J Boats J97

Launched in 2009, the J/97 is the first J in over two decades under 32’ to combine full standing headroom and family cruising accommodation 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 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).

The J/97 has had some fantastic racing success under IRC, winning the Black Group overall at Cowes Week in 2009 and Dartmouth Regatta 2009. Since then Mike Flood’s J/97 Induljence has won the 2010 Royal Southern Yacht Club Summer Series, Mike & Jamie Holmes won IRC 3 at the 2010 Garmin Hamble Winter Series in Jika Jika and in 2012 Nick Munday on Induljence won her class in the first 2012 event the ‘Frostbite Series’ . As a result of her racing success, J/97 fleet growth has been so rapid in the UK that the first J/97 UK National Championship were held at the J-Cup in 2011 with 8 boats taking part, the class has a burgeoning one-design regatta schedule. For more details please look at J/97 on our website keyyachting.com