Zen Again 75

 

There is some head scratching afoot, on the factory floor. For this is the newest addition to the J-Boat line up. A cruiser-racer.

A market which the USA based J-Boats used to dominate. With the J109, throughout the noughties. A thirty-five footer, equally at home on the race course, or exploring a Breton anchorage. 

The J109 marked a coming of age for J-Composites, based in Les Sables d'Olonne. This was the first J-Boat with design input from outside the USA. One that catered to the requirements of the French market. Latterly that need has been for J70 sports boats (pictured). Which throng every harbour in France and are a rite of passage, for young sailors graduating from Optimists to Figaros, or Classe Minis.

Now, the J-Composites tail wags the J-Boat dog. Spearheading a revival, of the latterly neglected (by all builders), cruiser-racer sector. In designing and constructing the J45 in 2023 and the J40 (pictured) in 2024. Both inspired by J-Boat racing DNA, but with cruising comforts below decks.

This year, the first J36 is to be launched. It is her that I have come to see.

No cameras are allowed in the moulding sheds. Where a vacuum infusion technique is used, to draw an optimum (for a high strength and low weight laminate) quantity of resin, into a carefully mapped matrix of GRP fibres and closed cell foam. The principles of the SCRIMP (sic) process are well known. The secrets, of its successful industrial implementation, remain well guarded.

Once the infused hull and deck are out of the moulds, intensive manual finishing work begins. Bulkheads are laminated into place (chap in cap, one up) and deck fittings are seated and sealed (above).

 

All cabinetry is designed and built on site. The varnished units are lowered into the hull, before the deck is fitted. Work to fit plumbing, wiring, and a plethora of onboard systems, then begins in earnest. During the most time consuming and labour intensive stage of the entire build process.

Conscious that the hive of activity has ground to a halt, as a result (I suspect) of my below deck rovings, I return to the cockpit. Where the clean lines and well judged ergonomics speak of J-Boat's performance pedigree. Albeit, they assume the availability of a crew (or use of an autopilot), in order to handle the jib sheets. This layout is a world away, from the fashionable  'Med Boat' vogue, to banish all control lines from the cockpit. In order to create  an outdoor lounging area. Bravo J-Composites! 

Photo Credits

J70 courtesy of J-Composites & J-Boats