Long Island 87 Yacht Is for Family’s Circumnavigating Dream

Heading to the farthest reaches of the globe isn’t just for owners of big superyachts. In fact, avid cruisers have proved it’s possible aboard smaller but still-large yachts. A family of four intend to do the same aboard their Long Island 87 yacht from JFA Yachts. Considering the catamaran draws upon a series whose buyers have cruised both poles, their determination has a strong foundation.

JFA Yachts unveiled the 87 in 2023 as not just the newest model in the Long Island series, but also the successor to the Long Island 85. Two different 85s have put thousands of nautical miles under their hulls. They’ve sailed to Antarctica, Greenland, all around the Pacific Ocean, and in the Baltic Sea, in fact. Similarly, the 86-foot (26.25-meter) Long Island 87 yacht is for those who enjoy bluewater cruising and want to cruise the world. Her primary difference is putting those capabilities within a catamaran configuration. It offers more space plus boosts stability.

The owner of hull number one, which just launched, says he and his family “are very excited.” The owner further asserts that the project is optimal for the full family’s goals. The comfort level comes in part from design by Marc Lombard’s studio. Lombard and his team have extensive naval-architecture experience in multihulls. JFA Yachts also chose a composite superstructure to pair with the aluminum hull form, for lighter displacement and therefore boosting performance under sail.

Speaking of which, the Long Island 87 has twin helms on the flying bridge. That ensures good sightlines, as well as family interest in navigation. JFA Yachts wanted the deck to be a true living space, so the lounging area and bar are as open to the helms as they are to one another.

Of course, given the 39-foot (11.93-meter) beam, an abundance of other space allows enjoying cruises and good times together. Altogether, 1,335 square feet (124 square meters) of usable space is aboard. The cockpit is for sunning and taking in the views, for instance, while the main-deck interior is mostly for meals and conversations. The master suite does sit forward on the main deck, though, taking advantage of some of the best views. It’s actually two levels, since the en suite bath is below, in the port-side hull.

Although the family is comprised of just four people, the staterooms can accommodate 10. A kids’ cabin in the port-side hull is especially suited to extra family, or friends, with four bunk berths. Each of the two remaining guest staterooms is in one of the hulls. Four crewmembers including the captain have accommodations as well, grouped together in the starboard-side hull.

Once the family arrives at an anchorage on their must-visit list, the Long Island 87 yacht has a few more advantages. Solar panels atop the flying-bridge roof feed batteries that power hotel loads, for example. This means less reliance upon gensets, along with less sound and vibration from them. Additionally, if the 15-foot (5-meter) tender goes into the water, the aft platform where it normally stows becomes a watersports area.

Mast stepping is already complete. Delivery will follow sailing trials in several weeks.

JFA Yachts jfa-yachts.com

Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group marclombard.com