(Barnegat Bay, New Jersey)- Since their introduction in 2009, J/95s are
past the three-dozen mark produced and sailing worldwide. They've
gained a whole new class of passionate sailors around the world who
love them for their remarkable versatility and extraordinary performance
in shoal-draft mode (3.5 feet) with centerboard up. Whether sailing in
exotic locations such as the spectacular mountain lakes in the Swiss
Alps, gliding across the shallow bays and inlets of Florida's western
"Sun Coast", dashing around the riverbeds and shallows off the eastern
shores of midland England, or simply enjoying a summer breeze darting
around the shoals on wonderful Barnegat Bay, the J/95 is providing its
owners a tremendous amount of fun with families and friends in areas
that were simply inaccessible with deep-keel offshore sailboats. One of those J/95 enthusiasts, Dr. Richard Eytel, has been sailing his J/95 on Barnegat Bay and passed along to designer Rod J some of the reasons why he loves his boat so much! "Dear Rod, I just want to tell you how much I enjoy the J/95. It is a perfect boat for the shallows of Barnegat Bay. Races great, day sails great, and has the potential to do overnighters. In addition it seems to be able to compete against deeper draft in other venues.
My
crew is especially receptive to the large deck and room. Having only
raced PHRF with cruising boats, the deck room on this boat has no
comparison. With the average age of our crew being close to 60 and not
exactly in great shape. I think this boat has extended our racing for
another decade or more. The excitement is back. We were able to stay
competitive with other J/95s with crews half our age. Don't get me
wrong, I too wish we were half our age.Day sailing is a pleasure. I can single hand it, take out other inexperienced friends or relatives and everyone feels comfortable.
I am a firm believer of purchasing a boat as to how you are going to use it, and the J/95 does it all well.
There are now five J/95s on Barnegat Bay, of which three race. Having only raced PHRF, I find the one design aspect of the racing thrilling. We have had races where the lead changed hands 3-4 times. I can only hope you will continue to promote the boat as I would love to see the fleet grow. We brought two J/95s to Atlantic City Race Week on a Thursday in a 20-30+ kt Northeaster. We even had fun doing that!"
Richard then goes on to say, "I would also like to offer my assistance in making the fleet grow here in New Jersey, and elsewhere. I hope to see a large one design start someday at more regattas. Tri-Sail was a blast; hopefully it was just a taste of what is to come. I honestly think J Boats and the J/95 has only scratched the surface of the market for this boat in New Jersey and elsewhere." Sincerely, Richard- THE GRIN. For more J/95 shoal-performance sailboat information
