j 45 yacht review

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Sailboat Review: Race-ready and Cruising-compatible J/45

• By Mark Pillsbury
• November 29, 2022

Sailing performance was definitely a factor for Erik Asgeirsson when he began his search for a new sailboat. Currently the fleet captain at the American Yacht Club in Rye, New York, he’s a racing sailor and has been part of a crew who campaigned his uncle’s J/35 around the buoys for many seasons. But after years of owning a Pearson 10M, and with four daughters between the ages of 8 and 14—not to mention a fondness for the rocky coast of Maine—he also wanted a family-friendly cruising boat, which will be shared with a co-owner and his family at the club. 

By luck, Al Johnstone and the team at J/Boats had just such a dual-purpose vessel in mind when they sketched out their newest model, the J/45. They envisioned a performance-­oriented, offshore-capable sailboat that would be equally at home both on the Newport Bermuda Race starting line and on an extended cruise to anywhere.

Having launched several smaller (and a few more racing-oriented) boats in the past decade, J/Boats president Jeff Johnstone saw the J/45 as an intentional return to bigger, multipurpose boats. Speaking just ahead of the start of this year’s Newport Bermuda Race, Johnstone noted that out of the nearly 200 boats entered, more than 50 were ­ J/Boats .

But back to the new 45-footer. Asgeirsson and his partner went over the plans, liked what they saw, and ultimately took possession of Hull No. 2 this past spring at the J Composites yard in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. (J Composites is the longtime builder of J/Boats in Europe and the co-developer of the J/45 and several other models.)

Asgeirsson was aboard Acadia for a 400-mile shakedown cruise to the United Kingdom, where the boat was loaded onto a ship and delivered to Narragansett Bay in early June. 

To say he was satisfied with the boat would be an understatement. “It’s been a great project,” he told me when I arrived for a sea trial at Safe Harbor New England Boatworks in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. 

On the dock, I found a lively scene as sailmakers and techs swarmed over the boat, tweaking this and adjusting that in preparation for Acadia ’s impending delivery home to Rye.

With a dark-blue hull, slightly reversed bow, open transom, teak decks and white cabin top, Acadia makes a stunning first impression. I couldn’t help but pause to take in the carbon-fiber spar and in-boom roller furler, the no-nonsense nearly straight sheer of the deck, and the carbon-fiber bowsprit that sits atop a stainless-steel anchor roller. There was a lot there to please the eye.

Asgeirsson and his partner have added several options to the standard J/45 to enhance the dual-purpose nature of the boat, bringing the cost of  Acadia  to right around $950,000, delivered to the US. These include Harken Performa winches, one of which is electric to handle the main halyard (electric all around is also an option); a dual function hydraulic panel for the backstay and boom vang; a carbon Furler Boom from Denmark; a full quiver of top-of-the-line North Sails; and composite standing rigging from Future Fibres, another company under the North umbrella. Other add-ons include air conditioning, generator, teak in the cockpit and on the side decks (Flexiteek is standard), a suite of B&G electronics, a retractable bow thruster, and a removable inner forestay that adds numerous options when setting headsails.

On deck, I thought gear was well laid out. It’s easily accessible for a shorthanded skipper, but at the same time, there’s plenty of room in the cockpit, forward of the twin wheels and traveler, for friends and family to relax or for a racing crew to go to work. The side decks ­adjacent to the helms are at just the right height to provide the skipper with a comfortable place to sit and steer. Visibility forward is excellent. Underway, I liked the location of the drop-leaf cockpit table, which provides a rock-solid handhold when moving about, and the beveled footrest below it for bracing when heeled.

The mainsail is controlled by a double-ended German-style mainsheet, with tails reachable from either wheel. Primary winches are also nearby. Fairleads for the jib sheets are adjustable from the cockpit. A cruising sailor might set them and forget them; racers might tweak their location and further adjust sheeting angles using the friction-ring inhaulers, also led back aft.

The J/45’s side decks are wide, with raised toe rails that should ensure good footing when things get wet and ­slippery. Forward, there’s a deep sail locker that also provides access to the chain locker in the forepeak, sealed off by a watertight door.

Stepping below, I found the cruising virtues of the J/45 to be immediately ­apparent. Rather than offering the bare-bones interior of a racing machine, J/Boats turned things over to French designer Isabelle Racoupeau, who has worked with a number of European luxury yachtbuilders. 

Acadia ’s interior trim and furniture are white oak (walnut is standard), set off with plain white panels and cushions. Furniture corners are rounded to prevent boat bites, and counters have proper fiddles so that things stay put. The look is simple but elegant. 

The saloon has a dining table with U-shaped seating outboard to port and a settee opposite. The galley is just aft, to port, at the foot of the companionway; a full nav station is to starboard. Even on the cloudy day that I visited, light poured in through overhead hatches, as well as through ports in the cabin top and hull.

The J/45 can be configured in a couple of ways. The owners of Acadia opted for the three-stateroom, two-head layout (two staterooms and two heads are also available), to better accommodate family and friends. Pipe berths were included above the double berths in the after staterooms so that the kids could bring more friends (those pipe berths are a handy place to stash gear too). The owner’s en suite stateroom is forward, with stowage for owners who intend to spend a fair bit of time aboard.

The 45’s hull and deck are cored with Corecell and infused using vinylester resin. An interior grid is bonded to the hull and carries mast, rig, and engine loads. Hull No. 2 carries the standard 7-foot-6-inch lead keel (deep and shoal keel options are available).

Fittingly, Acadia ’s most stunning impression was made when we left the dock and set sail. In 13 knots of breeze and sailing closehauled, the 105 percent genoa and main quickly got us to the mid-7-knot range, and the ride was smooth. The boat responded immediately to any move of the deep, single rudder, and truly, the boat trucked along as though on rails. 

My all-too-brief trick on the wheel came early on, as we beat down the bay. I got to work through a few tacks, giving me a good sense for how easy this boat would be to handle, even without a gaggle of talented sailors aboard to tweak the control lines. Being on a tight schedule, all too soon, someone else was in the driver’s seat as we bore away and set an asymmetrical kite for the ride back up the bay—short but sweet, as they say.

So, racer? Cruiser? In which camp does the J/45 belong? Well, I’ll have to give the ­owner the last word here. “The J team’s done a fantastic job designing this dual-­purpose boat,” Asgeirsson told me at the outset. And you know, he was right.

J/45 Specifications

Mark Pillsbury is a CW editor-at-large.

• More: J/Boats , Print 2022 December , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
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2023 Boat of the Year Best Crossover: J/45

• By Dave Reed
• December 16, 2022

Sailing World Magazine’s  annual Boat of the Year tests are conducted in Annapolis, Maryland, following the US Sailboat Show. With independent judges exhaustively inspecting the boats on land and putting them through their paces on the water, this year’s fleet of new performance-sailing boats spanned from small dinghies to high-tech bluewater catamarans. Here’s the best of the best from our  2023 Boat of the Year nominees »

The Family Flagship

• Stated purpose: Offshore performance, cruising yacht, club racer
• Crew: Two to eight
• Praise for: Powerful hull shape, high-quality build, versatility
• Est. price as sailed: approx. $900,000 to 1 million

The Johnstone family and their builders take their time to get it right. It’s what makes J Boats synonymous with proper and purposeful sailing boats, which now includes the J/45. For the many legacy J Boat owners, this sailboat is for you.

