I race single handed, switch to the #3 at about 13 kts true wind. People say the J30 is tender, need weight on the rail. KNOT. Raced last weekend, average 20 kts, gusts to 27. Apparent wind over 30 a few times. Had #3, full main. Almost got run over by a barge, so I was 3 minutes late to the start, was first to finish all races, and first corrected. The J30 likes the heavy stuff, even without weight on the rail.
The problem I had was on the reaches 7.5 kts boat speed. The weather helm is nuts. The rudder has a super high angle of attack. Thats gotta slow you down. It really needs another 12†in length. Anyone try to lengthen? Like use a section from a cracked rudder? PHRF of course.
Another thing I noticed is how the stern “squats†at 7.5 kts. I think its trying to plane. You could surf on the wake it was generating. I dont remember other boats I have sailed on doing that. If I had crew, I would have them sit more forward. Is that a J30 thing?
