PERSON PLEASER

The J/99 has proved an instant hit, with 30 boats ordered, mostly off plan, within a few weeks of the prototype’s first sailing trials. Although clearly aimed at the burgeoning short-handed scene, the boat is also set up to be raced fully crewed. We tested the first boat out of the mould shortly after it hit the water.

CONCEPT 8/10

First impressions are of a quick, easily handled design with a well fitted and comfortable interior. The relatively broad transom is by no means radical by today’s standards, the boat’s aft sections are optimised for a single rudder and there are no chines. The rudder is positioned reasonably well forward where it operates clear of the most turbulent water – whereas twin rudders tend to be placed right aft so that they can be reached to clear weed.

Compared to the J/105, a design that