“It’s been a long time since we’ve come out with a boat this size,” says designer Alan Johnstone. “A lot of different trends have come along, and we’ve been paying attention and applying them in the sportboat range and in some of our smaller racer-cruisers.”

A good current-model comparison, says Jeff Johnstone, would be the company’s J/121e, which has been very successful on the offshore racing scene. “The J/45 has over a 40 percent ballast ratio, so that’s pretty substantial,” he says. “That means we can get away with a pretty sizable rig. Our markets are San Diego, Chicago and New England, where it doesn’t blow so hard, so we wanted to be able to actually sail in 5 knots of wind. With sails that work across the wind range, we have a more powerful hull that allows you to carry more sail area.”

The J/45 is a nod to J Boats’ raison d’être, Jeff explains. It’s a boat that is offshore-capable, and easy to campaign with friends and family in the club beer-can series and overnight races. “Look at the events that are prospering,” he says, “pursuit races and cruises—events you don’t need to have a pro crew on board.”

The boat is intended for shorthanded sailing, so there’s a traditional and simple approach to the deck layout, with everything leading to the pit, through-jammers to Harken cabin-top winches (one electrified), one set of coaming primaries, and a pair of winches for the split mainsheet that runs below deck and exits from a nicely sculpted deck fitting. With twin pedestals, the carbon wheels are high and angled outboard for excellent visibility.

“When I first saw it at the dock, I thought, This is a pretty cool race boat,” Powlison says. “When you step back and look at it, it has great-looking lines. When we got on, I immediately noted the sightline from the wheel. I could see across the entire boat all the way to the bow. It’s all really clean and has the attributes you’d expect to see on a proper race boat. When we went below, I was like, wow, it really is a boat I could live on for a while.”

The owner of the boat that was test-sailed has a young family of teens and uses the boat extensively for club racing and cruising in New England. So, the boat was laden with cruising extras, plus a retractable bow thruster, a hydraulic mast jack and an upgraded Hall carbon rig. A custom addition by the owner was the carbon furling boom, which was a project collaboration between North Sails and Hall. The owner is extremely happy with the furler, especially not having to make the family flake and stack 1,152 square feet of race-worthy sails on the family cruise.

“It’s great to see the owner already racing it and doing what it’s meant for,” Allen says. “I know J Boats has wanted to do this model for a long time, and this is now its flagship. All the mechanicals are accessible, all nicely done and perfectly clean. This is a big deal for them, and it being just north of a million, I think this boat will appeal to a new level of client.” [Eds. note: After publication Jeff Johnstone clarified the judge’s quoted price “as sailed”: “Base price is $695k with carbon rig, and a sail-away budget with extensive systems would be somewhere in the $900,000 to $1 million range.”

“I had full control through the jibes and tacks. My sense was that it just kept trucking through all the changes in the conditions.” —Dave Powlison

Stewart has a keen eye for a fast hull and says the J/45 gets its appeal from its subtle curved sheer line and the long, low cabin top. “It’s got a nice hull form too; it’s wide aft, but not unnecessarily wide. Still, there’s good volume for the length.”

Enough of the looks. How does it sail in 10 to 15 knots and moderate chop?

“It was definitely fingertip steering,” Powlison says. “It was really easy to turn—I had full control through the jibes and tacks, and my sense was that it just kept trucking through all the changes in the conditions. I could easily follow the breeze, and for a boat this big, I felt it was very responsive on the helm.”

Allen did his fair share of upwind driving with an experienced crew for the rail weight and sail trim. The midrange breeze for the test sail, Allen says, was the boat’s sweet spot. “When we lock into a puff, the boat leans over just a bit, the helm loads up a touch, and then the boat takes off. At times it did feel a little underpowered in the lulls, but in the 12 to 14, getting to 8.5 was easy and it would just stay there. And even with all the cruising stuff on the boat, downwind was awesome. With the A2, the boat can happily get to 155 to 147 with a little rocked-over weather heel. It was fun.”

“It was good on the fingertip control as promised,” was Stewart’s assessment. “It’s light and responsive, and the wheels had zero play. The rudder had a lot of bite, and the boat was—as described by the designer—a stable and powerful boat.

“On top of that, it had great sails, was well-prepared, had good sailors on board, and showed perfectly to its potential.”

• More: 2023 Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year , Print Winter 2023 , Sailboats
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J/45 Review

In this review we will talk about the new cruising sailing yacht J/45, presented by the shipyard J/Boats as an offshore racing sailboat, which can be successfully used for long autonomous family sailing. An unparalleled level of comfort ensures the convenience of life on board. High speed, as well as other seaworthiness qualities, including the comfortable control of the yacht, complete the picture.

This vessel is the culmination of three years of work by the J/Boats North American team, as well as the J/Composites shipyard division based in Les Sables d'Olonne. Later they were joined by Berret Racoupeau Yacht Design represented by the famous designer of large yachts Isabelle Racoupeau, who developed the interior design, layout and ergonomics.

A manufacturer of racing cruisers with a proven track record in offshore and inshore racing, J/Boats is trying to take things to new heights. The task was to create the most comfortable cruiser without losing the seaworthiness of a racing yacht.

Since the introduction of the new boat in the spring of 2021, based on nothing more than documentation and brochures, it has become clear that a group of naval architects and designers seem to have coped with their task. Further testing at sea of the first samples fully confirmed these hopes.

Today we clearly see that the J/45 sailing cruiser is primarily intended for long-term sailing of a family of 4 or a small group of friends who can not only live on board in comfortable conditions on the high seas, but also participate in offshore racing.

J/45 was highly appreciated by the yachting community. She straightaway became the owner of two most prestigious awards: Cruising World’s “2023 Boat of the Year” and "Best Performance Cruiser", as well as Sailing World’s “2023 Boat of the Year” and "Best Crossover Winner".

Features of Review J/45

• Brand: J/Boats
• Hull type: Sailing yacht
• Overall length, m: 13.85
• Width, m: 4.25
• Draft, m: 2.32
• Displacement, T: 9.9
• Air draft, m: 2.3
• Water tanks, l: 2 x 200
• Exterior design (Architect): Alan Johnstone
• Interior Design: Isabelle Racoupeau
• CE Certification: A
• Mainsail type: Fully battened
• Jib type: Genoa
• Mainsail area, m²: 180
• Jib area, m²: 121
• Engine: Volvo 60HP
• Optional engine: Volvo 75 HP
• Fuel tanks, l: 200

Price calculator

J/45 review by toprik team.

TopRik team saw the J/45 racing cruiser for the first time at Cannes 2021. Then we already realized that the yacht would become the flagship of the shipyard.

