* Getting Excited About Optimizing the J/99 shorthanded offshore speedster
The new J/99 is a hot topic in the offshore sailing community, especially amongst the double-handed racers and even cruising couples around the world. The J/99 is an exciting addition to the J/Boat lineup that is filling a growing demand for short-handed racer/cruiser platforms that perform buoy racing as well as they do offshore.
As part of maximizing the J/99's full potential for performance upwind, reaching, and downwind, sailmakers around the world have had their top teams working 24x7 on optimizing their offerings. One of these has been the Quantum Sailmakers team. Here is a summary of the continual process they go through.
"Quantum designers focused on creating high-performing and versatile sail-plans that bridge the gap between competitive racing and cruising in comfort. Quantum's J/Boat sail designer Kerry Klingler and sail consultant Kris Werner worked with J/Boats Dealer RCR Yachts to create a fast set of sails with a "racing-first" focus that can easily transition into a performance cruising setup. They focused on using sail fabrics that give the sails an added level of structural durability that will ensure fast, repeatable shapes.
Quantum class experts worked directly with clients to develop the best sail plan possible, designing every sail on the J/99 to fit the individual needs of the owner, be it racing, cruising, or something in-between. A sail with perfect shape on the first hoist that retains shape after repeated hoists was a testament to Quantum's design process and product.
"We designed the sails to be versatile, easy to trim, and structured for a long life," explained Klingler about his approach with RCR Yachts. "One of the keys to our business is an understanding that sails need to be adjusted for each client's needs and wishes," he adds.
Kris Werner reinforced their customer-centric approach, "we discussed and researched all the best possible options, while keeping some level of cost and investment in mind. This is the type of detailed service and support that we intend for every client at Quantum."
Werner, a former broker at RCR Yachts, appreciates the continued relationship that his position as a sail consultant affords. "Supporting and working with RCR Yachts is a true pleasure," he says. "We at Quantum Sails Rochester do everything we can for them, and the enthusiasm the RCR team shows for our sport is closely matched to the customer-focused ideals of Quantum Sails. Our relationship is about helping customers get more enjoyment out of sailing and less about promoting one company over the other."
Watch this short sailing video from the Quantum team that was taken during their initial performance testing program in Newport, RI.
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