J105 keywest2005 04-336

Why J/105? A SAIL Magazine Review

"Maximum Speed-to-Cost Ratio"

It's a two person one-design sport cruiser that will keep up with a fully crewed racing boat. In the J/105 (10.5 meters LOA) designer Rod Johnstone has gone for high end power and an interior that is as simple as possible to provide the maximum speed-to-cost ratio.

The boat has low freeboard for minimal wind resistance, a low center of gravity, and the look of speed that Johnstone likes. Although the overall beam is not extreme, there is a lot of flare in the topsides, and the waterline is quite narrow. There is also very little below the waterline, so wetted surface is minimal. The keel is a bulb to enhance stability. And with a very simple and light interior, the 105's displacement is a lean and hungry 8,500 pounds. Most striking of all the J/105's features, though, is the retractable bowsprit and the big asymmetric spinnaker it sets. A crew of two can manage it, and one can gybe it.

I sailed the 105 in light conditions and found the asymmetric sail fun to set and trim. It was more docile than a conventional chute and got us up to wind speed at 90 degrees apparent-faster when we turned farther downwind.

Upwind, the boat is pure J: finger light on the helm, easily balanced, with an instant response to helm inputs. A tiller is standard; the optional Edson wheel is generously sized (48 inch diameter) and attached to a sturdy fiberglass pedestal that's great for bracing your feet.		 Other standard equipment includes Navtec rod rigging, a Sailtec hydraulic backstay adjuster, a Hall Spars Quikvang, and a dodger.

The dodger covers a rather large companionway opening, the only place with standing headroom below deck. Designer Johnstone's figuring goes like this: With a sailing couple, only the woman is apt to be concerned with the interior, the average woman is 5 feet, 7 inches. Subtracting 2 inches makes for manageable headroom for her, and voila, a 5-foot, 5-inch interior. There's the logic of a very experienced performance sailor!

Of the off-white vinyl trimmed interior itself there's not much to say. There's a roomy V-berth forward and 6-foot, 5-inch settees amidships. There's also a Raritan head with holding tank, a carry-on cooler, a galley sink with a 5-gallon collapsible water tank, and room for a two-burner stove.

The total package is a very roomy daysailer or adequate weekender that will take you places faster than just about any other monohull of its size. As J/Boats go, that makes for a very favorable speed-to-cost ratio.

The Joy of Sailing

Sailing is the ultimate freedom, the experience of being at one with nature and the sea, powered only by the wind and one's imagination. Why is sailing so appealing to so many people? Perhaps because it's one of the few "life sports" that offers both a relaxing escape as well as an invigorating challenge. You pick your level of comfort and excitement. Or maybe it's because sailing is never the same twice - each time on the water is a unique adventure that can enrich friendships, strengthen family ties, and refresh one's own sense of well-being. How many other outdoor activities can be shared with three or even four family generations?  It is said there are two types of sailors in the world - the young and the young-at-heart.

What a Difference a J Makes

Fulfilling those sailing dreams starts with finding the right boat that fits you - whether you aspire to day-sail close to home, cruise to distant shores, or take up the challenge of competitive sailing. Performance differences between sailboats are greater than differences between golf clubs, tennis rackets, skis or cars. There aren't many wooden or metal tennis rackets, skis or golf clubs in use anymore. That's because newer designs that perform better and are easier to use are MORE FUN!  A well designed sailboat, like a good sports car, is an extension of its owner. It could take years of sailing other boats to learn the difference that good design and quality make to one's sailing enjoyment. Or you can save time and take advantage of what we've learned and designed into every "J." We invite you to explore our site to learn more!

J/Sailing Gear

Look great this coming season in J Sailing Gear. Check out the comfortable and fashionable sailing clothing, t-shirts, polo shirts, sailing jackets and sailing hats in our J/Sailing Gear site. Also, comfy hoody sweatshirts and other fun things like half-models are available for nice gifts/ trophies.

Upcoming Events

May 24- STC Block Island Race- Stamford, CT
May 25-27- Swiftsure Yacht Race- Victoria, BC, Canada
Jun 6-9- J/111 European Championship- Le Havre, France
Jun 7- Annapolis to Newport Race- Annapolis, MD
Jun 7-9- Chicago NOOD Regatta (105, 109, 111)- Chicago, IL
Jun 7-9- New York YC Annual Regatta (70, 111, 122)- Newport, RI
Jun 14-16- J/70 & J/80 UK Nationals- Cowes, Isle of Wight, England
Jun 15-16- Cleveland Race Week (70)- Cleveland, OH
Jun 19-22- J/24 US Nationals- Wayzata, MN
Jun 23-28- J/80 & J/109 North Americans- Block Island, RI
Jun 27-30- J/22 Europeans- Zierikzee, The Netherlands
Jul 6-13- J/80 World Championship- Marseilles, France
Jul 11-14- Sail Newport Regatta (22, 24, 70, 80, 105, 111)- Newport, RI
Jul 13- Chicago-Mackinac Race- Chicago, IL
Jul 25-28- J/30 North Americans- Barrington, RI
Aug 14-18- J/111 North Americans- Chicago, IL
Aug 22-30- J/24 Worlds- Howth (Dublin), Ireland

300+ J/70's Sailing in 2013!

J70 spin08 redThe J/70 speedster is the new "baby J" that is generating tremendous enthusiasm for a next-generation ramp- launchable keelboat. J/70 introduces a new dimension of fun, fast sailing in a stable, easy to own boat that all of your friends and family can enjoy. J/70's 22-foot long waterline with high aspect, all carbon mast and boom provides spirited performance and stability that feels like a much larger boat upwind. Off-the-wind, J/70 will simply light-up the crew with a smile! Set the masthead asymmetrical spinnaker and plane away in moderate breezes.

J/70 is already taking the world by storm.  Over 15 fleets have developed in the USA alone, and Europe has fleets forming in a half-dozen countries.  Learn more about the J/70 concept here. Find out why J/70 has been generating a lot of buzz in the 2013 winter regatta circuit.  J/70 set records for class participation at Key West Race Week (39 teams), St Petersburg NOOD Regatta (21 boats), Charleston Race Week (58 teams) and Annapolis NOOD Regatta (49 teams). Sailors exclaim, "it's the most fun we've ever had sailing in regattas!"  An extensive regatta schedule has developed across North America and Europe for 2013.  The first J/70 North Americans are scheduled in Annapolis, Maryland in September.  In Europe, the first J/70 EuroCup is on Lake Garda in September.

J/111 One-Design/ Offshore Speedster

082010BTSN 7014v22012 marked the first full season of J/111 one-design and offshore sailing around the world. With numerous events organized in Europe and in the USA, J/111 sailors enjoyed the camaraderie of sailing close, tactical racing around-the-buoys and in major offshore events.  Highlights include a sweep by the entire J/111 One-Design class of the Chicago-Mackinac Race overall. J/111s will be hosting their first 2013 North American Championships in Chicago in August.  J/111's have established a remarkable sailing record offshore. Learn more about this versatile, easy-to-sail, offshore racer-cruiser and, more importantly, join in on the fun and set your sights on the best combination of offshore and one-design racing in the world's greatest sailing areas- Cowes, Newport, La Trinite, San Francisco, Great Lakes, Harbor Springs, to name a few. Find out more about the J/111 and the one-design sailing regatta schedule here.

J/News Around the World

 

...Better Sailboats for People Who Love Sailing