In this motley crowd of yachts, flags and advertising posters, it was difficult to see the elegant lines of this stunning sailboat, which combined North American pragmatism and French charm. The first manifested itself in the nautical characteristics of the boat, and the second - in its ergonomic contours and elegant interiors of the living quarters.

All the extra comfort required extra volume and weight, but the architects tried to keep the displacement low, although the J/45 is still heavier than some cruising sailboats of this size. The developers have ensured that when the yacht is fully loaded, the performance is optimized in such a way that the weight of the boat does not affect its handling and speed.

When making the hull, the method used was vacuum injection of vinyl ester resin into the composite fiberglass materials from which the boat is made. The vacuum infusion method prolongs the life of the yacht as it prevents the osmosis process. Hull lamination provides the necessary structural rigidity, which improves maneuvering and other sailing properties, and increases resistance to mechanical stress.

Two Helms for One Rudder

Traditionally, let's start with a survey of the cockpit, where two control posts are installed. J/Boats is a single rudder lover and the J/45 is no exception.

The main tools are placed on the helm panel - a multifunctional marine display, control of the thruster, autopilot, etc.

Immediately behind the helms are large winches. Halyards and sheets do not clutter up the deck, they are placed in a separate panel, the backstay is hydraulic. A large locker is intended for the cables. Two more winches are located on the sides of the cabin roof.

Safe movement in the cockpit and on deck is provided by the bulwark and handrails on the deckhouse roof.

The cockpit and decks, as well as the cockpit’s benches, are covered with anti-slip material.

Offshore Race or Cruise?

With this yacht, such a question is trivial - it’s both. You can also use it for pleasant long passages, using sails or an engine if necessary.

You just have to decide on the layout of the cabins. For family cruising, two cabins are ideal, each with its own bathroom. The owner's cabin is located in the bow of the yacht and provides significant living space.

And if you choose the option with three cabins, then the inhabitants of two of them will have to use a shared bathroom.

If you opt for the two-cabin version, you also get a huge cockpit locker, where you can store not only all your diving equipment, but also an inflatable dinghy.

Another large locker is located on the bow, it is designed to store the sails. There is also a box for the anchor chain and water tanks. This apparent oversaturation of equipment in the stern and bow of the boat, and not in its center, just serves to optimize the handling of this sailing cruiser.

Comfort of Life on Board

If we are talking about a cruise, then we assume that people (or the sole traveler) will spend a fairly long time on board. The cabins on this boat are clearly designed for maximum comfort for sailboats of this size: large cozy double beds, wardrobes and shelves for storage.

In the owner's cabin of the 2-cabin version, a peninsula bed and an additional pouffe are provided. In this case, as we noted above, the residents have separate bathrooms for each cabin.

All rooms located below deck have sufficient comfortable height. They have access to natural light through the side and ceiling windows.

The same can be said about the saloon, which is just filled with light. This is a fairly spacious room, which includes a skipper's place with a separate table and seat. The navigation spot is equipped with a chartplotter , communications equipment and other useful things.

Opposite to it is a full-fledged galley with a stove, refrigerator, sink, where fresh water is supplied, and table for cooking.

The dining area has a folding table, which, if desired, can be transformed into an extra bed. Around it are soft sofas and seats with pillows. Opposite is another sofa. The vibe is conducive to communication and relaxation in a pleasant environment.

Sitting in the saloon, the skipper can watch the sails through the large hatch in the roof. A ladder with wide steps provides quick access to the cockpit.

Comfort under Sail

Who says it's impossible on a racing sailboat? It all depends on what you put into this concept. We liked that the sailing yacht J/45 did not require to use excessive force for managing it. We came to the conclusion that the sailing rig is equally comfortable and easy to manage both at wind speeds of 7 and 20 knots. In both cases, a combination of mainsail and staysail will be enough for you, and when the wind speed changes, you do not have to change sailing equipment, as is required by heavier cruiser sailboats.

It is also important that even with a light wind you don’t have to use engines, which allows you to save on fuel and avoid polluting the environment.

The rudder is obedient to the helms, and the helms respond to the lightest touch. This ease of handling is due to the low center of gravity, the ergonomic shape of the hull and the intelligent distribution of equipment below deck, as mentioned above. As a result, the draft and wetted area are minimal for a boat of this size and weight, which pleased us with excellent maneuvering in various wind speeds.

Advantages of J/45

I don’t even want to trifle and note some noticed shortcomings, since they are far outweighed by the advantages of this magnificent sailing cruiser. Well, except that one can note a tendency towards a larger roll angle, which is explained by the presence of one rudder. So-so disadvantage, you see, not even worth attention. It noted by our afficionado of boats with two rudders. Another crew member wished there was more storage space.

Yet the advantages of the sailing racing cruiser J/45 were appreciated by all those who conducted the review, including the picky ones.

• Security. This point is especially important, since the boat is primarily intended for family cruises. Safety on board is facilitated by the hull manufacturing method, which eliminates the osmosis process and provides the boat with high impact resistance.
• Quality. The team of architects and designers has carefully selected the required marine equipment, engines, sailing equipment, galley and bathroom equipment from the best manufacturers in each field.
• Complete set. All reviewers of the J/45 note the impressive list of standard sailboat equipment. It even includes parts that other shipyards consider optional, and for which the buyer must pay on top of the cost of the boat. On the J/45 you can sail with confidence even with standard equipment.
• Multifunctionality. The J/45 can serve as a reliable cruiser for the family, as well as an offshore racing sailboat for a group of friends or rented out for commercial purposes.
• Cabin options offer a two-cabin/two-bath version or a three-cabin/two-bath version.
• Upholstery options for furniture and walls, including furniture finishing with white oak, teak or walnut veneer.
• Large list of options for on-board equipment and additional comfort.

Reviews of J /45 from Professionals

When Toby Heppell wrote this review, the first copy of the J/45 was just under construction. This was the first review by a professional yachtsman and journalist of the sailing yacht announced by J/Boats in 2021. The review was posted in Yachting Monthly in May, and by the beginning of summer the first J/45 had already been presented to the maritime community and did not disappoint them.

Toby Heppell noted back then that this sailing yacht was intended for sailing enthusiasts. As the author writes, the J/45 confidently maintains the high seaworthiness that is so valued in J/Boats sail cruisers. After all, the shipyard, known for its racing cruisers, pays more attention to the racing performance of these popular models than to their cruising qualities.

But the latest yacht, presented by J/Boats, pleasantly surprised even the most experienced yachtsmen, successfully combining all the qualities for safe cruising and high-speed sailing in this swift and elegant model.

The author is sure that this new high-performance cruiser will be fun to operate, and at the same time, in a long autonomous voyage, you will be provided with increased comfort for life on board.

Toby Heppell cites the shipyard's assurance that the majority of vessels built by J/Boats are used by owners specifically for cruising, despite the fact that the brand is usually referred to as manufacturers of yachts for racing, which provide relative comfort on board.

In the case of the J/45, the shipyard catered to yachtsmen and cruising yacht owners who wanted a more spacious sailing racer with high performance and the highest level of comfort possible.

