J/70 & J/108 @ St Petersburg Sailboat Show

(St Petersburg, FL)- The St. Petersburg Boat Show 2013 is on this week from Thursday, December 5th through Sunday, December 8th.  The J/Dealer in the southeast, CrossCurrent Marine, will be featuring two exciting models within the ever expanding J/Boats family of performance oriented sailing experiences.

Come and see the fabulous J/70 one-design speedster. Worldwide acceptance is beyond any reasonable expectation with over 500 boats on order. Awarded ISAF status in just 18 months, there is no stopping this phenomenal fleet building momentum.

We're also thrilled to put on display the unique shoal draft J/108 performance cruiser. She's got the J/109 design pedigree, innovative keel/centerboard, twin rudders, ISO Ocean Category A rating, and offers the ideal single-handed or family cruising platform tailor made for Florida’s shallow waters.

For more information on the boats, show hours, complimentary tickets please contact Craig Crossley  - craig@crosscurrentmarine.com or phone 401.330.6135.

Benelux "Try A J" Sailing Day!

Twin J/70s Featured with Five Other Big J's
(Port Zelande, Netherlands)- J/Benelux will have the annual “Try a J” demo sailing day on Saturday 27th October in Marina Port Zelande in Ouddorp, The Netherlands.  Featured at this sailing event will be twin brand-new J/70s along with the International J/80, the J/108 shoal-draft performance cruiser, the J/109 one-design cruiser racer, the J/111 offshore one-design speedster and the J/122 offshore cruiser racer.  Of note, you will get to experience the J/70 as a European Yacht of the Year Overall Nominee for 2012/ 2013!

To schedule a demo, please be sure to go to www.jboats.nl for registration.  You may also contact Robin or Angelique Verhoef at email- "info@jboats.nl" or telephone- +31 (0)78 6305505.

J/108 In Oslo Boatshow

(Oslo, Norway)- The latest edition to the J Shoal Performance fleet, the J/108, will be on display at this year's Oslo Sailboat Show from the 26th to 29th of April.  The J/108 continues to amaze its owners with its remarkable performance both upwind, downwind as well as reaching.  Like its sistership the J/95, the J/108 sails with remarkably good VMG performance upwind in most any wind and wave conditions, a unique capability amongst shoal-draft keel/centerboard sailboats.

To learn more about the J/108 at the Oslo show, please be sure to contact Peter Johansson at Marstrand Yachts- ph# 0046 (0)735 430 800, skype- peter.r.johansson, email- peter.johansson@marstrandyachts.com, or visit his website at www.marstrandyachts.com.  For more Oslo Sailboat Show information

Winter Sailboat Shopping Season

(The World)- While our friends in the Southern Hemisphere are "simply messing around on their boats" in the height of "Mid-summer series" and having a ball, their northern neighbors are still feeling like they're either living in an icebox or on the verge of becoming Eskimos themselves.  Nevertheless, since most all northern "winter" boatshows are indoors (other than SoCal & Florida), it's a great time to get out and socialize with friends and take a look at some of the latest J's that are making headlines around the globe.  Here's a shortlist for you globe-trotting J sailors to consider visiting in the near future:

San Diego Sunroad Boat Show- from Jan 26-29, the southern California J/Dealer JK3 Yachts will be showcasing an exciting lineup of new boats at the upcoming San Diego Boat Show. Come by the show to see the J/95 and for info on the new J/70 – the latest hotrod from J/Boats. Please note, JK3 is hosting a reception on Sunday for J/Boat Owners, Fans and Friends as well.  For more info contact JK3 at ph- 619-224-6200, email- jeff@jk3yachts.com or http://www.jk3yachts.com.   For more Sunroad Boatshow information

Strictly Sail Chicago- from Jan 26-29 at Navy Pier- the J/111 on display is an example of the boat that dominated the two Mackinac Races this past year in 2011.  Also, please visit J/105 Fleet 5- Lake Michigan at Booth #204E where J/105 fleet members will be happy to discuss with you the virtues of low-key, fun J/105 class participation.  Please be sure to contact Richard Stearns at Stearns Boating- ph-312-994-9153 or email- rich@stearnsboating.com   For more Chicago Strictly Sailboat Show information

Gothenburg Boatshow- from Feb 4-12- to be sure the J/108 will be displayed very comfortably indoors at the Gothenburg Show in Sweden!  Come on in and enjoy classic Swedish hospitality in the most enjoyable surroundings one might possibly imagine- with healthy Swedish hostesses addressing any of the craziest questions one might ask as it relates to DSPL/L, BMax/ BWL, Sprit Extension/ SPL Midgirths and Prismatic Coefficients/ High VCG ratios.  Please be sure to arrange for a personal tour with Henning Mittlesman- ph- 49-4642 2722/ info@mittelmannswerft.de/ www.JBoats.de   For more Gothenburg Boatshow information

