The J/70 is already proving to be another runaway success for J-boats since her launch last year. J-Boats UK dealer Paul Heys was already selling them like hot cakes at the London Boatshow when I caught up with him on Monday – and, with 25 now sold in the UK alone, this looks set to be this season’s hot new one-design class in Europe.
I sailed the J/70 in October in Italy, but only in a light breeze, where she still proved stiff and slippery, with carbon rig and retractable sprit plus a practical cockpit layout helping produce an instant rapport. But to rub salt in my wounds, J’s Commercial Manager recently sent me this video to see what she’s like in 15 knots…

J 70 Port La Forêt from J Composites on Vimeo.

[mid teen speeds from a 23 footer – tidy]

The J/70 is one of three very special new yachts in the Special Yacht category of the European Yacht of the Year awards – the winners of which get announced tomorrow evening (Saturday 19 January) at an awards event during the first day of the Dusseldorf Boatshow. (I hope to be there, snow and transport willing). With Seascape presenting one of the most innovative, fun and versatile sub 30 footers I’ve seen, and Bavaria already into triple figure sales with their fun and friendly B-one – an ideal entry level one-design with which to embrace customers into the Bavaria family – this is no easy category and it’s great to see such high level competition in the small and sports boat market.

Check back to see all the winners soon from Sunday.