New J/121 launched

by Yachtspot on 4 Sep 2017 The new J/121 is a 40’ offshore speedster that can be day raced or distance sailed by just 5 or less crew… the best short-handed J ever….

The first J/121 was launched in Rhode Island this week. Within 15 minutes the Southern Spars carbon deck- stepped mast was installed, shrouds pinned and the next few hours the rigging systems were assembled. By late afternoon, the design and build team, several suppliers and the new owner, were rewarded with a beautiful first sail on Narragansett Bay. The J/121 took off with the very first puff once the new carbon North Sails were raised, and even with twice the normal number of crew onboard the boat responded immediately. There is a light touch on the wheel, combined with a big boat feeling of substantial stability and control. Everyone is raving about the uniquely open, secure and comfortable cockpit design on this boat. There are versatile trimming and driving positions and clear/wide paths for crossing the boat during all manoeuvres. The twin wheel system with floor mounted traveler provides open access to the back of the boat and great visibility of headsails from the helm both while sitting and standing.

This exciting first sail and introduction to the J/121 did hint at her speed potential both upwind and down. After sailing close hauled for a few miles tacking back and forth and tweaking shroud turnbuckles, jib leads and inhaulers, the team was excited to turn the corner and try out the A2+ asymmetric spinnaker. The spinnaker filled and the boat accelerated quickly and confidently, jumping to double-digit boatspeed with ease.

Hull #1 will be featured at the Newport RI and Annapolis Shows, and hull #5 is headed for Melbourne in the early new year.

About the J/121

The J/121 is the answer for those seeking a boat that offers compelling performance with less crew, all-around sailing versatility, low maintenance, and is fully ocean capable to be delivered on its own bottom anywhere. The J/121 is a return to the shared adventure, sail-with-friends style of sailing and racing. This design hits all the hot buttons for J/sailors, but will appeal to new entrants to the sport who are drawn to turnkey adventure sailing with a pre-planned event schedule and readily available event support only the J/Network can provide.

Creating the best short-handed J ever starts with a hull shape that excels on all points of sail. Straight-line speed is the name of the game and is achieved by having a low drag, efficient hull with high form stability and exceptional balance. Add to this a highly engineered carbon rig package, an L- shaped low VCG keel, infused composite construction, and a water-ballast assist system that adds nearly 400 kilos (4 big guys) of crew weight to the rail and you have the J/121.

Simplified Sail-Handling

Handling a 40 footer with five or fewer crew requires a rig, sail and deck plan that simplifies sail handling. New technology developed for the Vendee Globe, Volvo Race and other extreme offshore sailing events, is trickling down faster than ever, particularly in new furling systems. The J/121 class sail inventory features an AP furling J1 jib, a hoistable furling J4 inside the forestay, a furling Code Zero flown from the bowsprit, and an all-purpose A2 asymmetric runner with a zip hoist and snuffer takedown. Each headsail can be furled or snuffed, meaning less hands on the foredeck and more compact sail stowage below. Combine that with a mainsail on slides that can be quickly adjusted to three different sizes (via a double reef system) and you have a versatile, manageable sail combination across most wind/sea conditions.

Versatile, Ergonomic Cockpit

J/121’s ergonomic cockpit builds upon the award-winning J/111 design, with excellent working space, protection from the elements behind a soft dodger or hard canopy, and exceptional twin steering stations that allow the driver to straddle the wheel and reach all the mainsail controls while driving. Clean line sights forward from the helm and trimming positions provide immediate gear-changing input. The hydraulic backstay system features a remote pump and release button on the forward face of each wheel binnacle. Water ballast controls are cockpit led so that the on-deck crew can easily manage tank to tank transfer. Electric primary and secondary winches are available (and class legal) for push button trimming ease.

J/121 Spacious, Open Interior

When the team needs moments of respite, the J/121 interior is clean and simple but beautifully finished with a feeling of space not often found in fast offshore racers. The interior is offered in Herreshoff classic (white with varnished trim accents) or modern GP Racer (white on white). For the “armchair navigator,” both onshore and offshore, there is no substitute for a comfortable nav station to house all of today’s modern electronics and entertainment systems. The L-shaped galley features a stove, SS sink, and large icebox with storage drawers and shelves to feed the hungry crew. Amidships settees are full-length for sleeping and offered in over/under configuration. The head/shower is aft to starboard near the companionway, perfect for offshore sailing. Forward of the main bulkhead is sail storage with an option for a removable V-berth.

For further information, please contact Ray at Yachtspot, the Australian and NZ distributor for J/Boats, based in Pittwater, NSW via Ph: 02 9997 7158, Mob: 0406 562262, e: info@yachtspot.com.au, w: www.yachtspot.com.au.