We see, that three years of cooperation between naval architects from the American and French departments of the shipyard, as well as the involvement of the famous yacht interior designer Isabelle Racoupeau were not in vain. Their brainchild meets all the requirements for the perfect combination of a sailing racer and a cruiser.

The minimum possible wetted surface area and displacement were achieved under such conditions. This ensured good seaworthiness in light winds and the possibility of a minimum engine usage even during long passages.

Thanks to these solutions, the overall weight of the yacht has been reduced also. This made it possible to use sailing equipment of a smaller size and make it more convenient to control.

The fact that the boat is able to withstand adverse weather conditions is indicated by its ability to withstand roll (ballast ratio is 42%), the presence of a bulbous keel and a draft of 2.3 m.

Toby Heppell noted that even the J/45's standard equipment and control systems provide efficient maneuvering, high seaworthiness and comfortable living on board. Standard equipment includes high power winches, gennaker deck equipment, carbon bowsprit and other marine equipment that other manufacturers list as options that can only be ordered in addition to the main specification.

Correspondent of the Yachting World gave a brief and precise description of the new J/Boat already in the title of their review. Rupert called the J/45 "fast cruiser with timeless appeal". And as an addition, the review was illustrated with a video of testing the yacht at sea from Toby Hodges, who is also the author for the Yachting World.

Being on board the yacht, Rupert Holmes noted that the J/45 is a classic J/Boat that any yachtsman recognizes at first sight. But it’s 13.7 m (45 ft) cruiser that's more comfortable and comes with luxury extras like air conditioning.

During the voyage, sailing at 7.5 knots, the test team caught up with the 16.8 m (55 ft) yacht. But then they lost speed on the leeward side. And then, with the help of a mainsail spin, the yacht moved closer to the wind by 5 degrees, and the team again outstripped the big boat.

The author does not see revolutionary changes, but notes a significant evolution of the J/45 compared to its predecessors. She remains true to the shipyard’s classic feel, as evidenced by her moderate beam, low freeboard and a single rudder.

Design features provide a pleasant sailing in light winds, and at the same time - the ability to overcome problems in adverse weather.

The new J/Boat is just as responsive to sail trim, accelerating well in 8 knots true wind. The author claims that the team accelerated at a speed of 7.5 knots upwind.

When the wind speed increased above 10 knots, the team reduced the power by increasing the backstay tension. With a true wind of 13 knots and an angle of 42°, the speed of the boat reached 8.4 knots. In strong winds, the optimal tacking angles slightly exceed 70°.

The German mainsheet system facilitates the adjustment of the sail trim against the wind thanks to winches, installed very conveniently in front of the helm stations. By adjusting the backstay tension, which changes the shape and power of the mainsail, it is easy to reduce the power of the sails when the wind increases.

The author paid tribute to the shipyard J/Boats, which, according to him, was never afraid to go its own way. And although the J/45 concept, according to Rupert Holmes does not break the established boundaries, that is exactly what the fans of the brand will like.

The author is confident that yachtsmen committed to the brand will appreciate the responsive handling that provides directional accuracy with given parameters, high performance when changing angle and speed of the wind, as well as the ability of the yacht to travel on engines during light wind, which is especially important for long voyages.

In conclusion, Rupert once again dwelled on the impressive standard specification and attention to detail. He singled out one of these details in particular – you are able to fasten down the cabin sole board, exactly in accordance with the rules of World Sailing for offshore racing which also applies to cruising rallies such as ARC.

Video Reviews of J/45

Here’s what this yacht is able to show off on camera.

In this one you get more full explanation of different features of the boat, including life on board:

Very detailed review by Yachting World – a lot of valuable information in 15 minutes:

Simple walkthrough of the interior:

More incredible footage both at sea and on board:

TopRik team's review of the J/45 racing sail cruiser, the results of which are confirmed by other authoritative sources - journalists and yachtsmen of the leading yachting media - allow us to conclude:

• the yacht perfectly combines the properties of a racing sailboat with excellent seaworthiness and a comfortable cruise ship;
• thanks to convenient and simple control, the boat is perfect for lovers of high-speed sailing alone (for experienced sailors) or a small team of yachtsmen;
• the speed characteristics and maneuverability of the J/45 confirm that the boat can successfully participate in offshore yacht racing;
• ease of handling, careful selection of safe and reliable equipment, increased comfort on board, elegant interior, layout of cabins at the request of the owner allow the yacht to be used for long cruising by both a married couple or a family of any size;
• the boat is ideal for a romantic sailing for two, especially if the couple loves speed;
• this is an excellent investment choice for those involved in the charter industry - such a versatile and comfortable yacht, capable of accommodating up to 10 people, will not stay idle waiting for clients.

The J/45 sailing racing cruiser is a prestigious acquisition for corporate use, which will emphasize the commitment of the company's team to a healthy lifestyle and will strengthen its team spirit.

This reliable and safe yacht is suitable for anyone who loves sailing, who loves the speed and romance of the sea, who enjoys the opportunity for energetic sports, who feels the joy of steering a powerful vessel and those entrepreneurs, who are ready to provide others with all these feelings by renting out a magnificent J/45.

Where to Buy J/45 at a Bargain Price

When you decide that it's time to buy a J/45, just visit our marketplace and the topRik team will take care of everything else.

All employees of the marketplace are professional current yachtsmen who have a combined knowledge of all yachts, boats, motor boats and marine equipment that are presented on the website. We provide our clients with a full range of services before the purchase of a J/45 yacht:

• we provide comprehensive consultations on all issues of selection, configuration, cost, design and delivery;
• we give practical advice on each model so that your expectations are fully justified;
• we never impose unnecessary options or equipment - we only suggest how to improve the capabilities of the yacht in full accordance with your needs - the choice is always up to you;
• we select not only convenient, but also the most profitable payment option for you;
• we ourselves negotiate with the manufacturer of the package that you have approved;
• we deliver the yacht to a specified place;
• we provide the yacht with all the necessary equipment and accessories that are not provided in the standard configuration and options - cables, fenders , watermaker , etc.

If necessary, we will provide professional training in our yachting school SimpleSail, after which you will receive a certificate for IYT Yacht Training Course "International Bareboat Skipper" .

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Yachting Monthly

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Preview: J/45 – the J/boat with cruising in mind

• Toby Heppell
• May 2, 2021

The latest yacht to be announced from J/Boats is firmly aimed at the cruising market - though it should maintain the performance for which this marque is so highly regarded

J/Boats are known predominantly for their cruiser-racers, which usually lean rather more towards the racing side of the name than the cruising.

The all new performance cruiser from J/Boats, however, the J/45 is intended as a long-distance yacht that’ll be fun to sail, as well as being civilised when spending extended periods of time on board.

Though the J/Boat brand is seen by many as the preserve of those with an interest in racing as well as a boat that is able to be cruise in relative comfort, the manufacturer says more than half the 15,000 J/Boats built to date are used solely for cruising.

Of the cruising owners, many report that they would like a larger yacht with a greater level of comfort, over and above outright performance considerations. 

As such, the J/45 is the the result of a three-year collaboration between the north American and French arms of the company. In addition, Isabelle Racoupeau brought her interior design expertise to the project.

