On or offshore racing sailboat
BY ADMIN • NOVEMBER 11, 2016 • BREAKING NEWS, HOMEMOSAIC, YACHTS • COMMENTS OFF • 11
It has been almost 10 years since the J/122, the last all-new 40ft design from this North American based builder, was launched. The latest model, announced in October 2016 is an all-new design that rounds out the company’s line up of fast “speedsters” that offer blistering performance. In the smaller boats – notably the 23ft J/70, the 29ft J/88 and the 36ft J/111 – the interiors only provide for the needs of weekending (and not even that in the case of the smaller boat). However, at 40ft the J/121 offers enough space for comfortable life on board, providing you’re not intending to cater for too many people.
Although, as with other J-Boats, the new design will doubtless be seen on inshore windward-leeward race courses, this is also an offshore boat that’s expected to gain success in classic distance races with a crew of only five people. The company says: “…straight-line speed is the name of the game in this type of racing and is achieved by having a low drag, efficient hull with high form stability and exceptional balance.” Add to this a highly engineered carbon rig package, an L- shaped low VCG keel, infused composite construction, and a water-ballast assist system that’s equivalent to 400kg of additional crew members sitting on the windward rail.
The rig, sail and deck plan are designed to simplify sail handling, drawing on new technology developed for the Vendee Globe, Volvo Ocean Race and other extreme offshore sailing events. The sail inventory includes an all-purpose furling J1 jib, a hoistable furling J4 that sets inside the forestay, a furling Code Zero flown from the bowsprit, and up to two asymmetric spinnakers, each of which is set on its own top-down furler. With each headsail or spinnaker having its own dedicated furler fewer hands are needed on the foredeck and sail stowage below decks is more efficient. Combined with a double reef mainsail system with luff slides, a very versatile and easily managed sail combination is available for most wind or sea conditions.
Accommodation includes a double aft cabin, a large L-shaped galley, settee/sea berths with optional pilot berths above, a proper navigation station and a separate heads/shower compartment. As standard the forepeak is left open for sail storage, but this can optionally be fitted out with a removable double vee-berth. Interior trim is offered in a classic (white with varnished highlights) or modern Grand Prix (white on white) variants.
Specifications and dimensions have yet to be released by the designers, but this will surely be a boat to watch for those who value the adrenaline of easily tamed power and high speed sailing over luxury appointments.
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