Is The Jongert 21S The Ultimate Classic Motorsailer?

Added: 2026-05-30

[00:00:03][music] [music] >> Today, we are stepping aboard one of the most iconic expressions of Dutch yacht craftsmanship, the classic Jongert 21S motor sailor yacht.

[00:00:30]This is not just a sailing vessel, and it is not just a motor yacht.

[00:00:35]It is a carefully balanced fusion of both worlds, designed for long-distance cruising, ultimate comfort at sea, and timeless elegance that still turns heads decades after its launch.

[00:00:46]In this video, we are going to explore every part of it, from its exterior design and engineering philosophy to its luxurious interior spaces, performance under sail and engine, and what truly makes it stand out in the world of classic yachts.

[00:01:01]Whether you are a seasoned sailor or someone who simply appreciates fine maritime design, the Jongert 21S tells a story worth listening to.

[00:01:10]The Jongert 21S belongs to a generation of yachts where build quality was never compromised.

[00:01:17]Built in the Netherlands by Jongert, a shipyard known for producing some of the most robust and elegant steel sailing yachts in the world, the 21S represents the peak of traditional European yacht building combined with practical cruising innovation.

[00:01:32]At approximately 72 ft in length, this yacht sits in a sweet spot where it is large enough for serious ocean passages, but still manageable for private ownership and crewed operation.

[00:01:43]Its motor sailor configuration means it carries both a powerful sailing rig and a reliable diesel engine, giving the owner flexibility no matter the weather or sea conditions.

[00:01:53]From the outside, the Jongert 21S immediately communicates strength and refinement.

[00:01:59]The hull is typically constructed from steel, giving it exceptional durability and seaworthiness, especially in offshore conditions.

[00:02:07]The lines are classic and graceful with a slightly full bow for stability and a well-balanced stern that provides excellent tracking in open water.

[00:02:16]A subtle cove stripe often runs along the hull, adding a touch of elegance without breaking its traditional profile.

[00:02:23]The deck layout is finished in rich teak, and this natural wood instantly elevates the yacht's appearance, giving it a warm and timeless character that contrasts beautifully with the white hull.

[00:02:34]The sailing rig is usually configured as a ketch, meaning it has two masts rather than one.

[00:02:40]This setup is not just visually striking, but also highly practical.

[00:02:45]It allows for easier sail handling, better balance in changing wind conditions, and more flexible sail combinations depending on the journey.

[00:02:54]The masts and spars are traditionally designed, often with wooden or high-quality metal finishes, and the sail plan is optimized for both performance and ease of control.

[00:03:04]Even when fully rigged, the yacht maintains a sense of stability and control that inspires confidence in long passages.

[00:03:11]Moving into the design philosophy, the Jongert 21S is clearly built around the idea of safe and comfortable long-range cruising.

[00:03:20]Everything about its exterior layout is purposeful. Wide side decks allow safe movement around the vessel. High railings provide security in rough seas, and the cockpit is designed as both a working sailing station and a relaxing outdoor living area.

[00:03:35]Winches, lines, and rigging are arranged in a way that allows a small crew or even a couple to manage the yacht efficiently.

[00:03:42]This is not a racing machine. It is a blue-water cruiser built to cross oceans in comfort and style.

[00:03:49]Now stepping below deck, the interior of the Jonger 21S is where the yacht truly reveals its personality.

[00:03:56]The first impression is always the richness of the woodwork. Warm varnished teak dominates nearly every surface from the bulkheads and cabinetry to the floors and ceilings.

[00:04:07]This creates a feeling of warmth and craftsmanship that modern minimalist yachts often lack.

[00:04:12]The joinery is precise and handcrafted, reflecting a time when interior yacht building was treated as fine furniture making rather than mass production.

[00:04:21]The main salon is typically the heart of the interior space. It is designed to feel both luxurious and practical with large seating areas upholstered in high-quality materials, often arranged around a central dining table made of polished wood.

[00:04:36]Large windows bring in natural light, creating a connection between the interior and the sea outside.

[00:04:43]When anchored in a quiet bay, this space becomes a calm and elegant living room floating on water, perfect for dining, reading, or simply enjoying the motion of the ocean.

[00:04:53]The galley kitchen is compact but extremely well designed. Everything is built for offshore functionality, meaning storage is secure, surfaces are durable, and equipment is positioned for safe use even when the yacht is moving.

