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.
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 fantastic racing success under IRC, where from the outset it won the Black Group overall at Cowes Week in 2009 and then Dartmouth Regatta also in 2009. Since then the J97 has managed 1st plus 2nd places in the Scottish series (2011,2012, 2016, 2017), 1st Dartmouth regatta (2011, 2012, 2013,2017) Hamble Winter series 2017.
General Lee is also no exception having been a very successful boat at club level in Brighton since its first raced there from new.
It has won all the sussex combined clubs regattas at one time or another and has won the overall annual commodores cup at BMYC in both IRC1 & IRC2 on more than one occasion.
In the solent it was second in class 3 IRC three times in the Little Britain regattas
This is a turn key racing boat and is only for sale due to the owners health making sailing no longer possible
