J/105 Sailboat

Maximum speed-to-cost ratio" - J/105
reprinted from article in SAIL Magazine.

It's a two person one-design sport cruiser that will keep up with a fully crewed IMS boat. In the J/105 (10.5 meters LOA) designer Rod Johnstone has gone for high end power and an interior that is as simple as possible to provide the maximum speed-to-cost ratio.

The boat has low freeboard for minimal wind resistance, a low center of gravity, and the look of speed that Johnstone likes. Although the overall beam is not extreme, there is a lot of flare in the topsides, and the waterline is quite narrow. There is also very little below the waterline, so wetted surface is minimal. The keel is a bulb to enhance stability. And with a very simple and light interior, the 105's displacement is a lean and hungry 7,750 pounds. Most striking of all the J/105's features, though, is the retractable bowsprit and the big asymmetric spinnaker it sets. A crew of two can manage it, and one can gybe it.

I sailed the 105 in light conditions and found the asymmetric sail fun to set and trim. It was more docile than a conventional chute and got us up to wind speed at 90 degrees apparent-faster when we turned farther downwind.

Upwind, the boat is pure J: finger light on the helm, easily balanced, with an instant response to helm inputs. A tiller is standard; the optional Edson wheel is generously sized (48 inch diameter) and attached to a sturdy fiberglass pedestal that's great for bracing your feet. Other standard equipment includes Navtec rod rigging, a Sailtec hydraulic backstay adjuster, a Hall Spars Quikvang, and a dodger.

model	J/105
year	2009
length	34
location	Introduced in 1992
loa	35.5
lwl	39.5
beam	11.0
draft	6.5'
displacement	7,750 lbs
ballast	3,400 lbs
engine(s)	Yanmar 18hp