There are sailing yachts built for leisurely cruising and then there are others designed for the thrill of competition. The 29-metre sloop La Joie de Mer manages to sit comfortably between both; a modern aluminium Jongert offering both the romance of a sailing lifestyle and the performance credentials of Bucket racing pleasure.
Mornings begin quietly on board La Joie de Mer. The sea is calm, the sails still furled and morning light spills across the teak decks and through the skylight into the interior. Somewhere beyond the anchorage lies the next destination, but for now, the pace is unhurried - coffee appears on deck as the crew prepares the boat for the day ahead.
This is exactly the kind of lifestyle for which La Joie de Mer was designed. Built in 2005 by the Dutch shipyard and designed by British naval architect Tony Castro, La Joie de Mer belongs to one of the later generations of Jongert sailing yachts, benefitting from the yard’s legendary build quality while incorporating modern sailing technology as well as practical and inviting onboard living. With a name that translates from French as “Joy of the Sea”, she was conceived for owners from either side of the Atlantic who believe that life is best lived under sail.
Mornings on a clear deck
Beginning the day at the stern, the transom folds down to create a generous swim platform, making it easy to slip straight into the water before the heat of the day sets in. After a swim, guests drift back to the deck where breakfast is served against a backdrop of open water.
One of the yacht’s most appealing characteristics is the sense of space outside. The decks are clean and remarkably uncluttered thanks to thoughtful design details, including retractable cleats, a submarine anchor system and tender storage in the aft garage.
With the four-metre AB RIB tender and Yamaha 30hp outboard neatly tucked away out of sight, the deck is a blank canvas for outdoor living. Sun loungers can easily be arranged across the teak, transforming the foredeck into a private terrace over the water.
Sailing into the afternoon
Soon it’s time to set sail. Lines are cast off and the yacht leans gently as the sails fill. While La Joie de Mer offers all the pleasures of relaxed cruising, her sailing package reveals a more performance-minded side. A custom carbon Hall Spars mast and Park Avenue boom are supported by rod rigging and a powerful sail handling setup featuring Harken winches and a captive main winch. North 3Di sails complete the package, delivering strength and shape stability across a wide range of conditions. The rig itself was removed and serviced during the five-year survey in autumn 2023.
Over the years, she has undergone a number of improvements designed to refine her sailing capabilities, including an optimised keel that enhances performance in light winds - a valuable advantage in Corinthian racing.
From the twin helm stations aft, the yacht responds smoothly as the sails are trimmed. Guests naturally gather on the outdoor sofas and sunpads positioned forward of the helms, enjoying the privilege of being part of the sailing experience.
Lunch in the deck saloon
As the afternoon unfolds and the yacht settles into an easy rhythm under sail, the enclosed deck saloon becomes the natural centre of life on board. Large opening windows allow the sea breeze to circulate through the space while twin tables and comfortable sofas create an inviting environment for lunch.
Forward sits a helm station with excellent visibility, allowing the yacht to be controlled from inside when required. A bar and jump seat provide a relaxed vantage point where guests can watch the sails drawing above while enjoying a drink.
A relaxed afternoon at sea
When the wind softens later in the day, La Joie de Mer continues effortlessly under sail. According to the owner, she can still achieve more than eight knots in only 10 knots of breeze, and in a 20-knot breeze, she consistently cruises at 12.5 knots. Should the wind drop entirely, her Scania D9 engine provides reliable power to reach the nearest port or continue on extended bluewater passages, with a range of 2,500 nautical miles.
Additional upgrades in recent years include a new night generator, stern thruster, mainsail and updated galley equipment, ensuring she remains reliable for extended use.
Guests move easily between the sunpads on deck and the cool comfort of the interior as the coastline slowly drifts by.
Evenings below deck
As evening approaches and the yacht drops anchor in a quiet bay, the atmosphere shifts indoors.
Below deck, La Joie de Mer offers 104GT of internal volume penned by Dutch designer Peter Sijm. The atmosphere is immediately welcoming, defined by rich honey-coloured teak that runs throughout the yacht and reflects Jongert’s heritage of beautifully crafted wooden interiors.
The lower saloon becomes the setting for the evening. Natural light filters through a skylight above the dining area, where the table can be lowered into a cocktail table for drinks before dinner. On the opposite side, a lounge area invites guests to relax with music from the yacht’s sound system or settle in for a movie night. Starlink ensures that staying connected is always possible.
A peaceful night at anchor
When the day draws to a close, guests retreat to their cabins. Guest accommodation is arranged for up to seven guests across three staterooms.
The master cabin provides a peaceful retreat complete with a television, generous storage and even its very own shoe wardrobe, while the VIP cabin includes a queen-size bed and an additional Pullman berth for flexible sleeping arrangements. A twin cabin completes the guest accommodation, and all staterooms benefit from en-suite bathrooms, wardrobes and ample storage. There are separate quarters for a crew of four.
Equally suited to leisurely Mediterranean and New England summers, ocean-going adventures or spirited Corinthian racing, La Joie de Mer embodies the simple pleasure hinted at by her name: the joy of life at sea.
Currently lying near Newport, Rhode Island, she is now offered for sale for $1,995,000 - a rare opportunity at this price point for pedigree sailing superyacht ownership. For more information or to arrange a viewing of La Joie de Mer, contact the broker, Ann Avery of Northrop & Johnson.
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