j80's - what are they like to play on?

[farmerdan79]

I have the opportunity to crew on a j80 in the winter, what are they like? - I imagine fast, fun and wet?

 

[tom_sail]

Very fun! Just a big dinghy that can't capsize. Match racing is even funnier class rules say guard rails aren't allowed so be prepared for a few MOB's

 

[Lakesailor]

They seem to go well

​

 

[Twister_Ken]

Fast enough to frighten me! 18 kts. Man is not designed to travel that fast on water.

 

[capnsensible]

I raced one a bit in Lanzarote a few years ago. Well exciting, glad it was a warm climate!!

Bet you will enjoy, go for it!!

 

[maxcampbell]

This has been one of my favourites for a while http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psUrjHLiLVU

 

[xyachtdave]

I have a share in one locally which we use and abuse racing locally. Great boat, loads of fun with plenty for the crew to do/strings to pull etc.

Downsides are a) not great upwind in light airs b) the big kite only really works well in a small wind angle which is a bit of a pain if racing spinnaker poled boats.

This is soon forgotten though with 20 knots of breeze on the rear quarter and she is doing 15 knots!

Also the simpler gybing sequence without the spin pole means the crew need not be that experienced. You want 5 people when it's blowing and shed a couple if it's light.

Have fun!