Boston/ New England Boatshow- from Feb 11-19 - on display comfortably in-doors in a wonderfully warm ambiance will be the Hill & Lowden display that will be showcasing the J/111.  Please be sure to come by, convince them to give you a "lobster roll & beer"-  contact Rich Hill and George Lowden at ph- 781-631-3313 or hilllowden@aol.com   For more Boston Boat Show information

J/95 @ Annapolis Sailboat Show

(Annapolis, MD)- After nearly two years of sailing in many of the world's most enjoyable shallow cruising grounds and "gunkholes", the J/95 (like her big sister the J/108) has far surpassed the expectations of its lucky owners. In many respects, the J/95 set the standard for the new breed of shoal-performance daysailing and cruising boats.

The stories to date are legion.  J/95s sailing on Swiss Lakes have brought great joy to her owners, both as daysailing boats as well as the occasional evening "wine/cheese" race (as opposed to American beer-can races!).  And, whether racing in Key West Race Week, daysailing off Naples, around the Chesapeake or off Harbor Springs, MI, J/95s have had more than their fair share of stories to tell.  Just recently, in fact, Justin Palm was racing their family's J/95 off Harbor Spring and recounted how much fun it was to sail through the anchorage, into shoal waters where no one else could get into (under 4 feet!), stayed out of the current and in stronger wind, and was able to win an evening beer-can race!  While we didn't' exactly have this idea in mind as a design criteria, it does illustrate the strength of the concept and how well the J/95 performs both upwind and downwind.  When you need to dial-up some upwind performance, the 5.5' draft with board down assures you of sparkling VMG's to windward, a near impossibility with competitive shoal-draft cruisers.  Be sure to visit the J-booth at Annapolis to see this revolutionary J cruiser and daysailer.

Also featured at the show will be the new J/111 one-design speedster, the boat that has been taking the offshore world by storm; the International J/80 One-Design (the world's largest sprit sportboat class); and the J/108 shoal-performance cruiser.

For more J/95 information- http://www.jboats.com/j95
For more J/108 information- http://www.jboats.com/j108
For more J/111 information- http://www.jboats.com/j111
For more J/80 information- http://www.jboats.com/j80

  

J/108 & J/111 @ Annapolis Boatshow

(Annapolis, MD)- With its successful introduction this past winter, the J/108 shoal-performance cruising yacht has far surpassed the expectations of its lucky owners.  The first J cruiser to combine stand-up headroom with legendary J-performance in a 35 footer that can wander across the shallows of the world's best cruising grounds drawing less than the original J/24!  Now that's shallow.  At only 4.0 feet with board up, the horizon is nearly your only limit for cruising grounds-- in other words, the ENTIRE Bahamas Banks are your cruising ground, not just a few corners of a few million square miles.  And, when you need to dial-up some upwind performance, the  8' draft with board down assures you of sparkling VMG's upwind, a near impossibility with competitive shoal-draft cruisers.  Be sure to visit the J-booth at Annapolis to see this revolutionary J cruiser.

Also featured at the show will be the new J/111 speedster, the boat that has been taking the offshore world by storm. It's perhaps the most evolutionary/ revolutionary J designed to date-- simplicity, speed and minimalism, comfort and control in a uniquely thrilling package.  Nearly a year after it's launch in 2010, over 40 J/111s are now sailing and the "winners list" reads like a "who's who" of events worldwide, quite a remarkable start for any boat.  Better yet?  Success at a world-class level has been achieved by a cadre of corinthian/ amateur sailors having a great time at what they love to do best--- sailing with friends and family, having fun, and winning a pickle dish or two for the trophy shelf.  Isn't it time to join in on the fun?!

For more J/108 information- http://www.jboats.com/j108
For more J/111 information- http://www.jboats.com/j111

  

Lovin' J/111s @ Fall Boatshows

Jump on the Bandwagon and Have Some Fun!
(Newport, RI)- For the  past few months J/111s have demonstrated time and again that a great all-around design can succeed in a wide variety of weather conditions worldwide.  Plus, it's just as easy to sail as a couple double-handed or with a full crew!  Beer-can racing with a J/24 sized crew is, in fact, quite easy and a lot of fun!  Whether sailing off Sydney Heads, Australia, dueling off the coasts of France and England, flying down the coast of California and Baja, Mexico, enjoying the sparkling waters off Key West, or winning in the challenging racing on the Great Lakes or the Northeast, J/111s have brought lots of smiles and silverware to their lucky owners.

