The Second Generation Of The Jeanneau's NC Range Sets Out

The second generation of the NC range sets out to be an even more practical, polished performer – we see if it delivers

- Nick Burnham

So established has Jeanneau’s NC range become that it’s easy to forget just what a groundbreaking new model line this was when it was launched almost a decade ago. Designed by Italian Vittorio Garroni and unveiled in 2010, the first example was the NC11, NC standing for New Concept. The idea was a compact practical deck saloon vessel that would be popular in Northern Europe where one-level living and the ability to fully enclose most of the main living area would be very welcome. The boat, and the concept proved to be a winner. With almost 400 built, and the NC range extended across four models from 9m through to 14m, it’s time for round two. Last year Jeanneau brought out the first of a new generation of NC models, the smaller 33, and now it has replaced the boat that started the revolution, that very first NC11.

Jeanneau turned again to Garroni for the styling which, while staying true to the ideals of the original NC11, is a far fresher looking boat. The pale hull band is narrower and segues to a sharper point at the stem while the window line of the deck saloon curves upward for a softer, more contemporary look. In common with the NC33, a black tapering stripe arrows forward from the base of that window line to the bow, stretching the aesthetic and making it look sleeker and more distinctive. At the back of the boat, the bathing platform is longer at 1.2m. So although the aft cockpit seat still slides – its default position is extended over the platform – it’s unlikely you’ll need more space. That seating is a different shape, too – the old boat had a central island of seating with access either side. The new boat gets a far larger L-shape that extends to the edge of the cockpit on one side (and features a backrest that drops flat to create a sunpad).