The day finally dawned for the start of the Spring racing series for the new J/111 JAKE in Sydney. The spring weather is usually glorious, with clear blue skies, temperate 23 degrees C, and gentle winds, and this is what we had been experiencing for the 2 weeks up to our first race. But as luck would have it, winter decided to take one last bite, and the Saturday race from Sydney to Lion Island (out the heads and 25nm up the coast and back), was held in 25-30knot cold SSW winds, with a sloppy 2-3m easterly swell rebounding off the coast line.

We had a pretty good start.  We were the smallest boat in Div 1 and with such a mix of boats up to 60foot on the start line a clean start was paramount. 

Out of the heads and with the wind on our quarter we set the #3 asymmetric and had the time of our life!.  The J/111 just took off - she has such acceleration in the gusts it was exhilarating, and yet not overwhelming.  She rode the waves and skipped over the crests, the Dyneema backstay humming along like a V8 engine.

The conditions took their toll on a number of yachts. One of our competitors did a remarkable manoeuvre for their maiden race, pirouetting next to us just as we got out of the Heads.  We figured they must have lost someone overboard, but in fact their rudder had snapped in half, and they had to be towed home. The J/111 just revelled in the conditions.

We wanted to leave the kite up and just keep going enjoying the ride, but we were heading too far east, so had to drop it and head up towards the Island under #4 jib and full main.  Even under just jib & main we were hitting 17.4 knots at times.  What a remarkable machine.  Around the Island mark, and back to Sydney.  We thought the bigger boats would have the advantage over us on the way back.  The wind had swung more south so it was one long tack with slightly cracked sheets all the way back home.  The J/111 held her own though, and no one took any time from us.  We came in 2nd on IRC in the Short Ocean Series.  Not bad for our first offshore against the large Division 1 boats.

Perfect conditions blessed the opening day with sunny skies and a reasonably consistent 15 knot sou'easter easing the 195 strong fleet into the racing program. The sailing calendar included island courses, windward/leeward racing and, beginning on Monday, a glittering social program ashore designed to satisfy all tastes and budgets.

Perhaps enjoying it the most of all was Tony Coleman's J/133 EUPHORIA from Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron winning Performance Racing Division 2 for the week. Said Tony, "We had a great week and beat a lot of well-sailed boats. The boat speed around 15 knots of wind even surprised me, none of the others could stay with us boat for boat upwind in those conditions." Of note, it was the second divisional win at Race Week for Coleman, the last was in 2003 sailing his J/120 also called EUPHORIA. "Performance 2 results in particular show how close the racing was and how spot on the handicapping," said a pleased principal race officer Denis Thompson.

The first race, the Lindeman Island Race, was the perfect entree for the week, a leisurely 23.3 nautical mile race provided a gentle ease into the week long racing program. At the end of the day, many divisional winners were pleased, but not crowing about, their performance on the track as consistency over the seven days of competition is typically they key to end-of-week spoils and the chance to be called to the stage at the official trophy presentation next Saturday evening. Tony on EUPHORIA defied the best advice for how to succeed in PRD2 Class. "They always say the wrong thing to do is win the first race," Coleman said of his unexpected victory. "We had a lovely day, everything seemed to go our way. We weren't expecting a win but we'll happily take it" Coleman added.

For the next few days, the wind blew dogs off chains. So bad did it blow, that carnage on the race course became the providence of riggers ashore, mending both boats and egos. By day four, an ominous trough in the southern Coral Sea continued to bend boisterous wind and rough seas into the Whitsunday Islands as it continued to track a course towards the Queensland coast overnight. Peak gusts of 40 knots at the Hamilton Island Airport gave an early indication for the 195 sailing teams that they would again face a supreme test of racing in boisterous wind and sea conditions. Unfortunately, this followed a physically tough day of racing from the day before when the South East trade wind peaked at 31 knots and continued to torture the sea surface with a constant velocity of 25 knots.

For the fifth day and penultimate day, the weather had a wild "volte face". Instead, the conditions were cool with a 14 knot average south easterly breeze and a top gust of 21 knots and early light showers. PRD2 division had a donnybrook of a fight to determine who won, where just two points separated the first six boats on the results sheet! "When it's that close, you have to sail your own race and not worry about the tactical situations of the others," said leading skipper Tony Coleman, one of three sitting at front of the pack on 38 points with his Sydney-based J/133 EUPHORIA.