Even if you're just thinking about J/111s, take a trip down to one of these boatshows in the near future to see J/111s up-close and personal.  You'll begin to understand why current J/111 owners simply love their boats-  friends and family for daysails and beer-can racing, with standing headroom and a bathroom (!), but can go offshore with the "big boys" and make them pay!  Check them out at:

Sep 14-19- Grand Pavois Boatshow (J/111, J/108)- La Rochelle, France
Sep 15-18- Newport Boatshow (J/111, J/109, J/95)- Newport, RI
Sep 16-25- Southampton Boatshow (J/97, J/108, J/111)- Southampton, England
Oct 6-10- Annapolis Sailboat Show (J/111, J/108)- Annapolis, MD

  

Lovin' J/111s @ Fall Boatshows

Jump on the Bandwagon and Have Some Fun! 
(Newport, RI)- For the  past few months J/111s have demonstrated time and again that a great all-around design can succeed in a wide variety of weather conditions worldwide.  Plus, it's just as easy to sail as a couple double-handed or with a full crew!  Beer-can racing with a J/24 sized crew is, in fact, quite easy and a lot of fun!  Whether sailing off Sydney Heads, Australia, dueling off the coasts of France and England, flying down the coast of California and Baja, Mexico, enjoying the sparkling waters off Key West, or winning in the challenging racing on the Great Lakes or the Northeast, J/111s have brought miles of smiles and cases of silverware to their lucky owners.

Even if you're just thinking about J/111s, take a trip down to one of these boatshows in the near future to see J/111s up-close and personal.  You'll begin to understand why current J/111 owners simply love their boats-  friends and family for daysails and beer-can racing, with standing headroom and a bathroom (!), but can go offshore with the "big boys" and make them pay!  Check them out at:

Sep 14-19- Grand Pavois Boatshow (J/111, J/108)- La Rochelle, France
Sep 15-18- Newport Boatshow (J/111, J/109, J/95)- Newport, RI
Sep 16-25- Southampton Boatshow (J/97, J/108, J/111)- Southampton, England
Oct 6-10- Annapolis Sailboat Show (J/111, J/108)- Annapolis, MD 

    

J/108 Review- NASailor.com

(Marblehead, MA)- North American Sailor recently did a review on the new J/108 down off Miami, FL.  Here's their commentary- "The J/108 is a new J/boats model and billed as a “Shoal Performance 35-footer,” this new boat offers a compelling combination of 4-foot draft and solid sailing performance.

The Design- One of the most interesting parts of this boat is the hull and keel configuration. With twin rudders and a centerboard (one of the first new centerboards we’ve seen for a while among boats of this size), it takes the J/95 configuration and applies it to a 35-foot hull, with standing headroom, comfort down below, and the promise of faster boat speed.

Our expectation – one which was definitely met – was for a balanced boat, albeit with some slight loss of performance – or increased cruising comfort – relative to the 109, in exchange for increased accessibility to harbors and cruising areas. The slightly shorter mast and an increase in ballast by 500 lbs were contributors.

The design also has an impact on the design of the interior and on deck. For example, the J/108 in the standard configuration has a permanently fixed, small, bowsprit in lieu of the retractable sprit seen on the J/109. This opens up the headroom in the v-berth, and slightly simplifies the launch of an asym, at the cost of some performance (it becomes more difficult to do an inside jibe downwind, and the sail is more in the wind shadow of the main sail).  Read more about the North American Sailor review of the J/108 shoal-performance cruising boat here.   

NEW J/108 @ Miami Show

Visit Slip #24-B At Miamarina/ Bayside Feb 17-21
(Miami, FL)- If you're ready to experience the ultimate freedom machine, don't hesitate to head for Miami, enjoy a bit of sunshine and beautiful Florida weather, and check out the latest of J's shoal-performance cruisers/ daysailers- the J/108.  The weather forecast is spectacular- sunny, 70s daytime, 50s night-time, gentle breeze form southeast.

With proven performance on all points of sail, the J/108 demonstrates that you really can "have your cake and eat it, too"! The J/108s "finger-tip control" in demanding weather conditions or simply maneuvering in shoal waters instills confidence and, combined with its beautiful, comfortable, spacious interior, considerably expands your cruising range for a 35 foot sailboat-- dare venture where few other sailboats can go!  For more Miami Boatshow information.   Learn more about the J/108 shoal-performance sailboat here.   

