Every now and then a new sailboat comes along that fulfills a real need in the market. Many of them have been J-Boats. Hot off the drawing board, the J/111 is a sleek, speedy, one-design 36 footer that is the ultimate day sailing, racing and weekend cruising sailboat. J/111 is an easy-to-handle, comfortable sailboat that accelerates quickly, slices to windward at 7+ knots and hits double-digit speeds downwind.
The excitement about this boat is impressive - and for good reason. Consider just some of the reasons: The new J/111 will sport a carbon pre-preg Hall Spar. The spar design and tube section make use of ZyVex Corp's Arovex carbon nano-tube technology-- a first for the sailboat industry. The technology promises a rig that is both stronger and lighter than comparable carbon rigs. For superior lift, low VCG and maximum righting moment, the J/111 has a vertical L-shaped bulb keel comprised of a 316L formed stainless steel fin and an antimony-reinforced bulb attached to the hull with a broad SS flange. The deck plan is ultra-simplistic for maximum ease-of-use for a crew of just six people. The large 60" wheel affords superior visibility of wind, waves and the leading edge of the jib. The interior for the American market has simple cruising accommodations, a functional galley and navigation station. For more info call of office or better yet lets plan a trip to Newport to go sailing!
Performance
How does she sail? Hang on to your hats! This sailboat flies. J/111 accelerates up to speed in the slightest of puffs, thanks to a generous, high-aspect rig combined with a low wetted surface hull. Sailing efficiency is gained by maximizing the sail luff lengths and reducing foot lengths to create a balanced, non-overlapping sail plan.
When the wind and waves are up, J/111 pops up on a plane and delivers the dinghy-like, exhilarating rides that many modern designs struggle to do because of over-tweaking to handicap rules that encourage heavier, non-planing hull shapes. Turning the corner to go sailing upwind, J/111's efficient hull form and low vertical center of gravity kick in to provide the sweet weatherly handling J's are reknown for.
Versatility
The J/111 is designed to be the best performing, easiest-to-sail boat of its size on the market, while offering the creature comforts needed (6' headroom) to satisfy the occasional overnight cruise. It's all about versatility and the joy of sailing - how to have the most fun out of the time and resources invested. This is the J Boats formula for success in building local one-design fleets and it’s a pretty simple formula.
Generally, there aren’t enough owners in one area who can rationalize the expense of campaigning a single purpose (“non-versatile”) racing sailboat. There may be 20-30 owners nationally who are willing to fund a traveling program to a pinnacle event like Key West Race Week, but without the versatility to appeal to many owners, local fleets never reach the critical mass needed for long-term success. The J/111 is the next generation one-design J/Boat to fulfill the legacy of its predecessors.
Technology
The J/111 features an optimized E-glass/vinylester vacuum infused laminated hull and deck, a two metal, low-VCG bulb keel, a retractable carbon sprit, rail mounted shroud terminals (J/122 style), and a low-profile jib furler. Particular care is paid to centralizing and lowering weight both above and below decks, all critical to make the J/111 your ultimate sailing boat.
Ease
Sailboats that are easier to sail are sailed more often. It's that simple. The J/111 is the latest “sport boat” one-design from the company who introduced modern-day sprit sailing to the keelboat world (J/105 in 1991). A crew of two can fully manage the setting, jibing and dropping of the asymmetrical spinnaker where normally 5-6 are required to manage a conventional spinnaker.
With a mainsail on slides, a furling jib and large wheel that gives you fingertip control, the J/111 can be off the dock and sailing in minutes. This is a boat you can sail with friends and do it with confidence and ease. With the J/111, one's fun is not limited to coastal sailing. Whether double-handing to Mackinac, soloing to Bermuda or flying down the Baja coast with full crew, you can sail the J/111 with complete confidence and control.
Cockpit
Sailors spend more time in the cockpit than anywhere else, and this is where the J/111 shines. There's comfortable seating (with backrests) for six, easy movement afoot with floor mounted traveler and well positioned foot braces, an open transom for easy boarding, and large 60” wheel so the driver can comfortably sit on the high or low side, on any point of sail, yet still see the telltales and waves. All principal controls are led aft and the driver can adjust the mainsheet, traveler and backstay from the helm position. An optional dodger is available to give the crew additional weather protection to extend the season.
Interior
The J/111 has all the essentials below for comfortable overnights and short cruises. The main cabin features an open layout with L-shaped galley, forward facing nav station, a wet locker and two full length settee berths with option for additional fold-up sea-berths. Six can comfortably sit for dinner. Two spacious aft quarter berths are standard, as well as a private forward head and removable V-berth.
Jeff Johnstone, J/111 Video Interview