[00:05:07]Stainless steel counters, gimbaled stove setups, and deep sinks ensure that cooking at sea remains practical and efficient.

[00:05:15]Despite its functional nature, the use of teak cabinetry and thoughtful lighting keeps the space visually warm and inviting rather than purely industrial.

[00:05:24]The master cabin reflects the same philosophy of comfort and craftsmanship.

[00:05:28]It is typically located in a stable part of the yacht to minimize motion and features a large berth, integrated storage, and soft ambient lighting.

[00:05:37]The use of wood throughout creates a cocoon-like environment that feels both private and secure.

[00:05:43]The design prioritizes rest and relaxation after long passages, making it a true sanctuary at sea.

[00:05:51]Guest cabins continue the theme of intelligent space use. Depending on configuration, they may include twin berths or convertible sleeping arrangements, all built with the same attention to detail.

[00:06:03]Even in smaller spaces, there is a clear focus on comfort, ventilation, and storage.

[00:06:09]Every inch is carefully planned to ensure that life on board remains comfortable for extended journeys.

[00:06:15]Bathrooms on board the Jongert 21S are compact but highly functional, often featuring a mix of teak, stainless steel, and marine-grade fixtures.

[00:06:25]Showers are designed for efficiency, storage is cleverly integrated, and ventilation is carefully considered to maintain freshness in a marine environment.

[00:06:35]Even here, the sense of luxury is not about size but about materials, precision, and thoughtful design.

[00:06:42]One of the most impressive technical aspects of the Jongert 21S is its engine room.

[00:06:48]Unlike many modern yachts where systems are hidden behind panels, here the engineering space is a showcase of reliability and order.

[00:06:56]A robust diesel engine sits at the center, surrounded by neatly arranged systems for fuel, cooling, and electrical management.

[00:07:04]Everything is built for accessibility and long-term maintenance. This reflects the philosophy of ocean-going safety, where reliability is more important than complexity.

[00:07:15]In terms of performance, the Jongert 21S is not designed to be a fast racing yacht, but rather a stable and confident cruiser.

[00:07:23]Under sail, it handles beautifully in a wide range of wind conditions.

[00:07:28]The ketch rig allows for balanced sailing, reducing strain on the vessel and making it easier to manage.

[00:07:35]The hull design provides steady tracking, and even in rough seas, the yacht maintains a composed motion that inspires confidence.

[00:07:43]Under engine power, it becomes a steady and reliable motor yacht capable of covering long distances when wind conditions are not favorable.

[00:07:51]Fuel efficiency and range are also important strengths of the motor sailor concept.

[00:07:57]The ability to switch between sail and engine means extended autonomy at sea, which is ideal for long ocean passages or remote cruising.

[00:08:05]This flexibility is one of the reasons why yachts like the Jongert 21S remain highly respected among serious cruisers.

[00:08:13]Now looking at the unique selling points, the first and most obvious is craftsmanship.

[00:08:19]This is a yacht built in an era when steel hull construction, hand-finished teak interiors, and mechanical reliability were the highest priorities.

[00:08:27]It is not mass-produced, and every detail reflects a level of care that is increasingly rare today.

[00:08:34]The second is versatility. The combination of sail and engine power makes it suitable for almost any condition, from calm Mediterranean cruising to challenging offshore passages.

[00:08:45]Another major advantage is comfort.

[00:08:47]Unlike many performance-oriented sailboats, the Jongert 21S is designed for living aboard.

[00:08:54]Spacious interiors, stable motion at sea, and thoughtful layouts make it ideal for extended journeys.

[00:09:01]It is essentially a floating home that happens to be capable of crossing oceans.

[00:09:06]Finally, there is the timeless aesthetic appeal. Even decades after its introduction, the Jongert 21S does not look outdated.

[00:09:15]Its classic lines, teak detailing, and balanced proportions give it a presence that modern yachts often struggle to replicate.

[00:09:23]It represents a design philosophy where elegance and function are perfectly aligned.

[00:09:28]In conclusion, the Jongert 21S motor sailor yacht is more than just a vessel.

[00:09:34]It is a statement of craftsmanship, endurance, and thoughtful design.

[00:09:38]It represents a golden era of yacht building where durability, comfort, and beauty were given equal importance.

[00:09:45]For anyone who appreciates classic maritime engineering and the romance of long-distance sailing, this yacht stands as a powerful example of what is possible when tradition and innovation come together on the open sea.