For a long time, JPK has been looking for the successor to the JPK45. Not only are they making it, but they have outdone themselves once again.
The concept
The JPK 48 FC is designed as a fast blue-water cruiser.
The idea is simple:
fast passages,
offshore capability,
easy handling by a reduced crew,
strong construction,
and practical comfort for long-distance sailing.
This is where JPK has always been strong: taking real offshore racing knowledge and applying it to cruising boats.
Hull and performance
The hull has been designed by Jacques Valer.
According to JPK, the new hull takes inspiration from developments made on the JPK 1050, especially in the forward sections and overall balance.
The target is clear:
earlier planing,
better reaching performance,
more downwind stability,
less pitching,
and improved upwind balance.
The hull has fuller forward sections, a slightly shallower hull form, and a straighter aft run.
JPK has also worked carefully on weight distribution. The batteries are positioned forward under the saloon, while the anchor chain and windlass have been moved around 4 metres aft, close to the mast bulkhead. This centralises around 240 kg of weight.
Fuel, water, black water and grey water tanks are placed low, below the floor and around waterline level.
The keel uses a streamlined bulb design, and the boat keeps a classic light rig.
Construction
The JPK 48 FC follows the shipyard’s usual construction method: infused composite sandwich construction, using fibreglass and Corecell foam.
The structure is integrated into the hull and infused at the same time, creating a stiff monoblock platform.
JPK also lists:
optional Kevlar reinforcements,
a crash box in the bow,
a watertight aft compartment around the steering systems,
and in-house foam machining and fabric cutting.
This is classic JPK thinking: light, stiff, strong, and efficient.
Cockpit and deck layout
The cockpit follows the logic of the JPK 45 FC, but with more space and refinement.
The main manoeuvres are brought back to two cockpit consoles, allowing the boat to be handled from the helm area.
The doghouse remains a key feature. It can be open or closed, giving protection from spray, wind and sun while maintaining visibility from the watch position.
On the 48 FC, JPK has improved several cockpit details:
wider seats,
larger cockpit table,
larger line-handling area,
instrument consoles at the helm stations,
and improved peripheral vision from the doghouse.
Several deck configurations are available:
flush deck,
doghouse,
gantry,
doghouse plus gantry,
and bimini configuration.
The aft cockpit is enclosed while sailing, but opens through a large folding stern platform. With the platform down, the boat extends from 48 ft to around 51 ft overall.
Propulsion
JPK lists three propulsion options for the 48 FC:
Yanmar 4JH diesel engine from 57 to 110 hp,
hybrid version with generator,
or fully electric version.
This gives owners room to choose the setup that best fits their sailing programme.
Interior and layouts
The interior is modular.
The aft section includes a port-side double cabin and a starboard-side utility room. The utility space can also be converted into a cabin with a fold-out bed.
There is also good technical access behind the engine, which is important for offshore cruising and long-distance maintenance.
Forward, the owner’s cabin has different layout options.
The forward area can include:
a large private bathroom,
a walk-in wardrobe,
a compact bathroom,
a workshop,
extra storage,
or additional sleeping space.
Depending on configuration, the JPK 48 FC can sleep 6 to 12 people.
Main specifications
| Specification | JPK 48 FC |
|---|---|
| Architect | Jacques Valer |
| Design | Jean-Baptiste Dejeanty |
| LOA | 15.90 m |
| Hull length | 14.60 m |
| LWL | 13.72 m |
| Beam | 4.75 m |
| Draft — standard keel | 2.30 m |
| Draft — short keel | 1.90 m |
| Draft — long keel | 2.70 m |
| Displacement | 12 t |
| Ballast | 4.5 t |
| Mainsail | 60 m² |
| Genoa | 70 m² |
| Staysail | 35 m² |
| Asymmetric spinnaker | 210 m² |
| Fuel | 300 or 600 L |
| Water | 2 × 400 L |
| Headroom | 1.98 m |
| Berths | 6 to 12 |
| Design category | A |
Could the JPK 48 FC join our fleet?
At Ulysses Sailing, we know JPK boats well.
We sail them, race them, charter them, and trust the design philosophy behind them. The JPK approach has always made sense to us: performance first, but not at the expense of offshore practicality.
The new JPK 48 FC looks like a serious continuation of that idea.
A fast cruiser with proper offshore thinking.
A boat for sailors who want to cover miles.
And maybe, one day, a very interesting addition to the Ulysses Sailing fleet.
After all, Phileas Fogg and Passepartout might soon need some extra company.
We will be following this project closely.