At the end of the day, that held true. Coleman's secret weapon he believed was one of the Island's medical staff members who had never sailed before but has been on board for a day one win and also the last day's win in one of the windward/leeward races. "She thinks sailing's so easy," laughed Coleman. "Of course, she's been invited back for tomorrow's ultimate race." We all now know how that one ended up! Congratulations to Tony and his crew for the excellent effort in the tough conditions!

The J/111 will be premiered in Australia at the 2011 Sydney International Boat Show. If you can't make the show, contact us to arrange a time to see this stunning yacht.

There has never been a better time to buy a JBoat, and the J/111 is certainly proving the ideal yacht for our Australian conditions, with the performance and styling we prefer... clean lines, designed to sail with less crew and performance oriented using the latest technology (she comes standard with a Hall carbon nano-tube mast). And best of all, the historic highs of the AU$ plus the free-trade agreement with the USA means there is no import duty payable on US built boats.

Interest worldwide for the J/111 speedster is strong, with dozens of new owners looking forward to their first sailing experience, racing this rocketship in the 2011 sailing season. By June, J/111's will be sailing in at least ten countries on five continents- USA and Canada for North America; Sydney, Australia; Auckland, New Zealand; Cartagena, Columbia for South America; and United Kingdom, France, Germany, Netherlands and Switzerland for Europe-- a remarkably strong debut for the next generation international one-design off the J drawing boards and the first J to go global in less than twelve months!

How will she sail? This sailboat flies. J/111 accelerates up to speed in the slightest of puffs, thanks to a generous, high-aspect rig combined with a low wetted surface hull. Sailing efficiency is gained by maximizing the sail luff lengths and reducing foot lengths to create a balanced, non-overlapping sail plan. When the wind and waves are up, J/111 pops up on a plane and delivers the dinghy-like, exhilarating rides that many modern designs struggle to do. Turning the corner to go sailing upwind, J/111's efficient hull form and low vertical centre of gravity kick in to provide the sweet weatherly handling J's are renowned for.

We can't wait for the J/111 to arrive!

Auckland NZ- Light air sailing skills were at a premium as the fleet of yachts competing in the 2011 BMW Auckland Regatta seldom saw the breeze move into double figures throughout the three day event.

Under normal circumstances, a three-day regatta in Auckland tests a wide range of skills as the city lives up to its four-seasons-in-a-day reputation. However, 2011 saw just summer heat and gentle breezes combine with unusually high tides to turn the regatta into a tactical chess game.

For the final day of racing, the yachts were sent on a scenic course around some of the islands of the inner Hauraki Gulf. Many yachts chose to hug the shorelines to either cut the corners or escape adverse tidal flows – and an unfortunate few paid the price by hitting the bottom. Embarrassment apart, none suffered any serious damage.

The competition was fierce amongst the cognoscenti in Class B. A turbo'd Mumm 36, a monster'd Elliot 1050 and the super monster-garaged Big Sled Red were up against the one-design spec'd J/111 hull #1 STELLA

Many saw STELLA during sea-trials off of Newport, RI last August and then later in Chesapeake bay at the Annapolis Boat Show. Down in the Hauraki Gulf in New Zealand, the J/111 showed her tail-feathers enough times (first across the line in 5 of 8 races) to win the Line Honours trophy and to finish 2nd on PHRF-NZ handicap.

Congratulations to Pat Kabris and the Stella crew for a successful debut! The BMW Auckland Regatta is jointly run by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Bucklands Beach Yacht Club. Sixty one yachts in seven divisions competed in the regatta.

J/133 'Patriot' finishes 2nd in IRC Div 3 in the gruelling 2010 Sydney to Hobart Race
Added December 2010

The 628 nautical mile course is often described as the most gruelling long ocean race in the world, a challenge to everyone who takes part.

Tony Love brought his J/133 'Patriot' down from his home port of Brisbane to take part in the infamous Sydney to Hobart yacht race.

The start was spectacular with 87 yachts taking part with a close reach out of Sydney heads.  Crews settled in for the night knowing there was a southerly buster heading up the coast to meet them, and hit them it did.  Some yachts reports 45-50 knot gusts, and the seas built to 4-5 metres.  The southerly winds hammered the crews, ultimately causing 18 yachts to retire.  Patriot forged her way through the rough conditions, finishing 2nd in IRC Division 3.

