The J/99 now fills the gap between the J/88 (test in YACHT 25/2013) and the somewhat older J/111 (test in YACHT 18/2011) within the J/Boats sports boat line. However, its concept is even more versatile and versatile. The J/99 can be configured as a crew boat for upwind and downwind courses as well as for short-distance races along the coast. For this purpose, the boat is optimised for IRC or ORCi measurement and comes with only one rudder blade built relatively far under the hull. Alternatively, the boat can also be set up for longer distances. The J/99 has two rudder blades and the layout in the cockpit has been further optimised for handling by single and double-handed sailors. The boat can also be equipped with additional water ballast tanks for offshore use with a small crew, as with the J/121 (test in YACHT 8/2018).
However, the J/99 can also appeal to sailors who enjoy sporty cruising, but also want to take it easy from time to time or go on tour with the family. The interior design features two generously proportioned double cabins in the stern. The wet room is installed in front of the main bulkhead. The rest of the foredeck remains empty and is primarily used as storage space for the sails.
The J/99 will initially be built exclusively at J Composites in western France, J/Boats' licence production facility in Europe. Shortly before Christmas, the yacht builders in Les Sables d'Olonne tested the new boat for the first time on the Solent in England. The photos from this test drive are available here as a YACHT gallery in advance.
As an initial price announcement, J/Composites quotes a basic price of 122,540 euros for the boat in the basic configuration with aluminium mast and built-in engine. The price does not include the sails. The J/99 will premiere in Germany in January at the boat show in Düsseldorf inHall 16, Stand B 21.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
