The J Way

This fast, but civilised, cruiser has a timeless appeal that will resonate with J/boats’ many long standing devotees

- By Rupert Holmes

Tested by RUPERT HOLMES

Location: Port Ginesta, Catalonia,Spain

Conditions: SSW 5-16 knots and flat water/swell

Model: Two cabin layout with carbon spars and Incidences D4 sails, air conditioning and bathing platform

We’re close-hauled, sailing at 7.5 knots and catching up with a modern 55-footer, but slowly falling into her lee. Winding on a little mainsheet tightens the leech, putting us in a high mode almost 5° closer to the wind, and we climb above and ahead of the bigger boat. It’s classic J/Boat sailing that’s familiar to thousands of sailors, yet this is a comfortable 45ft cruiser with a host of luxuries including air conditioning.

The J/45 has heaps of appeal to anyone who’s sailed a J in the past. Yet, although the company is responsible for numerous cutting edge designs that changed the way we sail, this boat is more conservative in its nature – it’s an evolution rather than a revolution.

Low freeboard, moderate beam and fine ends by today’s standards, plus a single rudder, put it in classic J/Boat territory. This model’s development was also strongly influenced by a desire to produce a boat that’s a joy to sail in light airs, as well as being able to take heavy weather in its stride when necessary.