J/70
We had the opportunity to sail Hull No. 1 earlier this year in 10 to 15 knots, and thought we’d died and gone to sportboat heaven. Even in its early development stages, the boat was quick upwind and downwind, and though some of the systems were still unrefined, the boat was great fun to sail. It feels like a J Boat in that it goes upwind with an incredibly balanced helm, and is very stable downwind. The one-design power of J Boats cannot be overlooked, and at press time, they were reportedly already into triple digits on orders. As the trial boat for New York YC’s Invitational Cup Qualifying Series, the J/70’s debut fleet race is in September. It’s $44,900 for boats, sails, and trailer.