Now more than ever, sailors are attracted to adventure-filled, signature events (Fastnet, Middle Sea etc.) where straight-line speed, sail handling, strategy and weather routing are all equally put to the test. The J/99 is designed to excel in these events (both fully crewed and short-handed) while delivering the exhilarating, family-friendly experience the J Sport range is known for.
The J/99 has a versatile cockpit for both cruising and racing that can comfortably accommodate as many as 6. The deck layout has several optimized features including a floating jib lead system, 8:1 inhauler system, cockpit-led outhaul, cunningham, and double-ended boomvang; and an optional water ballast system. The 48:1 cascading backstay system leads to both sides of the cockpit. The two self-tailing primary winches are located within reach of the driver.
The J/99 is tiller steered with a choice of a single centerline, balanced rudder, or an optional twin rudder configuration (which is popular for offshore short-handed sailing when using auto-pilot). A wheel package is available as an option.
The J/99 interior is roomy with clean lines and uncluttered spaces. The main cabin features two full length settee berths with optional flip-up pilot berths. The L-shaped galley has everything for the weekend cruise including a stove, an ice-box and an inboard sink with a pressure water system. There’s a proper sit-down, forward-facing, nav station to starboard. The drop-leaf main cabin table is a nice extra, usually seen only on cruising J’s. There are matching double aft cabins with privacy doors. This versatile layout allows 2-4 crew to sleep on the windward side for good offshore weight distribution, and up to 8 for the occasional inshore regatta or weekend cruise. The forepeak is dedicated for the head and sail storage, and otherwise kept as light as possible.
J/99 Recognition and AwardsThe J/99's performance and capabilities have been widely recognized by the world's yachting press as a truly fun, fast, evolutionary boat from the J/Design and J/Composites build teams. Recent awards include the SAIL's Best Boats- Performance Award, SAILING WORLD's Boat of the Year- Best Crossover Boat, and the British Yachting Awards - Performance Yacht award.
“The J/99 opens up a wide range of sailing possibilities,” commented designer Alan Johnstone. “The versatile sail plan, balanced hull form and efficient cockpit are ideal for short-handed offshore sailing as well as weekend sailing with friends. The J/99 packs a lot of performance and versatility into a manageable size and budget.”
