Published articles on the new J95

Archived page · 2010

Archived page (captured 2010). Model details, prices and dates may be out of date; check the manufacturer for current information.

Hoist the main, unroll the jib, lightly turn the wheel, and the new J/95 rapidly springs to life. The helm is balanced, the ride is smooth, and the boat tracks to windward within 45 degrees of the wind. It sails like you'd expect a J Boat to sail, only it does something no sailboat has done before – deliver all of the sailing performance, ease and fun of a J with only 3' of draft.

This elegant 31 foot design offers a new level of sailing joy, and broadens the daysailing and weekending horizons of those living on or near the many shallow bays, inlets, lakes and estuaries of the world. The latest in modern hull design with long waterline is combined with a low VCG (vertical center of gravity) lead keel containing a fully retractable bronze centerboard and unique twin-rudder steering system. The result is an exceptionally fast and stable boat capable of sailing in deep draft (5.5') or shallow draft (3.0') mode, it's your choice.

J/95 offers the best of both worlds... now you can moor a beautiful yacht off the end of your dock without having to limit how far you can sail in a day.

Published articles on the new J95

J Boats Launches Innovative Design

It didn't take but 30 seconds into the first sail on the new J/95 for designer Rod Johnstone to call for the centerboard to be fully raised. Moments later, the boat was sailing upwind at about 6.5 knots in about 12 knots of wind. The boat then tacked and easily fetched inside 90 degrees on the opposite board, all while the helmsman enjoyed finger-tip response on the wheel. Let's see – design a 31' boat that draws as little as 3' and then make sure it not only performs upwind, but is really fun to drive? Check off that box.

Over the next four days, the praise for the J/95 kept pouring in from all who sailed her. Most could not believe how smooth the boat was to drive, or how much of a "big boat" feel the boat has for being only 31'. This is a lot of sailboat for the length and a boat that has to be sailed to be believed.

Rod Johnstone - "the balance is perfect......I'm psyched, I've got to have one of these....my best design ever."

Al Johnstone - "fantastic -- she's the little big boat."

Ben Hall, Hall Spars - "I thought I was driving a 60 footer. She's so stable -- steering is really easy and precise."

Peter Nielsen, SAIL Editor-In-Chief - "How refreshing, something truly innovative and worthwhile to talk about."

visit Sailmagazine to read the review and watch the video.