The All-Purpose 30' Family Cruiser-Racer
Introduced in 2009, the J/97 has rapidly attained spectacular performances in major European regattas, winning class in Spi Ouest, Cowes Week, Hamble Winter Series, Sailing World NOOD Chicago and Warsash Springs Series, to name a few. Most recently, J/97 was named 2011 IRC Boat of the Year in France (see more results below). J/97 is the first J in over two decades under 32’ to combine headroom and family cruising accommodations in a high performance, easily driven hull. With the handling ease of an asymmetric spinnaker and non-overlapping headsails, the J/97 promises to be J Boats’ most versatile design yet under 35’ to fit the needs of today’s sailing families, both young and old alike-- the ultimate combination of sailing performance and creature comforts for all! The key to creating a versatile sailboat is staying focused on the quality of the sailing experience, a trait shared by all J designs. Boats that are easily driven, easily handled, and genuinely fun to sail provide greater long-term “sailing value” to their owners than designs driven by the |
latest rating rule or designs that are over-compromised to meet the latest styling trends. Form usually follows function in good sailboat design, and the J/97 is no exception. The cockpit features full length seats with back rests, tiller steering, and a unique, partially open transom that incorporates life-raft storage. All sailing controls are within reach of the helmsperson to make the boat very easy to manage. A retractable bow sprit with masthead asymmetric spinnaker allows great all-around performance without the need for numerous skilled crew. The low VCG keel provides exceptional upwind stability while being cruising friendly with swept back leading edge and moderate draft. The interior layout is open and airy and is ideal for one couple cruising with room for more. It includes a spacious main cabin with two settees, galley, forward-facing navigation station; plus an enclosed aft head, V-berth, and aft owner’s cabin. Cruising stowage includes a large “garage” aft of the head (accessed through the cockpit seat locker). |
J/97 Regatta Results Worldwide
Event/ Year | Month | Location | Class | Results |
2012 | ||||
RORC Easter Challenge | April | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 3 | 1st & 2nd Class |
Warsash Spring Series | Apr-May | Warsash, England | IRC Class 3 | 2nd Class |
Dolphin Brewin Scottish Series | May | Tarbert, Scotland | IRC Class 2 | 1st & 2nd Class |
Round Island Race | July | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 2D | 1st & 2nd Class |
Cowes Race Week | August | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 4 | 1st Class |
Garmin Hamble Winter Series | Oct-Nov | Hamble, England | IRC Class 3 | 2nd Class |
2011 | ||||
SPI Ouest France | April | La Trinite sur Mer, France | IRC Class 3 | 1st Class |
Warsash Spring Series | Apr-May | Warsash, England | IRC Class 3 | 3rd Class |
Brewin Dolphin Scottish Series | May | Tarbert, Scotland | IRC Class 4 | 1st & 2nd, "Yacht of the Series" |
Kip Regatta | June | Kip Marina, Scotland | IRC Class 2 | 1st Class, 1st Overall |
Grand Prix du Crouesty | June | Crouesty, France | IRC Class 2 | 1st Class |
France Altlantique Trophy | July | Les Sables d'Olonne, France | IRC Class 2 | 1st Class |
Sussex Regatta | July | Sussex, England | IRC Class 2 | 1st Class, 1st Overall |
Dartmouth Regatta | July | Dartmouth, England | IRC Class 2 | 1st Class, 1st Overall |
Round Island Race | July | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 2D | 1st Class |
Cowes Race Week | August | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 4 | 2nd, 3rd Class |
Garmin Hamble Winter Series | Oct-Nov | Hamble, England | IRC Class 3 | 1st Class, "Yacht of the Series" |
FFV France IRC "Yacht of the Year" | December | Paris, France | Overall Winner | |
2010 | ||||
Sailing World "Boat of the Year" | January | Newport, RI | "Best Club Racer" Winner | |
Warsash Spring Series | Apr-May | Warsash, England | IRC Class 3 | 2nd Class |
Round Island Race | July | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 2D | 5th Class |
Chicago-Mackinac Race | July | Chicago, IL- Mackinac Is, MI | ORR Section 8 | 2nd Class |
Cowes Race Week | August | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 4 | 2nd Class |
Cowes Race Week | August | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 5 | 2nd, 4th Class |
Garmin Hamble Winter Series | Oct-Nov | Hamble, England | IRC Class 2 | 1st Class |
2009 | ||||
J/Cup Regatta | July | Southampton, England | IRC Class 2 | 1st Class |
Dartmouth Regatta | July | Dartmouth, England | IRC Class 2 | 1st Class, 1st Overall, "Yacht of the Series" |
Cowes Race Week | August | Cowes, Isle of Wight, England | IRC Class 5 | 1st Class, 1st Black Group Overall |