The first weekend of May saw designer Alan Johnstone & J/Europe project manager Frederic Bouvier put the new J/97 through its paces off Les Sables d'Olonne, France. With the Bay of Biscay serving up a variety of conditions from flat water and offshore breeze to large rolling swells with a brisk onshore thermal, there was a good variety of conditions and three beautiful days of sailing for the initial trials. Upwind, reaching and downwind the J/97 performed beautifully with a light touch on the helm, terrific acceleration out of the tacks and a downwind ease and simplicity under her blue asymmetric spinnaker.The new J/97 will make a perfect couple or family boat for weekend cruising plus has the versatility to compete on the race course. With an open, innovative interior design, aft head, six foot standing headroom and sleeping for six it can comfortably accommodate the whole crew. Please take a look at the latest gallery of photos of this exciting new cruiser/racer.
J/Europe will be conducting both press and demo sails in Les Sables De Olonne during the month of May and the first boat is expected to arrive in the US this summer. Please to contact your dealer to learn more or visit the J/97 web site here.
