Two world championship titles, two European championship titles and three victories at Cowes Week in England. The attractive J/112 E has brought the J/Boats brand numerous successes. Now the fast performance cruiser has been given a new deck layout based on the larger J/45 (YACHT 5/2022 test) and J/40 models, which were awarded the title of European Yacht of the Year 2025 at the Boot trade fair in Düsseldorf (YACHT 19/2024 test). The type designation has also changed: J/36.
The predecessor model J 112 E was launched in 2016 as a new development and successor to the highly successful J/109, particularly in America. Built in France at J Composites in Les Sables d'Olonne, the boat with American roots is conceptually on the sporty and performance-orientated side. As is usual with J/Boats, the design was penned by shipyard boss and in-house designer Alan Johnstone. The rather slender stern, the low freeboard and the pronounced deck moulding reflect his typical signature. And the concept of the J/122 E has set itself apart from the competition, above all with its huge steering wheel (diameter 1.50 metres).
The J/112 E in the big YACHT comparison test
The shipyard has now redesigned the deck layout for the new J/36. The most noticeable change is that the boat is now built with double wheel steering, just like the larger J/40 and the J/45. The general arrangement of the winches and fittings for guiding the sheets and lines remains unchanged. The layout with primary and secondary sheet winches on the cockpit coaming and additional halyard winches on the coachroof to the side of the companionway is favoured by ambitious regatta sailors who enjoy active sailing with a crew.
The helmsman and mainsheet trimmer sit side by side, comfortable, relaxed and with plenty of room to manoeuvre. What's more, all the relevant trimming and adjustment options (mainsheet, backstay, traveller) are within easy reach, allowing them to work efficiently. Thanks to the new configuration with double wheel steering, the helmsman now has a greater radius of action and can easily operate the rear sheet winches himself. Another advantage of two wheels is the free passage through the cockpit.
Now a relic: the extendable bowsprit
The J 122 E benefits from its long (1.85 metres) and extendable carbon fibre bowsprit, which allows a larger gennaker to be used more efficiently. The flexible trunk has long been the typical trademark of J/Boats. While the shipyard has opted for a shorter and permanently attached bowsprit for the larger J/40 and J/44 models, the long extendable spine remains part of the concept for the J/36.
Compared to the predecessor model J/112 E, both the layout below deck and the fit-out standard remain unchanged apart from minor adjustments. The hull lines converge slightly aft. The stern is narrow, so there is still a double cabin forward and a compartment aft.
The first J/36 is currently under construction at J/Composites in Les Sables d'Olonne on the French west coast, but is due to be completed soon and will then demonstrate its capabilities under sail. The shipyard is quoting a price of 239,980 euros for the market launch. Including 19% VAT for customers in Germany, the price is just under 285,600 euros. However, this price does not include the sails and electronics, which is generally the case with typical performance cruisers.
Technical data J/36
- Designer: Alan Johnstone
- Hull length: 11.00 m
- Overall length (with bowsprit extended): 11,98 m
- Waterline length: 10.66 m
- Width: 3.80 m
- Draught: 2.25 m (standard) / 1.90 m (optional short keel)
- Weight 5.1 tonnes
- Ballast/proportion: 1.9 tonnes / 37%
- Sail area downwind (main + genoa): 64.9 m2
- Gennaker: 120.0 m2
- Motorisation: Built-in diesel Volvo Penta D1-30 (29 hp) / Saildrive