Much of the focus, then has been on maximising interior volume and comfort, while maintaining an elegant profile. Minimal wetted surface area and light displacement should promote good performance in light airs and minimise the need to use the engine for propulsion while on passage.

This associated weight saving from these decisions has allowed for a smaller, more easily handled rig. A 42% ballast ratio allied to a choice of 2.1m, 2.3m or 2.6m draught bulbed keels promises an ability to ride out heavy weather.

Much thought and analysis has also gone into the systems and equipment, which are optimised for efficient sail handling and manoeuvring, along with comfortable living. As a result the standard specification is unusually high, including the carbon bowsprit, oversize winches and gennaker deck hardware, that manufacturers typically list as expensive extras.

The first boat is currently in build and is scheduled for delivery early summer.

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Interesting Sailboats

Wednesday, january 12, 2022, j 45, outstanding on the first test.

You can download it here when it is available:

https://www.yacht.de/yachten_jollen/neue_boote/j-45-die-ersten-fotos-vom-yacht-test

https://interestingsailboats.blogspot.com/2021/10/j45-in-detail.html  

If we compare the J45 4.25m beam with the ones of the new very successful tendency for very beamy cruisers, like the Hanse 460  (4.79m beam and 200 boats in order or already sold), we would have to consider the J45 as having a moderate beam. Only if we compare it with performance cruisers will it be among the beamier ones, if we don't consider boats like Pogo, that are maximized for trade wind sailing. The Pogo 44 (42ft) has already a 4.50m beam.

I do really like a lot this boat and the only thing I would change in what regards looks would be the deck finish, using grey kiwigrip. I believe it would be the right finish for this boat. 

Hallo Paulo, thanks for sharing your thoughts and analysis. FYI - yacht.de did an online survey on who should win the EYOTY ... see here: https://www.yacht.de/aktuell/panorama/leservotum-europas-yachten-des-jahres-2022-stimmen-sie-ab- A majority of voters would elect the J/45 as winner among performance cruisers (33%). The Pogo 44 comes second (27%), then the Solaris (24%). The JPK 39 only got 12%. Let's see how the jury will decide ...

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Discovering J/Boats new J/45

J/Boats has always been adept at turning out fast yachts but it’s been a while since they’ve built a ‘big’ boat. The new J/45 changes that as Sam Jefferson discovers 

I think it’s safe to say that J/Boats has never been afraid to follow its own path when it comes to designing yachts. Their ethos, laid down by company founder and designer Alan Johnstone back in the 1980s was always to produce fast, relatively simple cruiser/racers. There was no particular secret to their success; Johnstone always started with a relatively narrow, easily driven hull and added a moderately deep lead keel, spade rudder and generous sail plan and let the boats do the talking. It’s a simple formula but, by god, it works a treat. Along the way, iconic yachts such as the J/35 have developed a fearsome reputation on the racecourse while also being easily adapted as fast cruisers. Which brings me to the new J/45. Their latest boat, launched in 2021, is a boat that is theoretically aimed at the cruising end of the market. But this takes some believing when you a slashing down Southampton Water at 9kn, having made minimum effort. 

The boat follows the typical J/Boats formula; relatively narrow (4.25m) beam, light (10,000kg) displacement, a very high (41.9%) ballast ratio and a decent sized rig. The result; a bewitchingly rapid boat which is at its strongest upwind and is equally adept in light or heavy airs. There’s nothing particularly sophisticated about the approach; the boats are constructed using vacuum infusion to save weight and the hull and deck are balsa cored to keep things light, but there’s no carbon. It’s just a case of pragmatic design and construction technique keeping weight down. When I say this boat has a narrow beam, that is perhaps a little misleading. For example, the Solaris 44 has 4.18m of beam. The difference is that the J/45 has considerable taper aft, giving the boat a very different look from behind and ensuring that twin rudders are not an option. It’s a retro approach that is consistent with all J/Boats in the past and the payback is less wetted surface area and a little less weight – which all adds up to more speed upwind and in light airs. – plus it pays off when it comes to IRC/ORC rating. The price you pay is slightly less power in heavy downwind conditions and a little bit more of a roly-poly motion – in addition, the aft cabins will be slightly less spacious. It’s a p[rice I’m willing to pay. The keel is L-shaped with a lead bulb and you have the option of a 2.1m or 2.6m monster. In terms of interior layout, there is a choice of one or two aft cabins. If you go for only one cabin aft, you get a bigger day heads with separate shower stall, plus a bigger port side lazarette in the cockpit. I tested the three cabin version. 

The overall look of the boat is pleasing. Freeboard has been kept low and the boat looks sleek and stylish. There will be some who find the narrow transom a touch retro but I, for one, do not. The twin spreader mast is 9/10 fractionally rigged and  keel stepped. Carbon fibre for the mast is an option that will set you back a further £43,000. The boat is, however, well specced as standard. There is rod rigging with the lowers set outboard and a hydraulic backstay and vang tensioner. In a number of ways the boat does actually break with J/Boats tradition; this is their first boat with a dreadnought bow, for example, while the retractable bowsprit has been ditched in favour of a fixed one. This struck me as a bit of a shame, although I can see that the retractable one must be expensive to produce and can end up being a weak (or at least leaky) spot. I guess a dreadnought bow requires a sprit with integrated anchor roller in order to function but it seems a shame. One other thing to note is that this boat is produced in France. I was blissfully unaware of this fact, but many of their models are now made at their factory in Les Sables D’Olonne. Zut Alors! Pourquoi? I hear you cry. Well, the fact is that Europeans like J/Boats more than Americans these days and J/Boats took the pragmatic decision to relocate a lot of their manufacturing to France. Good news for us as it means the factory is closer and production times will be that bit quicker. 

Getting on board this boat is a good deal easier than on many 45 footers because the freeboard has been kept low – definitely a massive plus. Stepping into the cockpit, you are aware that all that taper aft makes for a smaller space. This is not necessarily a bad thing when racing a yacht as it means everything is close to hand and you feel slightly more enclosed. Certainly I found the boat comfortable well thought out ergonomically. This is the first J/Boat with twin helms and I liked the small, unfussy binnacles. There is a half height bathing platform and a decent sized aft lazarette that swallowed up copious numbers of fenders. The lid for this was on gas struts which prevented it from being raised 100% horizontally which was a mild annoyance though easily remedied. Step forward of the helm and the traveller is right there to hand with two decent sized Performa winches either side which you’d generally use for the mainsheet. 

Continuing forward, there is a fixed cockpit table and extra storage under the cockpit seats – as mentioned, those who choose to have only one cabin aft will benefit from a much larger starboard side cockpit locker. This boat did not have it so the main storage was in the aft lazarette. There are two further winches for the headsails and then a third pair on the coachroof for the running rigging. On the test boat, one mainsheet winch and one coachroof winch were electrically powered. The layout is very good for sailing although J/Boats has eschewed the increasing trend towards making the forward end of the cockpit purely for relaxation and keeping the aft end of the boat as the ‘working’ area. Up forward, the side recks were wide and the handholds were good. At the bow, perhaps the notable thing was the lack of a designated sail locker.

