The December issue of SAIL is just hitting the newsstands and we’re
pleased to share that the J/112E was named the “Best Performance Boat
Over 30ft.” This follows up the November issue that featured the J/112E
on the cover and an article about last summer’s Chicago-Mac Race.
Here’s what the Best Boats judges wrote:
“The third in J/Boats’ “E” series, in which the “E” stands for elegance
and evolution, you’d think the J/112E would know how to behave with a
little more dignity. During this past summer’s stormy Chicago to
Mackinac race, though, the J/112E clocked boat speeds of 16-plus knots
under spinnaker on its way to a second-place finish in its class. Now
is that any way for a self-respecting “family” sailboat, as J/Boats
calls the J/112E, to be carrying on?
In all seriousness though, J/Boats knows that good all-around race boats
are also good to their crews. And the J/112E is very good to its crews,
indeed, thanks to its easily driven hull, high-aspect underwater
appendages, low center of gravity, long waterline and trademark
ergonomically friendly cockpit. The boat is equally slippery in light
air, and thanks to its well-balanced rig, is perfectly happy sailing
under main alone when, say, maneuvering through a crowded mooring field.
Belowdecks, the J/112E is well-laid-out, with settees that double as
excellent sea berths, plenty of storage, a seagoing L-shaped galley and
a little extra joiner work to make the saloon that much more warm and
inviting. There’s even a pair of hull windows to admit some additional
ambient light. Topsides, the boat features a springy sheer that, in
addition to helping keep the foredeck a bit drier, makes it a real
looker. Don’t be fooled though. When this “looker” is in the mood, she
goes like a bat out of hell.”
