Performance & Handling

Superior design and construction mean better performance in the most demanding offshore conditions. J/44s won the 1991 Fastnet Race (IMS Overall) and the 1992 Sydney-Hobart (IMS-1). Five J/44s beat all Swan 48' -61' upwind in a rough race to Bermuda in 1990.

J/44s slide through waves with little pitch and roll, responding effortlessly to your touch on the wheel. These superb sailing and handling qualities are different from traditional cruising and IOR / IMS "rule" boats in two very important ways:

• J/44s have a balanced hull design with a long waterline relative to beam (L/B) providing directional stability in large waves - not compromised by need for a better rating or the added wetted surface of long keels and skegs, and
  
• J/44s have a low center of gravity and low moments of inertia - achieved with a deep lead keel, hand-laid Baltek-cored hull & deck construction and a beautifully engineered Hall rig. J/44s sail well in the extremes: downwind in light air and upwind in a blow. This means more sailing, less motoring and safe passages.

An ABS bronze plaque certifies each J/44 to be built under independent survey to +A1 classification, the highest possible for offshore yacht service.