J/108 SAIL Magazine Review

(Key West/ Boston)- According to SAIL magazine editor Adam Cort, "It was the perfect test for the new J/108. We were in Key West, and the light southerly breeze was opposing an ebb tide, creating a nasty chop in the shipping channel, so we opted instead to make an end run between Sunset Key and Wisteria Island.

Doing so in a typical, deep-draft, 35-foot J/Boat would have been risky at best—on the chart the passage between the two islands shows a couple of narrow 8-foot channels flanked by unmarked shoals. But the J/108 is no typical J. Like the 31-foot J/95, which came out in 2009, the J/108 features a shoal-draft keel and centerboard, and twin rudders. The basic hull form is the same as the acclaimed J/109, which draws 7 feet, much too much for comfort in this kind of a situation. But with the centerboard up draws just under 4 feet—about the same as a J/24!

In fact, this is precisely why J/Boats created the new design. The company’s performance-cruisers and one-designs have been wildly popular over the years wherever there’s plenty of deep water. But J/Boats has achieved much less success in thin-water country, like the Florida Keys. Although many sailors, myself included, looked askance at the J/95—how could you have true J/Boats performance without a deep keel— the boat has been a success, both critically and commercially, so that it just made sense to upsize the formula.  Read more about Adam's J/108 sailing review here.

A recent test sail by Florida yacht broker Lee Messina, from Sarasota Yacht & Ship Services (a former J/30 owner who raced and cruised her extensively), had this to say after Wednesday evenings sunset sail on the new J/108, "Wow!! This is a lively and fast, yet stable racer/cruiser. For those who understand the lingo, she sailed close-hauled as well with the centerboard up as she did with it down in light air. Thank you again, Craig and Denise for an enjoyable sail on a great boat. Fair Winds and Following Seas, Lee".  For more J/108 shoal-performance sailboat information.

  

NEW J/108 In Miami Boatshow

 
Visit Slip #24-B At Miamarina/ Bayside Feb 17-21
(Miami, FL)- If you're ready to experience sailing the ultimate freedom machine, then don't hesitate to head for Miami, enjoy a bit of sunshine and beautiful Florida weather, and check out the latest of J's shoal-performance cruisers/ daysailers- the J/108.  Proven performance on all points of sail, the J/108 demonstrates that you really can "have your cake and eat it, too"!  How often can you sail a boat into waist deep water, enjoy an afternoon picnic over the weekend with family and friends at the beach, then hit the Wednesday night "beer-can race" and enjoy a frolic around the buoys with your club buddies? The new J/108 underwent sea-trials in demanding Bay of Biscay conditions off Les Sable'd'Olonne, France in 12-18 knot winds and 6-12 foot seas rolling in from a distant North Atlantic gale.  The J/108s "finger-tip control" in such conditions instills confidence and, combined with its beautiful, comfortable, spacious interior, considerably expands your cruising range for a 35 foot sailboat-- dare venture where few other sailboats can go!  For more J/108 shoal-performance sailboat information.

  

J/111 and J/108 Florida Debut

SAIL Key West Reception
(Key West, FL)- Remember, please don't hesitate to get out of the cold, the snow, the rain out west and come on down and take a peek at two of the latest 35+ footers to debut in the J stable of fun, fast, easy-to-sail boats.  SAIL Magazine, in concert with its industry partners NORTH SAILS and HARKEN, are hosting a reception for sailors interested in taking a closer look at the J/111- KONTIKI V's electric royal blue and candy red color scheme looks spectacular on the water.  With North Sails latest carbon wardrobe with brilliant candy apple red spinnakers and Harken's latest sailing equipment, the 111 will turn heads anywhere it goes. The event will be held on Saturday, January 15th at 5:00 pm at the Galleon Resort Marina- free beer, wine and munchies!

In addition to the 111, CrossCurrent Marine's Craig Crossley will feature J's newest shoal-draft performance cruiser- the J/108. It's all happening down at the Galleon Resort Marina in Key West.  Please join us.  For more information please call J/Boats at ph- 401-846-8410 or email info@jboats.com.  More J/111 sailboat information is here.  And, J/108 shoal-draft performance sailboat information can be found here.

  

J/111 and J/108 Florida Debut

SAIL Key West Reception
(Key West, FL)- Come on down and take a peek at two of the latest 35+ footers to debut in the J stable of fun, fast, easy-to-sail boats.  SAIL Magazine, in concert with its industry partners NORTH SAILS and HARKEN, are hosting a reception for sailors interested in taking a closer look at the J/111.  You also get a chance to meet and chat with the SAIL Best Around Buoys winners, Jim Sminchak and crew from Cleveland, OH.  The event will be held on Saturday, January 15th at 5:00 pm at the Galleon Resort Marina- free beer, wine and munchies!

