The story of the yard
by Jean-Pierre Kelbert
1976 - 1988
Premises
From the age of 13, the virus of the sea and sailing, passed on by my family, made me want to get on a sailboard.
Highly motivated, a born competitor, I quickly progressed over the years and from the age of 18 I achieved good results on the water at a time (1980s) when this practice was booming.
Identified by a French manufacturer, I continued to progress and joined the French team in 1986. European champion in 1988 and 1989, then second in the Olympic selection for Seoul 1988, those years were really fantastic.
1992 - 2000
The shaping workshop
In 1992, with all this experience as a racer and tuner, I decided to create JPK composites, specialising in the manufacture of top-of-the-range epoxy sandwich fun boards.
For 8 years, with a team of enthusiasts including Jean-Michel, who is still a partner today, the JPK shaping workshop has been running at full capacity with high-performance boards entrusted to windsurfing champions.
2003
Launching of the JPK 960
After many awards (French champion, world champion, world speed record for 8 years), our adventure moved into the world of sailing boats in 2002.
For some years now, as the Funboard market has been relocating massively to Asia, the idea came up to move on to something else and to design a high performance, versatile and fun racing-cruising yacht, capable of winning in the IRC's rule.
My first contact with Jacques Valer, a little-known but ultra-talented naval architect, accelerated the process: in March 2003, the first JPK 960 hit the water.
Right from the first year of racing, this boat has truly revolutionised the world of IRC with a planing style that is equally effective in inshore (Spi Ouest France/ trophées Atlantique) and offshore races (Transquadra/ Fastnet).
2005 - 2009
JPK 110, 40 & 998 : thwarted destinies
The JPK 1102005), JPK 40 (2008), and JPK 998 (2009) were highly promising boats whose destiny was thwarted.
Very high IRC penalty, ejection from the tender or lack of a rider, these discarded champions have had some great stories to tell, which you can read about by clicking here.
2010
Entry of the JPK 1010, a future winning machine
Also drawn by the magician Jacques Valer, the JPK 1010 has today the most impressive record of success of the shipyard, including masterful victories over the Transquadra 2006, 2009, 2012 and 2015, and the Fasnet 2013 all classes !
2012
Launch of the Fast Cruising range with the JPK 38 FC
Alongside the RACER range, we have developed a FAST CRUISER range, with the launch of the JPK 38 in April 2012.
It made a remarkable entry into the world of cruising yachts by immediately winning the title of Sailboat of the Year 2013 and being acclaimed by all its lucky owners!
The right balance between performance and comfort, its concept was truly innovative in terms of architectural design and interior design.
2014
JPK 1080 : new conquest of the IRC
Released in March 2014, our new winning machine was a scarecrow in IRC 2 at the time.
It was nominated European Boat of the year 2015 after a perfect season in which it achieved a historic double in the Overall ranking of the Rolex Fasnet Race and the mythical Sydney Hobart.
First and second of the Tranquadra 2018, the 1080 is also a fantastic solo/double handed boat.
2016
The Fast Cruising range is expanded with the JPK 45 FC
Following the 38 FC, the bigger JPK 45 FC is designed for long distance travel.
Versatile design, solid but light construction allowing a high weight ratio, perfect ergonomics for the reduced crew, maximum safety and protection with its dog house, comfort at sea and at the harbour with a very fine combination of wood and light, the JPK 45 has also seduced all the specialised journalists to win the title of Sailboat of the Year 2016.
2018
A new racer: the JPK 1180
In 2018, the JPK 1180 was added to the range of our Racers in IRC 2 and IRC 1.
Here again, Jacques Valer was right with his increase in volume in the forward sections: the boat is unbeatable in both inshore and offshore sailing!
Semaine de Cowes/ Rolex Fastnet Race Overall/ Rolex Middle sea Race overall, etc. : the boat's versatility is its greatest strength.
2019
JPK 1030 : dedicated to the offshore racing
The JPK 1030 marks a change in Jacques' architectural approach. Our intention is to 'type' the boat to win short-handed and single-handed offshore races.
Powerful with its ballast and its large front sections but easy, light and planing, the boat is very impressive on a breezy reaching as during the Fastnet 2019 which he won in doubles with a lead of over 5 hours.
Once again winner in 2021, the boat is looking forward to the next Transquadra and Cap Martinique.
2021
The JPK 39 FC replaces 38 FC
The 39 FC is the perfect representation of a cruising yacht built by a competition shipyard ...
It is a combination of light, planing racers and travelling yachts with displacement. The result? An ultra-fast and versatile yacht in all conditions, ergonomic, safe, and comfortable, with light living quarters.
Its many qualities were rewarded with the "Sailboat of the Year 2022" award and the "European Yacht of the Year 2022" award a few months after its launch.
Today
JPK builds every day boats of excellence
The JPK teams are building the JPK 1030, JPK 1180, JPK 39FC and JPK 45 in Larmor-Plage.
Having grown constantly for several years and with a strong order book, we have several job openings. Discover our job offers below and join the yard !
