April 15,2024
We asked some questions to Denis R., currently the owner of a J/99 and soon to be of a J/112E. He shares his feelings about why he chose the J/99 and why he is staying in the family with his next boat, the J/112E.
WHAT KIND OF SAILOR ARE YOU?
I am what you might call an “old-timer”, I am 68 years old. I’ve been sailing for about thirty years, in a rather eclectic manner. I’ve crossed the Atlantic three times, as a skipper, on a Hallberg-Rassy 42 and then a Nautitech 40. Every summer, we used to leave as a family from Nieuport (Belgium) to go to La Rochelle (France). Since then, the children have grown up. Today, my boat is based on the Île d’Oléron (France). I mainly sail solo or double, never with more than 4 people! I don’t do races, it’s not my pleasure.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE J/99?
I was selling my Nautitech 40 and I was looking for a versatile boat from 10 to 11 meters. I wanted a boat that would allow me to do short trips in the Pertuis, go to Île d’Yeu, but also consider crossings of the Bay of Biscay or going to Madeira. I like going out for the day when the weather is nice but I also enjoy crossings of 2-3 days or more. I was primarily looking for a versatile boat.
I hesitated between the Mojito 10.88, the Pogo 30, and the J/99. I finally chose the J/99 because it has a beautiful line and it is in Category A. There was a very reassuring aspect to choosing the J/99 because Mr. Le Moal (president of J Composites) and Mr. Bouvier (commercial director of J Composites) races in the J/99. The Grassi Bateaux team (J Composites dealer in La Rochelle) as well and I have complete trust in them. I don’t race but the J/99 is very suitable for a mixed program.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE J/99?
After testing it, it’s an easy to sail and well performing boat, on all points of sail. I can’t say in all weather conditions because I haven’t had the opportunity to sail with it in a storm. It’s stiff to the sails, it’s a boat that sails very, very well. Solo, I handle it easily, its deck layout is very well thought out. It’s a boat that excels in light wind, it’s always nice! Sailors always find that there is not enough wind or too much wind. With the J/99, even in light wind, it’s a real pleasure to sail. When others are under engine, we sail at the same speed. Upwind, it has 2-3° closer wind angle than others. Other boats of the same category may prove to be better downwind, but they will suffer upwind. Its disadvantage for cruising is perhaps its draught, especially in areas like where I sail: Oléron, La Rochelle… To describe it, I would talk about a pleasant, easy, versatile boat with a very nice line.
COULD YOU SHARE A FUN MEMORY WITH YOUR J/99?
In the Pertuis, with very light weather under code zero and full mainsail, having a pleasant boat, which sails and overtakes everyone on the water! Well, I didn’t find myself facing a Class 40 for sure… But it’s nice to think that you have a boat that moves well, without the engine.
WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND THE J/99 TO? FOR WHAT SAILING PROGRAM?
Everyone! Whether it’s for racing or pleasure. It can be recommended to someone who has already had several boats, or none, who wants a versatile, easy, and performing boat. It works well at all speeds and wind angles.
WHAT MADE YOU UPGRADE TO A J/112E? WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS WITH THIS FUTURE BOAT?
I was delighted with the J/99 even though I only kept it for a short time. I turned to the J/112E to gain in accomodation for longer cruises and to sail later in the season. The J/112E has more headroom, a windlass, a real shower room and on-board heating. Its performance on the water is equivalent to that of the J/99.
My upcoming goals with the J/112E will be for the first year to perfect the boat, sail around St Denis d’Oléron and maybe push to Concarneau or go down to Spain. Next year, my goal will be to tour Europe, I don’t know yet which way, south or north, why not Norway? Solo or double, but no more, I don’t want to depend on others.
Thank you Denis R. for sharing your feedback and these beautiful insights.
