Introduction
Finding a sailboat to motivate and sustain participation by the entire
family is no easy task. Research shows that active sailing families divide 76 days/yr. on
the water equally between daysailing, cruising and racing. The ideal boat will be good for
all these activities, while crewed by people of all age and experience levels.
Too large a boat can be intimidating. A slow boat will eventually turn off the young. A
racing boat may not be suitable for serving a nice meal or curling up with a good book. It
seems the ads claim every boat to be a "racer-cruiser." Few really are. Even
fewer would get the vote of each family member. We know there’s only one that will
and has for nearly two decades: The J/30.
At least that’s the opinion of the three families who designed and built it...
combining 102 years of cruising and racing experience in everything from 8 to 46 feet.
And, you’d receive another 545 endorsements from current owners.
Speed Is Important
The key ingredient to sustaining enthusiasm of all ages is very often
missing in cruising boats: speed. A J/30 sails the speed of 35 to 40 footers and will be
ahead of the average 30-foot cruiser by the length of a football field after a mile of
sailing. Such performance means that 40 to 50 mile daily runs are easy. Speed in light air
and pointing ability also mean less engine time and more sailing.
Easier, More Fun to Sail
A key to making fast boats easier to sail than slow boats is the
"fractional rig". By making the mainsail larger and jibs smaller, a
12-year-old can lift, hoist, and trim the #1 genoa of a J/30. In fact the jibs on a J/30
are smaller than those on a C&C 26, Sabre 28, Pearson 28, Cal 27, Newport 28 or Hunter
27. Then, because the tapered racing mast can be bent aft easily with a pull of the
backstay adjuster, the mainsail shape is flattened and depowered so the jib that’s up
can be used over a wider range of wind velocities ... meaning less need to reef the main
or change jibs... and fewer jibs to buy and store below.
The J/30 performs under mainsail alone better than most 30-foot cruisers
under full sail. This "no problem" alternative comes in handy getting through
storms or crowded harbors or for relaxed picnic sails. There are few boats that will surf
downwind in strong winds under spinnaker with better control.
Dry and Stable
The J/30 hull is designed with plenty of flair and reserve buoyancy forward
to keep spray off the decks when sailing upwind and to prevent the bow from submarining
when running before the wind in high seas. She is stiff in a blow with good sail carrying
power.
Cruising Comfort
When the owner of a classic 40-foot Concordia yawl switches to a J/30 for a
family cruiser, you know something is right. The beautiful, handcrafted interior has
become a standard for design excellence among boatbuilders. The new L-shaped galley with
optional propane oven and the new cruising cockpit that seats 3-4 on a side make it even
more attractive.
Storage space includes 29 enclosed cabinets and lockers and 16 open
shelves and compartments. The icebox holds ice for 11 days. The 15-hp diesel auxiliary
powers J/30 along at 6.3 knots. The enclosed head has a full length mirror and fresh
water shower. And, the main settee cushions are 5-½" thick.
Built to Last, Not to a Price
There’s no excuse for not using the best hardware and construction available in the
world on a family sailboat. That’s why the J/30 bull and deck are made with
Lloyd’s approved Contourkore and fiberglass laminate. The mast is stepped on the keel
and supported by stainless rigging one size larger than necessary. Chainplates are
anchored into a full structural fiberglass bulkhead. The hull-to-deck joint is bonded then
bolted, then bolted again with a teak toerail cap. Complete genoa and spinnaker gear as
well as Barient winches (25s, 21s, 10s), Harken mainsheet & vang tackles, Headfoil
jibstay system and Kenyon spars are standard. A J/30 was the top stock production boat
with a 3rd and 4th overall in fleet during the rough 1979 SORC...
1000 miles of hard racing! Two J/30s survived the Fastnet Storm one singlehanded.
One-Design Benefits
To believe, all one has to do is see the fun that J/30 owners have sailing
together as a Class for the past twenty years. It’s a whole new group of friends
dedicated to fun racing on a great sailboat. The J/30 Class Association publishes strict
Class Rules and an excellent J/30 journal to keep everyone informed. Be sure to visit the
J/30 Web Site for more on the association. J WORLD sailing school is also a great
resource and can help you sharpen your racing skills.
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