Tony has certainly got the handle of his J/133.  Tony’s home club is the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron and he has been achieving outstanding race results.  The latest series running over 12 races saw Tony finishing first on IRC, with individual race results of 5 1sts, 3 2nds, a 3rd, 4th and 5th.  Not bad since he has only owned the J/133 for less than a season.    Tony has commented that he loves the fact that he is able to comfortably cruise the J/133 after the racing crew has jumped off.  Testament to this is that following on from the gruelling 630nm Sydney to Hobart race, Tony and his family will be sailing from Hobart to cruise the spectacular Freycinet Peninsula on Tasmania’s east coast, enjoying its pure white beaches and turquoise seas, the spectacular Wine Glass Bay and Bay of Fires, one of Lonely Planets Top 10 regions in the world.

Congratulations to Tony and the crew of 'Patriot'.

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J/122 'Marta Jean' finishes first in Ladies Skipper Race
Added December 2010

The J/122 ‘Marta Jean’ finishes the year with a win in the Ladies skippers race held by Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club. "It’s supposed to be a fun race" said Maureen Rae "but we couldn’t believe how serious everyone was taking it. I had never taken the helm before in a yacht race, but with support from husband Steve and an unexpected amount of encouragement from friends & fellow lady sailors, I reluctantly agreed to skipper our J/122 for this race. "

At the start of the race the wind was quite variable, anything from less than 10knots up to 20knots and a 2 metre swell, so a lot to take in quickly, however the J/122 was just incredibly light and responsive at the helm and much easier than expected to steer, commented Maureen.

We came in 2nd across the line, just behind one of the leading point score race boats and 1st on PHS.

Husband Steve was overjoyed saying, "my wife will have more confidence to take the helm when we're cruising and she will definitely have to return to the helm to defend her title next year! 
These boats are just fantastic.  Marta Jean is primarily setup for cruising but we are finding ourselves exceedingly competitive on the race track. What a great way to finish the years sailing."

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YachtSpot welcomes the arrival of the J/80
Added November 2010

YachtSpot are pleased to announce the arrival of the J/80 to Australian shores.  The J/80 is a 26 foot (8m) sports boat and one of the most thrilling, competitive and user-friendly boats on the water today.  There are over 1300 J/80’s worldwide. 
No current design provides the broad spectrum of features, capabilities, versatility and value as the J/80, such as:

• User-Friendly, High Performance, Versatile, Cost-Effective, Tough and Safe, Comfortable, Program Tested, Robust One Design Class
• The large 12ft long cockpit and clean deck layout provide a very comfortable environment for skipper and crew. 
• High performance with a comfortable groove; modern, performance oriented design, but not overly technical.
• The J/80 is the only production sport boat under 30 feet certified for Design Category B under EU Recreational Craft of the ISO. Meaning she’s suitable for offshore navigation, Beaufort Scale up to and including Force 8, wave height up to and including 4m.
• ISAF Recognised International One-Design Class.  See www.j80.org for the international class association
• With its ease of handling, the J/80 offers one of the most versatile sailing platforms of any boat: family day sailing and simple, fun overnighting; weekday beer can and local club racing; regional and national regattas; national and world championships.
• The J/80 also supports a wider range of racing venues than probably any other boat on the market: one design fleet racing, team racing, match racing,
• Great for learn to sail programs and for moving young sailors from dinghies to keelboats.
• Easy to trailer from event to event.  Single point lifting capability.

Give us call for more information on the J/80, or join us for a sail.

J/122 equal first on IRC in 2010 Spring Short Ocean Pointscore Series
Added November 2010

Like last year, Ray Entwistle's J/122 JACKPOT has finished the CYCA’s Spring Short Ocean Point Score series in the silverware again.  Following on from JACKPOT's previous SOP’s series results of two firsts and a second they again finished equal 1st on points with a Swan 60 and a Beneteau 45. "The J/122 is amazing, she just keeps bringing in the results," said a very pleased Entwistle after Saturdays spring series finale. "At forty feet she is definitely  at the smaller end of this highly competitive Division 1 Sydney  fleet but  takes on all comers.  She continues to punch way above her weight with constant top 3 finishes and surprises everyone how well up the fleet she finishes on the water. The added benefit of this incredible boat is the interior.  In  a few minutes we can remove the racing sails, top up the tanks and fridge, add the dodger and go cruising in opulence.

