modern sailing junk , classic aesthetics, plans and construction guide available for the amateur builder

All models 10m or more
have been granted the
Category A (CE) classification
in France (circumnavigation)

Paul and Dominique's cruise
on board Suwan Macha

Their silhouettes have been on the horizons for more than 3000 years and Dimitri Le Forestier, who draws them with passion, invites you to share his enthusiasm for these
marvellous boats

The Scottish Junk
DUMA, Roof

12.5M JDP New photos

the ideology of sailing junks

Dimitri Le Forestier (I.F.A.N.) has designed these boats with one overriding priority: that they should respect as much as possible the aesthetics of classic junks, whilst at the same time, take advantage of modern construction methods. Hence the construction uses glued laminated timber (also referred to as strip planking). There are two main reasons for this choice: Firstly, the construction can easily be undertaken by non-professionals and secondly, the weight of the boat is greatly reduced. The glued laminated timber method results in a boat which can be built without a mould, is lighter, has a moderate displacement and is stronger.

Of course, the wood factor plays an important role in the seduction. What could be more pleasing than to walk on a teak deck, letting your hand run on a timber handrail and below deck, having your personal space fitted in timber with everything just where you would want them to be, that's important. And to sleep in a real bed, what comfort!

why a junk?

The choice did not come about by chance: having extensively sailed the East, Dimitri Le Forestier was in a position to appreciate first hand the marine qualities of these boats. Used for commerce, the traditional junks were required to make good speed, to negotiate entry into ports which weren't always easily accessible and often windward. Junks also must brave typhoons (unfortunately rather common in the China Sea).

The junk's typical rigging has proved itself exceptional in its use: the deck hardware is most economical and above all, easy to handle: the flexible masts are not shored up (think of the savings thus achieved). The benefit is the incredible ease of circulation on the catwalk since there is nothing to impede traffic!