First Impressions Aboard the Django 9.80
The first time you step onto the deck of a Django 9.80, you might think you are in the wrong boat.
Its open transom, spacious cockpit, and twin rudders with twin tillers clearly give it the look of an offshore racer.
Every sail control reminds you of an Archambault 35 or a Sun Fast 3200 — designed for performance and precision.
Yet despite its sporty DNA, the Django 9.80 is perfectly suited for short-handed sailing.
Everything is at one arm’s reach: mainsheet & foresail winches easily controlled from the steering position Halyards, outhaul, reefs, boom vang and more all organized in two pianos at each side on the coachroof.
A Perfect Balance of Lightness and Strength
At first sight, the hull might appear thin — you can even hear the water lapping against it from the cockpit, yet, once in motion, the boat reveals its true character: stiff, reactive, and wonderfully alive.
Lightness here means efficiency and responsiveness. As Colin Chapman of Lotus Racing used to say: “Add lightness.” The Django 9.80 embodies that philosophy perfectly.
Helm Feel Worthy of a Racing Dinghy
We cast off in 10Kts TWS and quickly have all the canvas up.
Engine off and the boat is doing 6Kts close hauled. the breeze freshens to 15Kts and we exceed 7Kts STW beating 32-35 AWA.
That is close to her max displacement speed.
Steering is superb: Feels almost like a racing dinghy!! but with the comfort and security of a true cruiser.
A Bilge Keel that Performs Beyond Expectations
Later, when approaching our transit berth in Ille d’Houat’s marina, we remember she’s a bilge keeler drawing only 1.55m / 5 ft.
I have lived and sailed in the East coast of England for years and got to know quite a few bilge keelers. let me tell you they’re not known for their sailing performance, yet alas their upwind capabilities.
But I was truly impressed by her performance: The Django points high, accelerates quickly, and keeps its balance beautifully. It’s a powerful reminder that a well-designed bilge keeler can sail — and sail well.
Life on Board and at Anchor
At anchor, the thin hull lets you hear the gentle sound of waves along the waterline. It’s part of the boat’s personality — a reminder of its lightweight design. Still, the Django remains comfortable, stable, and reassuring, even in a bit of chop.
Spacious and Bright Below Deck
If that isn’t convincing enough wait until you go down the companionway : the first impression is again surprising: it feels like stepping aboard a 36- or 38-foot cruiser.
The headroom is impressive (1.90 m / 6’2″), the light is abundant, and the layout is both smart and practical.
Everything has been designed for a week of cruising comfort — no excess, no compromise.
If we had to add one small detail, it would be a swinging seat at the nav station
Downwind Sailing Made Easy for a Small Crew
The last day was all about downwind sailing in ight to moderate conditins — the perfect excuse to hoist the asymmetric spinnaker with retractable bowsprit.
All lines led back to the pianos, making handling easy.
We would’ve loved telling you it was an amazing experience but in 10Kts TWS we simply were lacking the right weather conditions for a full report
All I can say is helming, trimming main and reining in the “assy” was easily done short handed
In Conclusion
The Django 9.80 stands out for its versatility: quick, playful, yet safe and comfortable for cruising.
Capable of delivering racing-like sensations while staying manageable for a short-handed crew, it proves that performance and simplicity can coexist beautifully.
A boat that’s both spirited and seaworthy, made for sailors who want to sail differently — with a smile, and the wind as their only limit.
Read also :
Practical Guide to Provisioning Your Boat
Whenever you plan a sailing cruise, provisioning is a crucial step to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of the crew throughout the trip, so it’s essential to prepare it well to make the most of your adventure at sea
First Impressions Aboard the Django 9.80
The first time you step onto the deck of a Django 9.80, you might think you are in the wrong boat.
Its open transom, spacious cockpit, and twin rudders with twin tillers clearly give it the look of an offshore racer.
Every sail control reminds you of an Archambault 35 or a Sun Fast 3200 — designed for performance and precision.
Yet despite its sporty DNA, the Django 9.80 is perfectly suited for short-handed sailing.
Everything is at one arm’s reach: mainsheet & foresail winches easily controlled from the steering position Halyards, outhaul, reefs, boom vang and more all organized in two pianos at each side on the coachroof.
A Perfect Balance of Lightness and Strength
At first sight, the hull might appear thin — you can even hear the water lapping against it from the cockpit, yet, once in motion, the boat reveals its true character: stiff, reactive, and wonderfully alive.
Lightness here means efficiency and responsiveness. As Colin Chapman of Lotus Racing used to say: “Add lightness.” The Django 9.80 embodies that philosophy perfectly.
Helm Feel Worthy of a Racing Dinghy
We cast off in 10Kts TWS and quickly have all the canvas up.
Engine off and the boat is doing 6Kts close hauled. the breeze freshens to 15Kts and we exceed 7Kts STW beating 32-35 AWA.
That is close to her max displacement speed.
Steering is superb: Feels almost like a racing dinghy!! but with the comfort and security of a true cruiser.
A Bilge Keel that Performs Beyond Expectations
Later, when approaching our transit berth in Ille d’Houat’s marina, we remember she’s a bilge keeler drawing only 1.55m / 5 ft.
I have lived and sailed in the East coast of England for years and got to know quite a few bilge keelers. let me tell you they’re not known for their sailing performance, yet alas their upwind capabilities.
But I was truly impressed by her performance: The Django points high, accelerates quickly, and keeps its balance beautifully. It’s a powerful reminder that a well-designed bilge keeler can sail — and sail well.
Life on Board and at Anchor
At anchor, the thin hull lets you hear the gentle sound of waves along the waterline. It’s part of the boat’s personality — a reminder of its lightweight design. Still, the Django remains comfortable, stable, and reassuring, even in a bit of chop.
Spacious and Bright Below Deck
If that isn’t convincing enough wait until you go down the companionway : the first impression is again surprising: it feels like stepping aboard a 36- or 38-foot cruiser.
The headroom is impressive (1.90 m / 6’2″), the light is abundant, and the layout is both smart and practical.
Everything has been designed for a week of cruising comfort — no excess, no compromise.
If we had to add one small detail, it would be a swinging seat at the nav station
Downwind Sailing Made Easy for a Small Crew
The last day was all about downwind sailing in ight to moderate conditins — the perfect excuse to hoist the asymmetric spinnaker with retractable bowsprit.
All lines led back to the pianos, making handling easy.
We would’ve loved telling you it was an amazing experience but in 10Kts TWS we simply were lacking the right weather conditions for a full report
All I can say is helming, trimming main and reining in the “assy” was easily done short handed
In Conclusion
The Django 9.80 stands out for its versatility: quick, playful, yet safe and comfortable for cruising.
Capable of delivering racing-like sensations while staying manageable for a short-handed crew, it proves that performance and simplicity can coexist beautifully.
A boat that’s both spirited and seaworthy, made for sailors who want to sail differently — with a smile, and the wind as their only limit.
Want to charter a Django 9.80 ?
Read also :
Practical Guide to Provisioning Your Boat
Whenever you plan a sailing cruise, provisioning is a crucial step to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of the crew throughout the trip, so it’s essential to prepare it well to make the most of your adventure at sea