The companionway is long and means that the stairs down into the saloon are inclined at a nice angle., Once down below, you find yourself in a nice space with a pleasant light oak finish that contrasts nicely with the dark cockpit sole. Along each side are curved cupboards reminiscent of the Dehler 46, although these are lighter and less aggressively masculine than on the Dehler. There are twin portlights set into the hull which augment the feeling of light and space. The whole thing is a contrast to the J/Boats of yore which were often very simple to the point of being spartan. This had a feeling of quality and the lack of creaks as you walked around was also notable. The layout features an L-shaped galley to port. This has a big fridge freezer set into worktop plus a slide out fridge providing more than adequate chilled storage. There are nice deep fiddles on the Corian kitchen worktop and it is a nice space to prepare food. Forward of this is a U-shaped seating area with comfortable seating around this table for five. J/Boats haven’t bothered with the drop down table that converts into a double which is fair enough for a boat of this class.  On the starboard side there is a sofa that could be turned into a single berth if needs be. Aft of this is a chart table which is a decent size and is well finished. 

Up forward is the master suite and this is a generous size and has a lot of space aft of the bad for getting dressed. There is a double ensuite featuring a separate shower that provides a good level of space. Heading back aft and there are twin aft cabins with generous standing headroom and space in front of berth. The berths themselves are good sized doubles and there is plenty of light in here thanks to three portlights plus a good sized cupboard for clothes. The day heads is just abaft the chart table on the starboard size. On the three cabin version this heads compartment  is pretty tight for space with no standalone shower. On the two cabin version this is an altogether roomier space. There are USB ports in each cabin which is a nice touch that is surprisingly often overlooked. All in all, there was a feeling that J/Boats had put more care the normal into ensuring this was a pleasant environment for the cruising sailor. The only real oversight was perhaps the lack of a hanging locker for damp waterproofs.

We tested the boat in Southampton Water and we blessed with a superb day for a test sail with great gusts of up to 20kn thundering playfully through and then lulling away to 10kn or so. It was a great day to test the capabilities of the boat – although we decided that caution was the better part of valour and did not unleash the gennaker. We did, however go with a full main and no 2 jib which – at least in theory – was plenty of canvas for such boisterous conditions. The boat is equipped with bow thrusters, so leaving the berth was no problem and once we had the sails up, the boat unfurled her potential. Before we had a chance to trim the sails, we were off, immediately hitting 9kn. The speed rarely dipped below this despite the gusts and lulls. What’s more, the boat was at times palpably over canvassed but was never overpressed and the rudder hung in there providing masses of grip even when the boat was right over on its ear. As mentioned, the J/45 has an exceptionally high ballast ratio, making for a stiff boat. However, her slender hind quarters means she heels a fair bit when pressed. What I will say is that, by merit of being a bit narrower aft, heeling over very hard was far less alarming than it is on many contemporary designs which are so wide aft that when you are heeled hard over it feels like you are perched on the edge of a precipice. Anyway, the boat was impeccable. The steering had great feel and grip, the boat danced into and accelerated hard out of tacks and retained her poise even when battered by the fiercest of gusts. What is more, this is a boat that has already gained a reputation for being fast in the light stuff. Good in light, good in heavy, where’s the catch? Some point to her narrower hindquarters making her more of a roller in downwind conditions – I guess they are talking about a transatlantic crossing. Yet compare this boat with some of the old skinny sterned IOR designs and really, she may roll slightly more than some of her fat bottomed modern contemporaries but she’ll make up for it a million times over by ghosting in light airs and blasting upwind. Overall, the boat was a joy and inspired confidence while providing sailing pleasure. 

Sam’s verdict

J/Boats reputation for fine, fast yachts is well deserved and this new boat will only embellish this. The boat is a superlative performer that is everything a cruiser/racer should be; easily handled, impeccably behaved, comfortable down below and, most importantly of all, impressively quick. There is little not to like in this boat. Some may point to the slightly narrower aft sections and say J/Boats stubbornness is holding them back. To me, it ensures the boat offers something different and very alluring. I suppose it works the other way in that I think the adoption of the dreadnought bow and loss of retractable pole is a bit of a shame. 

Specifications

LOA: 13.85m (45’6”)

LWL: 12.56m (41’2”)

Beam: 4.25m (13’11”)

Draught: 2.32m (7’7”)

Displacement:10,400kg (22,900lb)

Ballast:4,150kg (9,150lb)

Sail area (100% foretriangle):117.6m2 (1,266ft2)

Engine: 60hp saildrive

Fuel: 200lt 

Water:350lt  

Sail area/disp ratio: 25.9

Disp/length ratio: 139

Designer:Alan Johnstone

Builder:j-boats.com

UK broker: Key Yachting – keyyachting.com 

Price:ex VAT €458,380

Alternative boats

The Danish answer to the performance cruiser is a boat that is a tad wider and a touch heavier than the J/45. In fact she is only 2cm wider but that beam is pulled well aft giving her more power when running downwind. The interior is beautifully finished in the Scandinavian style.

x-yachts.com

Here you have an example of a boat that has followed the Med cruising concept to its natural conclusion. This is a fast, stylish yacht with pleasingly uncluttered decks and fine attention to styling down below. THe Solaris is roughly the same displacement as the J/45 and is actually a narrower boat but with beam carried aft, that’s not obvious.

solarisyachts.com

In some ways the Arcona 465 shares much with the J/45 in that designer Steffan Qviberg opted to stick to his principles and retain relatively narrow lines aft. The boat is a touch lighter than the J/45 and 1cm narrower. The interior is in the same Scandinavian vein as the X 45; stylish and conservative with much lustrous mahogany finish.

Seyachts.com

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• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

First look: J/45 and Linjett 39

• April 6, 2021

Rupert Holmes casts his eye over the some of the latest new yachts for 2021 and picks out three interesting models, the J/45, Solaris 60 and Linjett 39

Manufacturers are continuing to design and build innovative new boats in 2021. This month, we’re looking at three new yachts for 2021. The J/45 is a novel departure for J-Boats , which is aimed squarely at cruising sailors, while the Linjett 39 is a modern performance cruiser from the Swedish marque.

The J/45 is a new performance cruiser intended as a long-distance yacht that’ll be fun to sail, as well as being enormously civilised when spending extended periods of time on board.

It’s the result of a three-year collaboration between the north American and French arms of the company. In addition, Isabelle Racoupeau brought her interior design expertise to the project.

The premise behind the J/45 recognises that more than half the 15,000 J/Boats built to date are used solely for cruising, and that many of those owners would like a larger yacht with a greater level of comfort.

The J/45 promises to be a larger yacht with a greater level of comfort

Guiding principles that informed design decisions include maximising interior volume and comfort, while maintaining an elegant profile.

In addition, the aim was for minimal wetted surface area and light displacement in order to promote good performance in light airs and thereby minimise the need to use the engine for propulsion while on passage.

