Practical Sailorvideo

The Performance Sailboat from Island Packet: Blue Jacket 40 Boat Review

16 September 2024 · 14 min · 48K views · Largo, Florida

What this video covers

The Blue Jacket 40 represents a collaborative design effort between Island Packet and performance-oriented designer Tim Jacket, shifting away from the brand's traditional heavy-displacement, long-keel philosophy.1:27 The vessel features a resin-infused, foam-core fiberglass hull and deck, a high-aspect-ratio spade rudder, and an external lead bulb keel available in 5-foot-9-inch or 7-foot-10-inch drafts.2:52 Compared to the Island Packet 40, the Blue Jacket 40 sheds approximately 5,000 pounds and increases mast height by 9 feet, resulting in a sail-area-to-displacement ratio of 20.6.6:43 The rig utilizes a Solent-style plan with a self-tacking Hoyt jib boom and a large, furlable reacher for light-air performance.8:22 Powered by a 40-horsepower Yanmar engine, the boat maintains responsive steering and reaches 7.2 knots in calm conditions.11:31 Interior amenities include a starboard galley, a nav station, and multiple cabin configurations.10:45 While the design prioritizes shorthanded cruising, the self-tacking jib boom requires a preventer to avoid accidental jibes in heavy weather.8:37

Watch on YouTube

Boats in this video

Island PACKET 40ReviewedIsland PACKET 40Compared

More from Practical Sailor

The MASSIVE Hunter Deck Saloon 41Sept 2026How To Go Cheap! The Annapolis Sailboat ShowSept 2026Is the Hunter 356 a Bad Boat?Sept 2026Why You Might Regret Buying a WatermakerSept 2026

From Practical Sailor — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analysed video.

The Sailing Directory Newsletter

One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.

Report an issue