On Test. Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12,5 WA: your adventure companion

The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 WA, an undeniable success for the French shipyard, now comes in a new version featuring a full-width windshield, designed to combine high-speed cruising with exceptional protection from wind and weather.

Comfort and safety remain Jeanneau’s key priorities, with constant innovation across the range to meet the needs of boat owners. The signature full-width windshield stands out for the color of the glass, giving the Jeanneau 12.5 WA a bold, distinctive style. The result is a more assertive and sportier design that still remains true to the core values of the Cap Camarat line. Thanks to optimized space on board, the new Cap Camarat 12.5 WA is an extremely comfortable boat that ensures smooth and easy movement all around.

Exteriors

Featuring a length of 12 meters and a beam of 3.58 meters, the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 WA is well suited for summer cruises and even extended holidays.

At the stern, there’s a convivial area featuring a folding table that’s ideal for a large family or dinner with friends. The L-shaped seating on one side of the boat comfortably accommodates up to eight guests. The aft backrest can also be tilted to create a sunbathing area. On the port side, the bulwark can be lowered electrically, creating a terrace over the water that makes it easier to access the sea and further extends the aft area. The entire space can be shaded thanks to a retractable awning located at the rear of the T-top.

At the center of the boat is a fully equipped galley with generous space that includes burners, a sink, two refrigerators, and, optionally, an ice maker. There’s also a large central area for storing all the essentials.

The helm station features three ergonomic and spacious seats in a row, with two centrally located GARMIN screens and a joystick and throttles to the right of the steering wheel. From this position, it becomes clear why the shipyard opted to include a full windshield on this new version of the Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 WA—while underway, it provides a real sense of protection.

The asymmetrical side decks offer more space on the port side to access the bow area, where three large chaise longues are located. When needed, the sunbathing area can be further extended by connecting the forward settees.

Interiors

Below deck, the use of high-quality materials is immediately evident, with very light pastel tones that give the space a refined and bright feel, enhanced by the windows on both sides and at the bow. On the port side, there’s a galley equipped with a sink and gas burners, allowing you to cook indoors on colder or rainy days. At the stern, the master cabin features a double bed to port and a small sofa to starboard, which can be joined together to create an extra-large bed. The cabin is fitted with wardrobes and drawers to store clothing and everything needed for multi-day cruises. In the center, to starboard, there’s a spacious bathroom with a separate shower.

Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12,5 WA series 2 Sea Trial

This Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 WA Series 2 model is powered by three Yamaha 300 hp V6 engines. I take the helm and leave the port with ease, thanks to the joystick that makes maneuvering simple. The long residual swell from the previous day accompanies us during this test, giving us the chance to assess the hull, which, unlike previous versions, has been designed by Michael Peters to be completely smooth and without steps.

There are three of us on board, and given the sea conditions, I quickly push up to 3,200 rpm to get up on plane. The Jeanneau Cap Camarat 12.5 WA Series 2 immediately shows its seaworthiness, reaching 14 knots. Fuel consumption is just 70 l/h, and even at this pace, you could cover about 190 miles.

The automatic Zipwake trim system keeps the boat perfectly balanced, while Yamaha’s electronic power steering makes cornering easy as I increase speed up to 32 knots. The revs climb from 3,200 to 4,500 rpm, and the Cap Camarat finds its optimal trim, hitting 34 knots with a flawless passage over the waves. The full windshield provides excellent protection from the wind and cold. The sky starts to look threatening, and the sea changes color—a sign it might be time to head back. Without realizing it, we’ve gotten quite far from the port. To shorten the return time, I throttle up to near top speed, hitting 40 knots at 5,500 rpm with a fuel consumption of 235 l/h. At this pace, the waves get a bit rough and the boat takes a few jolts.

I briefly reach the maximum speed of 43 knots at 5,900 rpm, then quickly ease off the throttle and cruise back to port at a steady 20 knots.

Docking alongside the pier (“English-style”) is smooth and stress-free, even though it’s my first time at the helm of this Jeanneau 12.5 WA Series 2.