This weight saving allows for a smaller, more easily handled rig, while a 42% ballast ratio allied to a choice of 2.1m, 2.3m or 2.6m draught bulbed keels promises an ability to ride out heavy weather .

The J/45 is intended to be civilised when spending extended periods of time on board

Much thought and analysis has also gone into the systems and equipment on the J/45, which are optimised for efficient sail handling and manoeuvring, along with comfortable living. As a result the standard specification is unusually high, including the carbon bowsprit, oversize winches and gennaker deck hardware, that manufacturers typically list as expensive extras.

The first boat is currently in build at J-Composites in France for a Mediterranean-based client and is scheduled for delivery early this summer.

Specifications:

Hull length: 13.85m 45ft 6in LWL: 12.56m 41ft 2in Beam: 4.25m 13ft 11in Draught: (std keel) 2.29m 7ft 6in Displacement: 9,900kg 21,800lb Price ex VAT: €429,980 Builder: www.jboats.com

The latest model from Sweden’s Rosättra yard, the Linjett 39, is intended as a fast cruiser with a sleek hull shape and powerful rig that is easy to sail shorthanded.

At the same time additional freeboard and a higher coachroof relative to earlier models create a greater feeling of light and space on board.

An unusual aspect among today’s new yachts is the more traditional raked stem. This keeps the bows a little further from danger when mooring or anchoring bows-to a rocky shore in the natural harbours of Sweden’s archipelagos.

To minimise weight without compromising stiffness, construction is of vacuum-infused vinylester, with a Divinycell foam sandwich. Structural frames made of unidirectional fibres reduce the dependency on the main bulkhead, which opens up options for the internal layout.

This has allowed a more open saloon to be created, as well as a larger heads forward, plus a further space for a shower and storage of foul weather gear aft.

Several orders have already been confirmed and the first boat is scheduled to be afloat this summer.

LOA: 12.15m / 39ft 10in LWL: 11.00m / 36ft 1in Beam: 3.95m / 13ft 0in Draught: 2.15m / 7ft 1in Displacement: 8,700kg / 19,200lb Price ex VAT: €296,000 Builder: www.linjett.se

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J/Boats J/45, a Bluewater Model Conceived By Life-Long Sailors

The new J/Boats J/45, debuting in Europe at Cannes Yachting Festival 2022 , is a true bluewater sailing yacht, designed and built for the sea by life-long sailors. The J/Boats and J/Composites teams have collaborated to create a special design for discerning sailors seeking an exceptional sailing experience. 

The J/45 can be sailed solo, cruised by 2-3 couples or large family, and pleasure sailed or raced with room for the whole crew. This is an investment-grade sailboat that won’t require a professional crew to sail, handle or maintain.

J/45, built with advanced technology

The J/45 is built strong by J/Composites (in the Vendee region of  France ) with the latest advanced composite resin infusion technology – twice as strong as hand-laid fiberglass boats. J/Composites was the first European-based shipyard to adopt the patented SCRIMP resin infusion system in the mid-’90s and is now one of the most experienced sailboat builders in the world for sandwich/infusion construction.

Anchoring the internal structure of the J/45 hull is an extensive composite grid and series of structural composite bulkheads that are bonded to the hull and deck.

The combination of advanced composite construction, an easily driven hull shape, and low center-of-gravity results in the stability and smooth sailing motion normally reserved for larger yachts. The J/45 comes to critical components like composite materials, keel, spars, winches, and deck hardware, which all contribute to a comfortable motion while sailing.

With the J/45, the same main and jib combination that performs in 6 knots of wind can be “de-powered” to perform in 20 knots – no sail change needed. This cuts crew work in half compared to constant sail-changing needed on heavier cruisers.

J/Boats J/45: the interiors

The J/45 breaks new ground for J/Boats for interior design and comfort thanks to French interior designer Isabelle Racoupeau. Working in close collaboration with the J/Composites Shipyard, Racoupeau has brought her vast experience in cruising yacht design to create a beautifully finished and elegant interior befitting the newest cruising J . 

Owners may choose from a two cabin/two head or a three cabin/two head interior arrangement. One can further personalize the interior finish with three choices of wood (white oak, teak, or walnut) and extensive upholstery options. A wide range of onboard systems is available (air conditioning, heat, sound system, etc) to enhance cruising comfort.

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With a racer-cruiser pedigree, this performance cruiser will make speedy offshore passages

Sometimes when I listen to an old Jackson Brown album, I get the feeling that Mr. Brown had been following me around taking notes. I get a similar feeling when I look at a new J/Boats cruising design. This new J/45 seems to tick almost all my boxes. If I had a complaint it would be that I would prefer a more traditional style of interior detailing. But the problem is that the style I have in mind would raise the price of the boat $50,000 and add 1,000 pounds to the displacement.

almost as flat as that of the Hylas 57. The difference is that the freeboard aft is proportionately lower than that of the Hylas. I’d estimate the tip of the transom of the J/45 is 16 inches lower than the tip of the bow. The result is what I call “Zenkutsu” a term used in karate to describe the stance with the weight on the forward leg and the other leg stretched out behind. In English it’s “forward stance.” It’s a look that Bruce Farr gave his early boats. It makes it look like the boat is ready to pounce.

Freeboard is relatively low on this design and that is made possible by the cabintrunk. Note that there is no camber to the face of the transom. This way you don’t lose any sailing length relative to LOA. It would look odd if the transom were not open.

The D/L of the 45 is 146. This is not a light boat, it is again a medium-displacement boat. As most of you know, displacement is volume. You need volume for a nice interior layout without copious freeboard. Freeboard is slow. The L/B is 3.26 right there with the Hylas 57. But the difference is not in the L/B but in the distribution of beam. Note how the J/Boat does not carry beam max all the way aft. I think this results in a better balanced boat and far better performance in light to moderate air. Note also the hint of reverse rake to the stem. I suppose you could make an argument why this small feature makes a difference in boat speed but I think it comes down to what is in style today. Why is the stem raked aft? Because it looks cool. Draft is 7 feet 8 inches. The rudder is far bigger proportionately to the rudder on the Hylas. As cruising boats go, this will be a fast boat and fast enough to make an enjoyable PHRF racer.

The interior layout is very straightforward. You can choose from mirror image quarterberth cabins with double berths and what looks like semi split single berths or just one quarter cabin to port and a large cockpit locker to starboard. I can see the semi split single berths working for two kids but I would not recommend it for two adults unless there is a height difference between the two berths. I can’t tell from the drawing. If you go with just one quarter cabin the aft head includes a shower stall. With two quarter cabins you sacrifice the shower stall. The galley is good. There is a U-shaped dinette to port with removable seats on centerline. To starboard there is a settee and a small forward facing nav station. I think this main cabin will look really spacious. Forward there is a head with a shower stall and a centerline double berth but only one, smallish hanging locker. The interior finish style has that IKEA look.

The rig is a double-spreader fractional rig with a SA/D of 25.85. This means that you have the horsepower to move the boat well in light air and can carry on without reefing until 20 knots without changing or reducing sails. Face it, nobody likes to reef. 

