The comprehensive test report with all the data, information and detailed prices will then follow in issue 19/2024, which will be available at the beginning of September. As the successor to the successful and frequently built J/122, the new J/40 will have a difficult legacy to bear. After all, the predecessor model was built more than 200 times over a period of almost 20 years and was able to assert itself as a strong competitor in the competition for performance cruisers around twelve metres in the USA and internationally.
With its very graceful lines, attractive size and the well-known good and sporty sailing characteristics of all Js, this should not be too difficult for the newly launched 40. Compared to its predecessor, the boat has become a good 20 centimetres wider with a comparable hull length. Nevertheless, Alan Johnstone's design with its comparatively slender stern remains rather classic and the line is above all typical of the brand. The shipyard has never been keen to follow the general trend towards more volume at the front and wide sterns with chines and two rudder blades. The construction plans for the new boat naturally still come from the family-run parent company in America and, as usual, from Co-President and designer Alan Johnstone. However, the new boat will be built exclusively under licence by J Composites in Les Sables-d'Olonne on the French west coast, where almost all J/Boats brand boats are now manufactured.
Uncompromisingly good
In the test in moderate wind conditions, but with a fairly high swell, the J/40, which is already well equipped ex shipyard, delivers an extremely strong performance. The detailed test results will be published and categorised with the test in issue 19/2024. In particular, the practical cockpit layout is pleasing, with which both a well-practised regatta team and family sailors can cope well. The shipyard also makes no compromises when it comes to the equipment on deck and only installs the best and highest quality components.
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The layout below deck is also conventional and is strongly orientated towards the interior of the larger sister J/45. The standard layout is the three-cabin version with only a relatively small wet room in the foredeck. However, buyers can also order the boat with two double cabins and a large forecastle as an option. In this case, a significantly larger bathroom with shower is also installed aft.
The J/40 will cost around 374,800 euros gross with its very extensive basic equipment. At least another 15,000 euros must be added for a simple set of upwind sails (main and genoa). J/Boats and J Composites will present the J/40 as an innovation at the boot trade fair in Düsseldorf in January 2025.
Technical data J/40
- Construction: Alan Johnstone/J Composites
- Hull length: 12.47 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit): 13,21 m
- Waterline length: 11.26 m
- Width: 3.86 m
- Draught/alternative: 2.20 m/1.92 m
- Weight: 7.6 tonnes
- Ballast content: 2.9 t/38 %
- Mainsail: 54.0 m²
- Genoa (106%): 42.0 m²
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel Volvo Penta 50 hp/Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 130 litres (stainless steel tank)
- Fresh water capacity: 230 litres (+ 130 litres optional)/PVC tanks
