If it had been around earlier, the new J/99 would have fitted perfectly into the big comparison test of performance cruisers around ten metres in hull length. YACHT carried out the exciting group test in two parts for the current issue 16/2018 and the upcoming issue 17/2018. The J/97 from the Elegance range took part in the comparison as a representative of J/Boats.
The J/99 now fills the gap between the J/88 (test in YACHT 25/2013) and the J/111 (YACHT 18/2011) within the sports boat line. Its concept is designed to be even more versatile and can be configured more closely to the respective intended use. As a crewed regatta yacht, the J/99 is recommended for up-and-down courses and short coastal races. For this purpose, the J/99 is equipped with only one rudder blade and optimised depending on the measurement (ORCi or IRC). Keel variants with an L-keel or fin keel are available, and the boat could also be fitted with a spinnaker instead of a gennaker.
Equipped with double rudder blades, the J/99 is also aimed at customers who like to sail longer strokes offshore, preferably in regatta mode, keyword Transquadra. The layout in the cockpit is arranged in such a way that even single and double-handed sailors should be able to cope well with it. Additional water ballast tanks like those on the J/121 (test in YACHT 8/2018) are available as an option. However, their volumes have not yet been specified in more detail.
The sail surfaces are also still unclear. However, Frédéric Bouvier, product developer at the manufacturer J/Composites in France, says that no major surprises are to be expected with regard to the sail plans. In plain language, this means for the J boats: a short overlapping genoa and a slim mainsail without any significant luffing or boom in the top area. What is new, however, is that the bowsprit on the J/99 is permanently attached and can be extended as usual on J/Boats. Bouvier justifies this with the avoidance of water ingress, especially in offshore use, with considerably less weight and with cost savings. However, the sprit on the J/99 is only hooked onto the bow and is fixed via the water stay. The trunk can be removed with a flick of the wrist, for example for manoeuvring in the harbour.
The interior of the J/99 is designed to be simple yet cosy. Two double berths are accommodated aft. Due to the hull shape typical of Alan Johnstone's designs with the rather slender stern, the layout with two cabins aft is rather unusual, and the plans also suggest rather narrow berths. However, there is no forward cabin. The toilet room is installed in front of the main bulkhead, and there is also a load for the additional sails.
An initial price announcement from J Composites states a basic price of 122,540 euros (incl. 19 percent VAT) for the standard version with aluminium mast and the 20 hp Volvo Penta built-in engine with saildrive. In addition, you will have to factor in at least another 10,000 euros for a set of proper sails. Nevertheless, compared to the competition, the J/99 is being launched on the market at a truly competitive price. The boats in the above-mentioned group test are more expensive, in some cases considerably so, including the J/97 E from the same company.
For the time being, the J/99 will only and exclusively be built at J Composites in France and exported for the US market. The first boat will probably be launched in October 2018 and will then also be tested by YACHT. In any case, the shipyard intends to present the new boat at the boot 2019 trade fair in January.
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Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