We wish all our crew, competitors  the very best for the festive season and thanks to the staff of the Cruising Yacht of Australia, Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron and Middle Harbour Yacht Club who take it in turns week on week to run this competitive offshore series," says Ray.  "JACKPOT will be back for the Autumn Point Score series starting in January and if you would like to taste victory in this highly competitive Div one racing then get yourself a J/122 and join us for some fun at the top of the fleet. If racing is not your thing and you prefer cruising, this boat does both in complete style. 

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Australian J/122s continue to dominate Division 1 IRC in Sydney
Added April 2010

Ray & Sandra Entwistle’s J/122 ‘Jackpot’ has won the 2009/10 Cruising Yacht Club of Australia Short Ocean Pointscore Series on IRC. The SOPS is an 11 race series which runs from October to February, and is a combination of both windward / leeward courses and short passage races, held on the waters offshore from Sydney. Jackpot has also collected a 1st in the Gascoigne Cup, 1st in the David Burke Memorial Trophy and a 3rd in the Morna Cup, held throughout the series.

Jackpot finished 3 points ahead of her nearest rival Ed Salter in his famous AFR Midnight Rambler, completing the series on 17 points. Jackpots worst result was a 5th, which we were able to drop. "We were caught up in an entanglement at the start of a particular race where the winds were drifters and the tide relatively strong – we were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Other than that, we finished in the top 3 places for all the other races. The top class fleet is a mixture of yachts in the 38-60 foot range with everything from a Swan 60, TP52’s, Cookson 12’s, new Bene 40’s, 47.7’s, 44.7’s, Sydney 38s and others." The season comprised of a variety of wind, sea and weather conditions but Jackpot and her crew remained consistent throughout.

"We have an uncomplicated sail wardrobe from Ian Short Sails which is incredibly effective, consisting of a carbon main, #1 light carbon jib, #1 Medium Heavy carbon jib, #4 Kevlar jib. The kites we fly are asymmetric, being a 140 mtr sq.m reacher and 155 sq.m runner. The J/122 is designed to carry non-overlapping jibs so tacking is quick and easy, and the kites fly from a fully retractable carbon sprit making the hoists, drops and gybes simple and efficient. The J/122 is a joy to sail, she doesn’t slam in rough conditions, her hull shape allows her to ride up the waves and surf back down, in the light winds she simply glides along. In one race gusting over 30 knots and waves peaking at 15 feet we hit a speed of 19.3 knots and averaged 14.4 knots on a leg from Botany Bay to Sydney Heads. "

As a result of the resin infused construction, the J’s are light but extremely strong, so you don’t have the excessive sheet loading you get with some other brands. This also means you don’t need to have a crew of rugby players on board – in fact 40-50% of Jackpots crew are women.

J/122 'JACKPOT' wins CYCA Spring SOPS Series
Added December 2009

The final race of the 6 race Short Ocean Pointscore Series was held on Saturday 5th December. It was going to be a nail biter because the first 3 yachts were tied on points for first place, so the final race would decide the winner. The way the drops were working the J/122 JACKPOT helmed by Ray Entwistle needed to win by 2 places to secure the series for IRC Class 1. That was a tough call given the skill level of the competition.

The fleet awoke to a glorious Sydney summer day, about 25 degrees C, and a soft 8-10 knot E/SE breeze. The seas outside the Sydney heads had abated, with only a slight swell remaining after the southerly from the previous night. They were also racing for the ‘David Burke Memorial Trophy’. With a combined fleet of 22 yachts on the start line ranging from 40 footers to 60 footers - the J/122 at 40 feet was amongst the smallest.

According to Ray, "Our initial concern was not to be buried at the start by the larger yachts in the fleet. We stayed back a little at the start which allowed us to come in at the committee boat end and tack into clean air. We had a pretty clean beat to get out of the heads to the top mark which was about 6nm offshore. The course was windward / leewards so we popped our 155sq.m asymmetric running kite for the downwind legs, and with first-rate trimming we ran just as square as the symmetric rigged boats. The design work on the asymmetric kites by ‘Ian Short Sailmakers’ is excellent. After 3 laps around the course we had maintained our lead. The finish was a kite run/broad reach back through Sydney Harbour Heads, then a quick gybe and a reach down Sydney Harbour to the committee boat at Watson's Bay. We just simply had a great days' sailing. The crew worked seamlessly and our J/122 JACKPOT just revelled in the conditions. We came in 1st in IRC, and most importantly, the required 2 places ahead of our main rivals that enabled us to win the series in Division 1."