The SAIL Best Around Buoys 111, KONTIKI V, has arrived in Miami, FL (photo above) and is heading down to Key West to be sailed by Jim's Cleveland J/105 "Team it".  The electric royal blue and candy red color scheme look spectacular on the water.  With North Sails latest carbon wardrobe with brilliant candy apple red spinnakers and Harken's latest sailing equipment, the 111 will turn heads anywhere it goes.

In addition to the 111, CrossCurrent Marine's Craig Crossley will feature J's newest shoal-draft performance cruiser- the J/108 along with its siblings, the J/95s that were introduced in 2009.  It's all happening down at the Galleon Resort Marina in Key West.  Please join us.  For more information please call J/Boats at ph- 401-846-8410 or email info@jboats.com.  More J/111 sailboat information is here.  And, J/108 shoal-draft performance sailboat information can be found here.

  

J/108 Launched, Spectacular Sea-trials

(Les Sables d'Olonne, France)-  Launched this past week, the J/108 fulfilled lofty goals to continue the tradition of legendary J performance in a shoal-draft cruising boat.  The combination of the J/108's twin rudders and unique keel/ centerboard design have proven so far to exceed performance expectations.  In moderate to strong breezes and enormous three meter swell running from North Atlantic storms into the Bay of Biscay, the J/108 performed admirably, easily sailed upwind by two people (see photo) in what could be described as "difficult" conditions for shoal-draft boat going to windward.  Reports from the builder Didier LeMoal and J/Boats' Florida dealer, CrossCurrent Marine's Craig Crossley, were that upwind "she steers like a dream, the twin-rudders permit you to point the 108 anywhere you want, instantaneously, with no lag in response to the wheel- a remarkable attribute of this particular shoal-draft design".  Like her smaller twin-sister, the 108 can do a "hockey-stop", turning 90 degrees within half a boat-length.  And, going backwards under power it's easy to "parallel-park" onto a dock or back into a slip with ease, inspiring enormous confidence in maneuvers that cause many anxiety.

The J/108 will be spending time in Florida and Key West during Race Week at the Galleon Resort.  Learn more about it now, contact your local J Dealer or J/Boats- ph# 401-846-8410 or info@jboats.com.  For demos you may also contact Craig Crossley at CrossCurrent Marine- craig.crossley@gmail.com or phone +1-401-330-6135.   For more J/108 sailboat information.   

J/108 & J/97 At Paris Show

(Paris, France)- Ready for a quick, romantic, fun trip to Paris?  Surprise your significant other and take a quick trip to the enchanted city on the Seine.  From now until 13th December, take a peak at the new J/108 shoal-draft performance cruiser, the latest in a series of performance sailboats aimed at the "other" 90% of the Earth's sailing surface.  Find out why you can cruise in comfort, enjoy legendary J performance and sail in just 4.0' feet of water....where parrot fish go hunting for your toes!  

And, for those inclined for a spot of racing mixed in with cruising, find out what's causing quite a stir on the race courses in France and England this past summer-- the J/97 has won just about every major regatta it has entered in Europe.  After competitive sailors look at the interior of the J/97, the response is nearly always the same, "wow, we can't believe you kicked our butts with all that furniture, you beat us fair and square with Mums living room!".  Learn more about why this family rocketship at the Paris Show is such a "sleeper".  For more J/108 info (http://www.jboats.com/j108) and J/97 info (http://www.jboats.com/j97).

  

Introducing J/108- A 35' Shoal-draft Performance Cruiser

(Les Sables D'Olonne, France)- Imagine, comfortable cruising on a 35 footer with legendary J performance to go sailing just about anywhere on 98% of the Earth's surface-- anywhere you have 4 feet of water.  Does that "float your boat"?  Four feet is all it takes, in the Pacific, Atlantic, Caribbean, Mediterranean, English Isles, Bahamas, or the Normandy coast.  With it's twin rudders and J/95-type centerboard, you get extraordinary sailing performance upwind, delightful speed off the wind, and the joy of sailing when others are resorting to the "iron genny".  Just launched on the Brittany coast of France by JB Composites, the first J/108 will be in Florida and Key West during Race Week at the Galleon Resort.  Learn more about it now, contact your local J Dealer or J/Boats- ph# 401-846-8410 or  info@jboats.com.  For more J/108 information.