We just got a report over the holidays from owner Alan Fougere talking about his beloved J/160 AVATAR:
"Happy Holidays to the extended Johnstone family! Just wanted to let you
know, we love our AVATAR. She is a great boat, offshore she's just a
rocket! We have completed many upgrades and try to keep her in "Bristol"
condition. I have a new power plant ready for installation next summer.
This is our 14th season with her, and I hope to keep her for another
14, if I am still walking the planet!
We get many other boaters who swing by and compliment her lines. And,
when they see her powered-up, with a bone in her teeth, then they are
really impressed!
Recently, AVATAR averaged 17 knots all the way from Newport, RI to St.
Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Yes, we took the easy way out, we loaded
her aboard a transport ship. She has had her winter haul, new clear coat
on the topsides, and bottom paint over at BVI Painters @ Nanny Cay
Marine Tortola. She is now back in the water and back at her winter home
on St. John U.S. Virgin Islands, again at Proper Yachts. She is now a
20-year-old lady, just getting into her prime... built in 1998!
We do normally sail on offshore delivery passages. Last year, in the
spring 2019, we sailed San Juan, Puerto Rico to Bermuda. It was an
incredible passage! 965.0nm in just over four days! Over 200 nm each
day! All white sails the whole way, 100% Jib and double-reefed main. It
was truly four days of perfect offshore weather and sailing!"