J/40, what the new performance cruiser (12m) from J/Boats looks like and how much it costs (2024)

Here it is, the new J/40 that was much talked about among insiders but that no one had seen anything about yet. The renewal of the range of legendary J/Boats began a few years ago, in 2021, with the J/45, and the new 40-footer (12.47 x 3.86 m) continues in this performance cruiser vein. That is, fast boats capable of winning races (the same team that designed the boat, captained by Alan Johnstone, signed off years ago on the J/122 that triumphed at the last 151 Miglia) but able to offer comfort and safety worthy of a lady cruiser.

A lot of water has passed under the bridge since J/Boats launched its first-ever bluewater, the J/40, in 1984. They made 86 examples until 1994. The new 40, while obviously a very different boat, shares its marinity, “philosophy,” and DNA.

New J/40 – What a boat it will be

It all starts with a good hull, capable of ensuring a well-balanced, stable, high-performance boat.From the yard, they let us know that the J/40 is a boat that refuses conventional definitions.“The J/40 does not fit into a specific category or rule, other than that of the sea, which rewards boats with predictable and fluid motion, able to adapt quickly to changing conditions with minimal effort on the part of the crew.”

The sail plan ,simple but versatile high angle, allows almost any combination of sails (mainsail only, jib only, reefed mainsail with inner jib, etc.) for comfortable cruising, but can also be optimized for important races such as Giraglia, Fastnet, Middle Sea and so on.

“The new J/40 has the sail power and stability to sail well in both light breeze and sustained wind conditions,” explains Alan Johnstone. Simply put, in light winds you won’t have to turn on the engine; when it “beats” you won’t have to reduce the sails right away.

J/40 – Sail plan and philosophy

“Family-friendly” sailing has been at the core of the J/Boats philosophy since the launch of the first J/24 in 1976. The easier a boat is to steer, the longer it sails. On the new J/40, all maneuvering is manageable from the large co*ckpit, with six winches optimally positioned for quick access to hoisting and sail trim.

The small, non-overlapping jib makes tacking a breeze, with much better visibility and a much less complicated jib sheet to adjust than an overlapping genoa. To increase downwind performance, the new J/40 is equipped with an integrated carbon dolphin tube to rig an asymmetric or Code Zero-type furling sail.

Based on Velocity Predicition Programs (VPP), at less than 8 knots with mainsail and Code Zero, the J/40 should at wind speed. When powered, the slender hull with fairing appendages (keel and rudder) produces minimal drag, resulting in efficient fuel consumption. And better efficiency translates into less fuel used, thus reducing the need for oversized tanks.

The co*ckpit of the new J/40

Great attention has been paid to the ergonomics and design of the co*ckpit, where the two helm wheels find their place. From here, helmsmen always have 360-degree visibility, even above the deckhouse, which-as in all Js-has a low, streamlined profile.

The twin-wheel configuration provides a wide “aisle” for boarding and disembarking In race mode, the twin wheels allow the pilot to sit further outboard and the crew to move easily to the bow for sail changes and management.

Interiors

We go down below deck. Inspired by the J/45, the interior was designed by Isabelle Racoupeau in collaboration with J/Composites. Natural wood (solid and veneer), painted and handcrafted, is present throughout the boat.The design philosophy was focused on natural light, streamlined visual lines, and an overall feeling of space.

The standard three-cabin, one-bath layout maximizes sleeping accommodations and is ideal for owners sailing with a family or larger crew.

The optional two-cabin, two-bathroom layout, on the other hand, favors cruising storage space and is designed for both family cruising and “long” cruising in one or two couples.

J/40 – Construction

The J/Composites shipyard (located in the Vendée region of France) is a world leader in high-quality sandwich/infusion construction: it was the first European manufacturer to adopt resin infusion molding technology in the mid-1990s.

J/Composites’ commitment to maniacal weight control of large composite parts is critical to achieving important design goals in terms of stability, durability, and performance.

The new J/40 is the only 40-footer on the market with a fully infused hull, deck, structural grid, and main bulkhead. The custom-designed structure ensures hull rigidity and an optimal strength-to-weight ratio without sacrificing the comfort of the living spaces below.

Price

How much does the new J/40, which we will see sailing as early as the next few months, cost? In its standard version, with Volvo D2-50 Saildrive engine, the price is 314,980 euros + VAT and ex-works. Be careful though, there are plenty of extras you can opt for that can vary, and not a little, the final price. For example, the carbon mast option costs 37,875 euros + VAT, the two-cabin layout has an additional cost of 7,390 euros + VAT, and the synthetic teak decking comes to 20,560 euros + VAT.

J/40 – Data Sheet

Overall length: 12.47 m
Hull length: 11.70 m
Length at waterline: 11.26 m
Maximum beam: 3.86 m
Standard draft: 2.20 m
Displacement: 7,665 kg
Ballast: 2,900 kg
www.jcomposites.eu

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