It’s been an exciting week at J/Boats with the final preparations for launching J/9 hull #1, and then the launch itself at Stanley’s Boatyard in Barrington, Rhode Island.
Under the watchful eye of designer Al Johnstone and in the presence of several larger J sister ships (including a J/100, J/112E, J/121 and J/133), the J/9 splashed and settled right onto her lines. Rigging and stepping the single-spreader mast was a breeze. Attaching the blocks and running rigging took less time than rigging a J/22.
The J/9 will now undergo a week of in-house sea-trials with each of the key suppliers (spars, rigging, hardware, sails, engine, canvas, cushions) to fine-tune the J/9’s ease of sailing, comfort and performance.
Stay tuned for more photos plus a sea-trial update next week.
In the meantime, we’re pleased to announce the demo-sail schedule:
Demo-sails will begin Saturday May 22nd and will be available all summer. J/9 hull #1 will be based out of Newport, RI from May 22 through June 9th, and then Stonington, CT from June 10th through August. Please contact Sail Northwest to schedule a date and time slot.