360 Docking by Jeanneau
Jeanneau invents the 360 Docking and gives skippers confidence in maneuvering large yachts in harbour. As many can appreciate, maneuvering a yacht of over 12 metres in tight spaces is stressful for many skippers and their crews, whether family or not.
Even with a bow thruster, the bulk, the inertia and the sensitivity to windage and tides, handling can often be difficult which can often spoil the enjoyment of a lovely sailing trip, as well as put off the acquisition of a larger model.
In partnership with the ZF Marine industrial group, one of the world leaders in the business of providing gearbox and transmission technology, Jeanneau have just designed a totally innovative system that makes maneuvering in harbour childs play.
The principle is simple: the engine is coupled to a sail drive with a rotating pod capable of pivoting over 360°, which also controls the bow thruster, and the helm is locked. The boat is steered with one finger with a simple joystick at the helm.
Thus it can manoeuvre over 360° (from which the name 360 docking) in all directions: forward, astern, sideways or diagonally, at the desired speed to come gently alongside.
Such a system is a first for large sailing yachts. It is available from now on as an option on all Jeanneau yachts over 44 feet.
