Yachts might be getting bigger every year, but there is strong competition among builders of sub-10m cruising yachts as they seek to convert new buyers into brand-loyal owners.

There’s plenty of choice, but if you’re looking for your first yacht or down-sizing and still want comfort, the Jeanneau 319 has much to offer.

Generous accommodation and lofty headroom are squeezed into a package that still sails superbly.

Usually on a test, it’s clear who to credit for all the clever features on board, but on this boat it’s less obvious.

You see, the new Jeanneau 319 is a reincarnation
 of the six-year-old Delphia 31.

Delphia has long built
 boats for other yards under contract and the 319 is built by Delphia, but she has a new hull, designed to accept Delphia’s existing inner tray moulding.

Large hull windows have been added, among other refinements. Regardless of her origins, she aims to be an easy-
to-sail family cruiser with a light, practical interior.

THE TEST VERDICT

There are quite a few sub-10m entry-level (in size if not price) yachts around and the 319 is competing against the Beneteau Oceanis 31, Bavaria 34, and Hanse’s
 315, all of which are good boats. So does she cut it?

Yes, I think she does. I’d be opting for the German mainsheet system brought back to the helm – to have the mainsheet out of reach from the helm on a small boat makes little sense to me. The cockpit is sheltered and comfortable and deck stowage is really good – ideal for a coastal cruiser of this size.

An easy to sail family cruiser. Credit: Graham Snook

The beautiful wind conditions weren’t really a test for her as she seemed in her element in a Force 4 under full canvas.

Although we initially considered reefing, she handled impeccably close hauled. With 18 knots over the deck, she was fun to sail in the weather we had.

WOULD SHE SUIT YOU AND YOUR CREW?

Unless you want oodles of galley space, the 319 provides everything a young family could want, especially if you’re considered tall, as headroom below is generous to say the least.

Okay, you pay for it with the high step on to the coachroof, but if you’re tall this won’t be an issue.

She’s also great for those buying their first new boat or downsizing as she’s easily driven, well mannered 
and sails well.

There would still be a few things I’d like 
to see improved on, but nothing an owner couldn’t
 do themselves (as long as they aren’t afraid to cut
 an access panel in the bulkhead from the heads to
 the engine compartment to aid access to the oil filter).

There is plenty of headroon down bwlow. Credit: Graham Snook

Whether she is a Delphia or a Jeanneau would only matter to those who judge boats by their brand not
 their design or build.

It’s just good that this design has got a second chance because with all the refinement Jeanneau have injected to her, she’s a great small boat.

FACTS AND FIGURES

Price as tested: £109,900 inc VAT
LOA: 9.99m (32ft 9in)
Hull Length
: 9.80m (32ft 1in)
LWL: 9.09m (29ft 9in)
Beam: 3.46m (11ft 4in)
Draught: 1.85m (6ft)
Displacement: 5,100kg (11,244lb)
Ballast: 1,650kg (3,638lb)
Ballast ratio: 32.4%
Displacement/Length: 188.7
Sail area: 45.35m2 (570sq ft)
SA/D ratio: 15.6
Diesel: 
100 litres (22 gal)
Water: 
150 litres (33 gal)
Engine: 21hp
Transmission: Saildrive
RCD: category A
Designer: 
Jeanneau Design
Builder: Jeanneau
UK Agent: 
Sea Ventures
Tel: 01489 565444
Website
: www.jeanneau.com