Dax,
I agree with Bill. The J/30 is no where near squirrelly. They track extremely well and are fairly easy to get into a groove. On the J/30 the helm is a great indicator of trim and when sails are properly trim the helm will be neutral.
I picked up my boat from Cedar Point and I believe a few still race out of Cedar Point Yacht Club. Presto is now in Raritan Yacht Club in Perth Amboy, NJ and we have three other J/30 here. Three of us (J/30s) actively race and would welcome you to come out with us on Wednesday night. Weekends are also a possibility. My boat will be making it's second cruise up to the Vineyard, but will be back in NJ at the end of the month.
If you are looking at the J/30 as a cruiser, the J/30 is a fast comfortable cruiser. The beam provides a stable platform with plenty of room down below. The J/30 is also pretty easy to maintain and this site is one of the best one design sites with plenty of information. If you simply follow Rhapsody,Vee Jay's and the other contributor's tips you will be able to maintain your boat.
Long story short, I would highly recommend the boat (but I might be a bit biased). If you are looking for a ride and get to NJ let either myself, Mike (Belle Faster) or Steve (Blue Meanie) know. We will make sure you get out and see what the J/30 is all about.
John
