Three JPK designs started 2025's first Viking Marine ISORA coastal race last Saturday off Dun Laoghaire, including the latest, Justin Burke's JPK10.30 named Request. Here, the National Yacht Club skipper discusses his choice of the JPK10.30 for racing and offshore sailing, highlighting its advantages in heavy weather.
Paul O'Higgins JPK10.80 Rockabill VI won the first outing, and the smaller 10.30 sisterships Request and Coquine (Alan Hannon) finished fifth and sixth, respectively, in a mix of conditions off the Dublin coast.
Justin Burke told Afloat that after the 'big waves' race, he had been drawn to the JPK design due to its performance in heavy weather.
“I never considered a J109 when buying because I thought they were outdated,” he explained.
“I want to do some passage sailing and racing,” he added. “Getting caught in heavy weather can deter anyone from going offshore.”
The smaller sister to the JPK 10.80, the 10.30 was launched in 2018. Designed for short-handed sailing, it has claimed podium finishes in multiple solo and double-handed events. The 10.30 combines light weight with a deep keel and wide beam aft. It is praised for downwind speed and upwind control. Photo: Afloat
He has sailed the JPK 10.30 in France over the last two seasons and gained some knowledge of the French offshore scene, but, save for a debut win in the 2024 DMYC Kish Race, last Saturday was Burke's first ISORA race after a four-decade-absence.
"The main thing is to have fun, and we had that last Saturday. What a day! It was my first ISORA race in 39 years, and I cannot wait till next Saturday."
The JPK10.30 includes features designed for shorthanded sailing. “The biggest challenge boat owners face is crew availability,” Burke explained. “Shorthanded sailing is exhilarating and enjoyable.”
Alan Hannon's Coquine from the RORC and Belfast Lough is a JPK 10.30 sistership to Justin Burke's Request Photo: Afloat
With 300kg of water ballast, the JPK10.30 is built for stability, especially in rough seas. “This, along with the autohelm, allows two people to sail or race where six were needed before,” he noted.
Burke admired the success of a similar model that won the Fastnet two-handed in adverse conditions. “That got my attention,” he said.
He also appreciated the spacious cockpit layout, contrasting it with models that have smaller, cramped spaces. Burke remarked, “I judged boats on my ability to walk around safely down below.”
“I wanted a robust engine, not a sewing machine," he added, referring to some boats in the 34-foot range.
The unique scow bow design of the JPK10.30 enhances its surfing capability. “Double rudders provide stability and make handling in stronger winds easier,” he explained.
Burke preferred a modern design, intending to sail the boat for at least ten years. He mentioned, “Older designs like the J109 have not been built for many years.”
He purchased a JPK10.30 that was fully outfitted for transatlantic racing. “I jumped at the opportunity when one owner sustained an injury,” he explained, “the boat was lightly used with some sails still in their wrappers.”
He concluded by noting, “Paul O’Higgins gave JPK a very good review.” As for Coquine (the JPK 10.30 sistership), he remarked, “I do not know its backstory.”
Paul O'Higgins' bigger JPK 10.80 Rockabill VI was the IRC overall winner of the first ISORA Viking Marine Coastal Series 2025 race on Saturday, April 5th. The Royal Irish yachts is a past ISORA champion, a Dun Laoghaire Dingle Race class winner and Round Ireland clas winner Photo: Afloat
The Viking Marine Coastal Series for the Vincent Farrell Trophy, part of the overall ISORA Musto Offshore Series, continues this Saturday (April 12th) from Dun Laoghaire.