There is a track for the self-tacking jib and also jib sheet tracks on the side decks. It’s best to have the option of both of these sheeting arrangements. There is a fixed sprit for the asymmetrical chute. The mainsheet leads to a traveler on the cockpit sole just forward of the wheels. You could argue that this traveler location is not “convenient” but you can’t argue that it’s not efficient. This is a big cockpit with plenty of elbow room for a racing crew. The coamings are designed for comfortable seating outboard while at the wheels.

This is a very versatile boat from a stable that has a very good race record. I’m a bit too old to be much help on a race crew but I’d still like to cruise.  If I cruise I want a boat that is capable of race-boat performance. It’s not fun to go slow and I don’t care how you want to try to justify it. As Bill Lee liked to say, “Fast is fun.”

LOA 45’5”; LWL 41’3”; Beam 13’11”; Displ. 22,900 lb.; Sail area 1,303 sq. ft.; Water 95 gal.; Fuel 50 gal.; Auxiliary 75-hp; DL 146; L/B 3.26; SA/D 25.85

J/Boats, Inc.

557 Thames Street

Newport, RI  02840

401-846-8410

www.jboats.com

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J 45 Elegance yacht

Paving the way for new standards in cruising.

Exciting 45’ offshore sailing yacht that may change all of your sailing plans. Leading edge hull design meets refined interior design to raise the bar on cruising comfort and performance like no J before it.

A UNIQUE DESIGN

The association of J Boats’ American pragmatism and J Composites’ French flair is well documented, but somehow it has really taken on its full meaning in the J/45. It has taken over 3 years of collaborative work, mulling over every detail together in the constant search for the best possible balance. The guiding principle involved maximising the interior volume and comfort whilst retaining an elegant silhouette, a minimal wetted surface area and by far the lowest weight estimate of its category.

COMBINING A SKILLED INTERIOR DESIGN AND INTERIOR SPACE

The interior coherence and ergonomics of J/ boats at sea is an absolute given. For the J/45 the aim was to push back the boundaries in this regard. To do this, we teamed up with Isabelle Racoupeau for the interior design. She was able to bring to bear her vast experience in the cruising yacht domain to maximise comfort and elegance aboard the J/45. The result is an interior beyond compare where natural light accentuates a resolutely modern design that affords both comfort and functionality whilst sailing.

Videos of sailing, behind-the-scenes of manufacturing, expert advice and tips, or sea trials – discover the J/45 from a different perspective.

J/45 Elegance yacht : new standards in cruising

J/45 first cruising test with Benjamin Dutreux

Performance, a guarantee of cruising comfort.

Establishing a whole new standard is only possible with a clear and precise vision. This is what colours the brand’s performance DNA, giving the J/45 a serious injection of comfort which you simply cannot find on any other craft. This performance advantage finds expression in its ability to rack up the miles in complete safety, whilst enabling the crew to reap the full benefits, fatigue and stress free. You’re sure to relish the ability to expand the range of possibilities, with new more distant horizons opening up in front of you. You’ll also enjoy being able to plan your stopover arrival times with family, without having to resort to turning the engine on. Equally, you’re sure to appreciate catching back up with your sailing buddies despite leaving the pontoon later.

A customisable layout and finish

The J/45 boasts several layout options, one version with 2 cabins / 2 large heads compartments and a sail locker or a 3-cabin variant with the option of a twin-berth cabin. The interior finish comes with three choices of wood, oak, walnut or teak. Further customisation will also be possible on the J/45 thanks to a very extensive range of top-end upholstery.

AVANT-GARDE CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Today, J Composites is the most experienced yard in the world with regards to sandwich and infusion construction. Indeed, this technology has been used on all the French-built J/ boats since 1993. As a result, the J/45 will benefit from the best possible weight ratios on the market by balancing lightweight yet solid qualities with an unrivalled level of perfection.

Expand your Bucket List

Is there an epic cruise you’ve dreamed about, or a signature racing event you’d give anything to sail in? The J/45 can be sailed on her own bottom to almost anywhere in the world. Imagine setting sail from the Canary Islands in November on the ARC Cruising Rally to the Caribbean. The J/45 comes with a wealth of equipment dedicated to offshore sailing. This make her an investment grade yacht that doesn’t require a professional crew to sail, handle or maintain.

MANOEUVRING MADE ENJOYABLE

To our mind, manœuvring, trimming your sails yourself to optimise speed, remains one of the true cruising pleasures. This takes expression in a unique level of equipment that comes as standard and top-end deck hardware of generous proportions to enable precise, safe and effortless manoeuvring. Any movement around the deck is done in complete safety thanks to the abundance of handrails and the unmatched quality of the non-slip surface.

Why J45 is specific !

Technical specifications

International reputation.

A precise selection of materials is put together for infused sandwich composite construction to obtain the best weight ratio on the market by balancing lightweight yet solid qualities.

The keel comprises a fully encapsulated cast iron keel and a lead bulb for the best possible stability with a flawless finish. You can choose between a deep or shallow draught.

A very specific choice has been made with regards to the rig to provide the best possible standard of equipment on the market, which is geared around long-distance cruising and offshore racing for the J 45.

The in-house joinery workshops use traditional methods incorporating high-end solid wood and veneers selected to provide each craft with a unique finish. Available options are walnut, light oak or teak.

Position at the helm

The twin steering wheels offer a wide range of positions so you can comfortably appreciate the finesse and lightness of touch, making it easy to control your craft without getting weary. The adjustable foot chocks are concealed in the cockpit

Manoeuvrability

A light sailboat combined with a deep rudder: a guarantee of exceptional manoeuvrability for this long-distance cruiser. You can turn full circle in less than a boat length!

Deck hardware

Each fitting is very precisely proportioned and selected for its technical appeal and its ability to withstand conditions synonymous with long-distance passages.

Stability is the first guarantee of safety while solidity enables you to sail with complete peace of mind. J Composites is the only yard to offer a 5-year structural guarantee however you use the boat.

Particular emphasis has gone into the work on the ergonomics of the seating. The local French manufacture means it is possible to work with high resilience foams to ensure the utmost comfort and provide an extensive range of fabrics to customise your boat to your own taste.

Whether it is inside the boat or up on deck, you’re sure to be amazed by the stowage space on a J. There’s plenty of room aboard for all your long-distance cruising gear!

The design of the hull, the architectural features and the build quality offer you a unique level of comfort when sailing, making the miles just fly by.

The berths have been designed to provide the largest possible surface area, whilst the mattresses incorporate a level of comfort akin to that of a standard mattress topper. Enjoy the well-being you feel at home, out at sea!

A leading brand

Wherever your voyage takes you, your yacht will be recognised and admired. J boats are renowned for their sailing prowess, their longevity and how enjoyable they are to sail.

It is the story of a family and a team of enthusiasts, whose aim has always been to design the best yacht of its category.

Innovations

Innovation has always been part of the brand’s DNA: infusion, use of a retractable carbon bowsprit, build technology…

International monitoring

The presence of a dense international network means that you have advice and services at your fingertips in the majority of countries you’ll navigate.