J Boat MODELLER J/97

MODELLER J/97

NEW MODEL -2009 !!!

the all-purpose J for performance cruising, IRC racing & one design

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	Metric (m)	US (ft)
LOA	9.61	31.53
LWL	8.11	26.60
Beam	3.35	11.00
Draft	1.92	6.30
Displacement	3,900	8,600
Sail Area	46.29	498
I	12.57	41.25
ISP	13.72	45.00
J	3.57	11.71
P	12.04	39.50
E	3.96	13.00
STL	5.08	16.64
CE Category	A	.
Engine	20 hp	.

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Introducing the NEW J/97

New for 2009, the J/97 is the first J in over two decades under 32’ to combine headroom and family cruising accommodations in a high performance, easily driven hull. With the handling ease of an asymmetric spinnaker and non-overlapping headsails, the J/97 promises to be J Boats’ most versatile design yet under 35’ to fit the needs of today’s sailing families, both young and old alike.

The key to creating a versatile sailboat is staying focused on the quality of the sailing experience, a trait shared by all J designs. Boats that are easily driven, easily handled, and genuinely fun to sail provide greater long-term “sailing value” to their owners than designs driven by the latest rating rule or designs that are over-compromised to meet the latest styling trends. Form usually follows function in good sailboat design, and the J/97 is no exception.

The cockpit features full length seats with back rests, tiller steering, and a unique, partially open transom that incorporates life-raft storage. All sailing controls are within reach of the helmsperson to make the boat very easy to manage. A retractable bow sprit with masthead asymmetric spinnaker allows great all-around performance without the need for numerous skilled crew. The low VCG keel provides exceptional upwind stability while being cruising friendly with swept back leading edge and moderate draft.

The interior layout is open and airy and is ideal for one couple cruising with room for more. It includes a spacious main cabin with two settees, galley, forward-facing navigation station; plus an enclosed aft head, V-berth, and aft owner’s cabin. Cruising stowage includes a large “garage” aft of the head (accessed through the cockpit seat locker).

J/97 'Jenga' Finishes 2nd in Debut 50 mile race

The annual JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race, organized by the Island Sailing Club, is one of the most popular fixtures on the Solent racing calendar. Competitors come from Europe and the USA, as well as all over the UK, to race the 50 mile course round the Isle of Wight. This year the event attracted 1779 entrants (and no that's not a typo!) with J/80, J/105 & J/109 classes and many larger J's. The team from J/UK brought out the new J/97 'Jenga' for her debut regatta in the 55 boat IRC Division 3A. By race end, the J/97 had finished second on elapsed and corrected time in class and was the top J/Boat overall on IRC corrected time.