It didn’t take but 30 seconds into the first sail on the new J/95 for designer Rod Johnstone to call for the centerboard to be fully raised. Moments later, the boat was sailing upwind at about 6.5 knots in about 12 knots of wind. The boat then tacked and easily fetched inside 90 degrees on the opposite board, all while the helmsman enjoyed finger-tip response on the wheel. Let’s see – design a 31’ boat that draws as little as 3’ and then make sure it not only performs upwind, but is really fun to drive? Check off that box.Over the next four days, the praise for the J/95 kept pouring in from all who sailed her. Most could not believe how smooth the boat was to drive, or how much of a “big boat” feel the boat has for being only 31’. This is a lot of sailboat for the length and a boat that has to be sailed to be believed.
Rod Johnstone - "the balance is perfect......I'm psyched, I've got to have one of these....my best design ever.”
Al Johnstone - "fantastic -- she's the little big boat.”
Ben Hall, Hall Spars - "I thought I was driving a 60 footer. She's so stable -- steering is really easy and precise."
Peter Nielsen, SAIL Editor-In-Chief - "How refreshing, something truly innovative and worthwhile to talk about."
Visit the J/95 homepage to see more photos.