First impressions | J/80

Except being a sailboat, the J/80 differs from a Sun Fast in every possible way. We wanted to get a feel for the boat, some first impressions and thoughts on what works and what needs improvement. And so we splashed it for a brief winter season.

Future sail inventory deserves a dedicated article which will come during the winter, after some hours on the water and nearly as many at our sailmaker’s. Yes I know, it is a one design and the inventory should be a no-brainer. nevertheless I already decided to abandon the one-design track and focus on the sort of sailing we do instead. More to come on the subject!

First impressions

We met at the dock at 08:15, with all the sails in the car and never having sailed the boat before, let alone rigged it. At 8.45 we were sailing. Awesome.

When we left the dock, a light breeze around 6kn started to pick up from SW. Mainsail up, jib up and we were swishing in flat waters at 5.5kn within seconds.

Feather-like tiller feel, great acceleration. The boat responds immediately to trim and rudder. Both rewarding and punishing us.

We experienced very little weather helm and needed minimal rudder angle. We will play around with the rigging to find the best balance, but I suspect it has more to do with hull and foil shapes. The long tiller probably contributes to an unloaded tiller. In fact, under gennaker, I could steer with two fingers to broaching point.

With the breeze picking up and around 12kn, we had our first taste of downwind at almost 8kn surfing some small waves. Just beautiful, easy and fun.

We expected a more “nervous” and dinghy-like boat, but found she reacted smoothly and with a big boat feel about her. Mind you, this has nothing to do with lack of “fun factor”. On the contrary, it always felt safe and stable. Something we seek after since Veloce will also be sailed with family and in open waters.

Sails

The boat came with several sails and we had time to try out a few of them.

The jib is a bit worn out, but it retains a good shape. In light air we couldn’t really point very well and it felt a little underpowered, but alright for these winter trials.

With the A2 up the boat accelerates quickly and smoothly. Pressure variations are clear and distinct, providing great input to trim & helm. We tested how she behaves under A2 at tight angles. She heels over constantly and progressively until the rudder stalls and she broaches. Without much load on the tiller, it is easy to be misguided and push too far. A good indicator is however speed, which drops promptly when overheeling.

We loved the jib top on a reach. The boat heels to a point and then she just goes fast. Easy to sail, simple to handle.

The mainsail was a handful to hoist with its luff rope, but nothing that can’t be managed double-headed. Solo is another story. It doesn’t have a reefing point: not a problem at the time, but it is a must-have.

At 10kn wind, jib cars are already too loaded up to adjust. We’ll put some though into it.

The boat came with genoa tracks. We figured that using them to cross sheet was easy and efficient.

Rigging

Standing rigging is in good condition and spars brand new.

The running rigging needs to come to this century. Most lines are too short and too thick to work smoothly. Some are really dry and hard, some are just too worn out. I won’t be able to sleep until they are replaced by colour-coded, correctly sized and reliable new ones.

The cockpit comes so far forward that crew easily reaches the mast base. No need to move lines to the cockpit.

Cunningham and kicker work fine at their original position (although they need additional purchase).

Gennaker halyard is cleated 2 meters up the mast and is difficult to release from the cockpit under load. The main halyard can stay at the mast, since reefing is done there anyway. The jib halyard is already drown to the cockpit with a dedicated winch.

I don’t like that there is no extra halyards. Sure, not a big deal for windward/leeward racing, but rather a problem for us.

Firstly, it is not unheard-of to lose a halyard during a distance race; secondly, it is not possible to peel downwind sails. The mast is so tight at the top that I can’t imagine a double sheave. Perhaps vertically? I am afraid we will have to leave with this…

Electronics

Nice, modern Raymarine electronics. A step up from the older Veloce. Love all the features and the ease of integration provided by Seatalk NG bus.

We didn’t have a chance to test the autopilot. More to come.