THE J WAY
Tested by RUPERT HOLMES
Location: Port Ginesta, Catalonia, Spain
Conditions: SSW 5-16 knots and flat water/swell
Model: Two cabin layout with carbon spars and Incidences D4 sails, air conditioning and bathing platform
We’re close-hauled, sailing at 7.5 knots and catching up with a modern 55-footer, but slowly falling into her lee. Winding on a little mainsheet tightens the leech, putting us in a high mode almost 5° closer to the wind, and we climb above and ahead of the bigger boat. It’s classic J/Boat sailing that’s familiar to thousands of sailors, yet this is a comfortable 45ft cruiser with a host of luxuries including air conditioning.
The J/45 has heaps of appeal to anyone who’s sailed a J in the past. Yet, although the company is responsible for numerous cutting edge designs that changed the way we sail, this boat is more conservative in its nature – it’s an evolution rather than a revolution.
Low freeboard, moderate beam and fine ends by today’s standards, plus a single rudder, put it in classic J/Boat territory. This model’s development was also strongly influenced by a desire to produce a boat that’s a joy to sail in light airs, as well as being able to take heavy weather in its stride when necessary.
The boat is just as responsive to sail trim as the smaller and racier models in the range and is well powered up in only 8 knots