Ray's perspective on the J/122 after a season's worth of sailing is helpful for those of you considering a great all-round racer-cruising yacht- "The main thing about the J/122’s performance is her consistency. Our worst result over the 6 race series was third, and given that the series had all types of wind conditions from 6-8 knots up to 30-35 knots, and from windward/leeward courses to 40nm return passage races, there is a lot to be said for her consistent performance." Her accomplishments are no fluke – this is the same series in which JACKPOT finished equal first in the Australian Autumn, just after she was commissioned. "She just doesn’t have any vices."

J/35 'SOUNDTRACK' wins Division 3 of CYCA Spring SOPS Series
Added December 2009

The J/Boats are really making an impact around the Sydney racing circles in this year's 2009/2010 summer sailing season. The J/35 SOUNDTRACK sailed and owned by Tim Cox, and also sailed by his son Edward, finished first in Division 3 in the final race of the CYCA Short Ocean Pointscore Series, thereby winning the Spring Series. Even though she is one of the older J/Boat designs, this race series proves she is still a very competitive boat. Congratulations to Tim, Edward and their crew.

Of note- Across the harbour at Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Tony Coleman is busy getting his J/133 EUPHORIA up to speed. As Tony and crew get to know the boat better, they've begun to score firsts, seconds and thirds on IRC over the past weeks.

Also, from the beautiful Port Hacking River, south of Sydney, Keith Wilson's J/109 MAJIKAL finished first in his division in the Port Hacking to Botany Bay Short Ocean Race. He is delighted with the J/109’s performance in all conditions. More news on them soon...

J/95 is SAILING WORLD 'Overall Boat of the Year' Award

J/95 Wins CRUISING WORLD 'Best Weekender' and 'Best Domestic Boat' Award

J/95 Wins SAIL 2010 Best ‘Performance Sailboat’ Award

J/97 Wins SAILING WORLD 'Best Club Racer'

Added December 2009

The newest issue of Sailing World magazine has just arrived with an action cover shot of the J/95 sailing upwind, and a feature article announcing the J/95 as the OVERALL WINNER of Sailing World's Boat of the Year for 2010! Three pages later, the J/97 is announced as the winner of the Best Club Racer. This is the first time in J history that two different J designs have won BOTY in the same year; and much appreciated recognition for the huge effort by the whole J network to bring these models to market in 2009.

Here are a few excerpts from the Sailing World press release:
“Rodney Johnstone, the J/95's designer, has been designing boats for decades, and when he says this is his best boat yet, he's not kidding,” says Dave Read, Sailing World's editor and Boat of the Year director. “The judges were struck by how well it sails and how well it's built. But what cemented the J/95's selection was its versatility. It's a 31 footer that sailors of all skill levels will love to race. And because of its clever centerboard keel and twin rudders, it can be raced or daysailed virtually anywhere – shallow bays, lakes, or the open ocean.”

The J/97 sails beautifully and has the volume, look and feel of a 40 footer. Somehow in the populated J/Boat world, designer Alan Johnstone has found himself a sweet spot between the more racing oriented J/105 and the cruise-able J/109 and J/122. “This is a really versatile boat,” said Chuck Allen, who was most impressed with its simplicity and comfort. “The perfect sort of boat for taking to an out-of-town regatta. You could stay on it and race it. It definitely feels bigger than it really is.”

Please click here for the details of all the Boat Of The Year Awards won by the J/95 and J/97

J/95 Annapolis Show Interview with Rod Johnstone
Added December 2009

Alan Block from Sailing Anarchy was covering the Annapolis Boatshow for Sailing Anarchy enthusiasts. Alan and Jeff Johnstone participated in the forum regarding "Saving Sailing / Growing Sailing"- one of the many activities where J/Boats continues to support the community of sailing and grow the sport. Alan also had an opportunity to discuss with Rod Johnstone the insights and concepts that hatched the ground-breaking, highly innovative J/95 shoal-draft cruiser-- the perfect boat for those who love to sail ANYWHERE weather and draft limitations permit them (e.g. a beach or the most secluded anchorage inaccessible to no one but yourself!). For a great perspective, take a look at Alan's exclusive SA Interview- here's the link.

Newsletter - March 2009
Click here to read our March 2009 Newsletter.