Cruising a J/120

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Memphis_Chung

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Hello,

I was wondering if anyone has experience of cruising on a J/120? Everything I read seems to indicate that, despite the high levels of performance, she is very "cruiseable" i.e. not as twitchy and unforgiving as other performance yachts. I tend to sail relatively short handed (who doesn't?!) and I gather that they are very good for that.

Does anyone (who has experience of these boats) have an opinion?

Many thanks,

Tom
 
Don't know the J/120 specifically, but most race boats don't have a third reef. This is worth adding for sailing without the weight of 12 heavies on the rail. Then you have the benefit of powerful rig in the light stuff but manageable when blowier.

At risk of setting off a tangent, in my view any boat that "holds full sail in 20 knots" (as many boast as a good thing) is simply way under canvassed. I like to cruise fast boats, and will typically be reefing in 12 knots or so
 
agree about the reefs... it's either full sail. then let the main off the traveller going to windward.

furl or remove the genoa then drop the main and start the engine /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

so yes it has three reef's /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
My brother cruises his extensively and it is very successful. He is often (for all intents and purposes - wife below not well) single handed. He tends to use his No. 3 headsail for ease of handling and this works fine because so much drive comes from the main. I've been in company with him and helped him on delivery and would thoroughly recommend cruising one. I know another owner who flips all over the place in his.....Azores, Ireland, Canaries etc etc and as you can imagine pretty damn quick as well. Go for it...I would.
 
I know a chap who races/cruises his J simglehanded, not sure if it is a 120 or not, but a lively piece of kit about 33 foot,ish.
France, Ireland etc and he is nearer 70 than 60 years of age.
 
Thanks. Everything I read seems v positive. The distributor of a rival marque told me yesterday that they are too stiff for cruising, are no good short handed and are all "crash, bang, wallop" - most of which I suspect is not true. I am test sailing one over the next few weeks.
 
one point you may like to consider is the draught. 1 think they did 2 keels ? 1.8 and 2.15... i would suggest 2.15 is too much for cruising these days. it will limit you places you can go.
 
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The distributor of a rival marque told me yesterday that they are too stiff for cruising, are no good short handed and ...

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Is stiffness not a desirable quality for cruising? And as for short-handed sailing few boats come close - that's why Js are so popular for two-handed offshore races.
 
True wind speed I suspect. In which case my Dehler 39 reefs in 13-14 kts true if on the wind. In cruising mode then 12 knots true would be first reef in.
 
Test drove a j-109 at weekend - (currently have Dehler 37) - sailed very nicely and quickly tho not so well fitted out for cruising but certainly possible. Quite expensive for what she is but certainly considering it.
 
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