yacht but also to learn from someone who has probably had a hand in designing or influencing most types of vessels we see today.
I could also witness how he typically daysails from his home, which very much affects his boat choices.
I came to appreciate that the more you understand the man and his mindset, the more you understand and respect the logic of the design. Setton long ago lost count of the number of boats he's owned - some he keeps for years, some only days, as he is quick to realise their merits or weaknesses. His business life started with marketing Pioneer car stereos, and grew to include real estate and one of the world's most prized racing car collections. From this you may deduce he's a perfectionist - and there's more about the man on page 46. First, meet his latest 'daysailer, the Judel Vrolijk-designed Jaro.
A PUNCHY INTRODUCTION
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