We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times. Bob Johnstone nominates the J\/105\u201cThe J\/105 revolutionised downwind sailing in the sport as the first boat over 20ft with a retractable bowsprit and asymmetric spinnaker,\u201d explains J-Boats founder Bob Johnstone. \u201cThe system was pioneered on my son Peter\u2019s One-Design 14.\u201d Peter\u2019s college housemate was then Jonathan Pudney, son of famed International 14 sailor Jeremy. When Peter was looking for ideas for a more exciting boat, Jonathan suggested the system being used on a Cross-3 Int 14. \u201cThe rest is history,\u201d adds Johnstone.
\n\u201cThe J\/105 became the most popular offshore one-design over 30ft worldwide with over 700 boats racing from Chile to the UK. A J\/105 has been RORC Boat of the Year, won the Rolex Middle Sea Race, and also won many double-handed races.\u201d
\nJ-Boats went on to develop the sprit concept on many cruiser\/racer designs. He adds: \u201cThe earliest use of the system with a retractable sprit that I could find was on fishing boats in south-west England called \u2018Sprit Boomers\u2019 in the 16th or 17th century.\u201d
\nPhoto: Ezra Shaw\/Getty
\nMake sure you check out our full list of Coolest Yachts.
\nJ\/105 stats rating:
\nTop speed: 15 knots
\nLOA: 10.51m\/34.5ft
\nLaunched: 1991
\nBerths: 4
\nPrice: $50,000 (used)
\nAdrenalin factor: 60%
\nBob Johnstone
\nBob Johnstone and his brother Rod co-founded J-Boats after Rod built the first J\/24 in his garage in Connecticut in 1977; it became the most popular one-design keeboat in the world. J-Boats went on to build 14,000 yachts over 40 designs. In 2002 Bob founded power brand MJM Yachts, and this year pubished his autobiography, Maverick Marketer.<\/p>\n
If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/p>\n
Yachting World is the world\u2019s leading magazine for bluewater cruisers and offshore sailors. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams.<\/p>\n
Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our latest offers and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/p>\n
The post Coolest yachts: J\/105 appeared first on Yachting World.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times. Bob Johnstone nominates the J\/105\u201cThe J\/105 revolutionised downwind sailing in the sport as the first boat over 20ft with a retractable … <\/p>\n