J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum Events and Scheduling Newport International Boat Show 16-19 Sept 2010

I had an opportunity to go to the boat show this weekend. The images below can be clicked on to view higher-resolution images.

For all you out of town folks, here is a view down Americas Cup Ave looking at the flag staff with the boat show banner flying.



I visited the J/Boats booth and got to speak with Rod, Al, and John Johnstone. These are great folks who continue to develop and market very impressive boats for our sailing pleasure. The Johnstones are all classy people and down to earth. I asked Rod if he knew what happened to J/30 hull #1 "Warhoop" since we don't have it in the class database. Rod promised to send me info on where the boat was previously located so we can find it. He also offered to help identify any "ghost" J/30s missing from the class database with information that he may have from when the boats were first sold.

Here are some pictures taken at the J/Boats exhibit.

The J/105 on display


Here is the J/95 "Banjo" I saw race in the Off Soundings spring regatta. It cleaned up there....



Here is a picture of Rod Johnstone standing with me in front of the new J/111. Rod is going to get hull #20 for his very own (I'm jealous....).


and here are Rod & Al Johnstone in front of the J/111


I spoke with Al Johnstone and he told me about the tours they made of boat builders all over to select a boat builder for the J/111. J/Boats selected CCF Composties in Bristol, RI. As a Rhode Island resident, it's nice to see the business go to a local builder to help promote the craft in this area. Here is a picture of the J/111

This boat looks fast just tied up at the dock!

This has roller furling. You can see the low profile furling unit and the high tech jib rolled on the headstay.


Below decks seems spacious compared to our J/30. The mast is aft of the V-berth bulkhead, unlike the J/30 (and it's carbon!). The J/111 you can tell is predominantly a speedster with minimal cruising amenities. If you are looking for more creature comforts, the J/109 is similar size and is definitely more cruising friendly. That said, the J/111 has enough stuff below for basic comforts. Here is a view aft looking forward.



Here is a view of the Galley, very similar to the J/30 except that the chill box is on the same side as the stove and sink.


Continues in the next post....