SAIL Best Boat Winner- J/9 Daysailer

(Boston, MA)- “There are plenty of boats out there that can be used for daysailing. It could be argued, though, that a true “daysailer” is not just a boat that can be used for this kind of sailing, but a boat that takes care of its crew— including guests who might not be as thrilled with sailing rail down as their host— in much the same way a bluewater boat takes care of its crew on passage.

With this in mind, it would be hard to think of a better daysailer than the J/9 . The latest design from J/Boats’ Al Johnstone, the J/9 not only offers the same great performance sailors have long come to expect from the famed builder, it’s also great at standing up to a hatful of wind. How do we know? From experience. 
The day of our test sail was a spirited one to say the least, with winds in the low 20s gusting to 25 knots and more. The J/9 , though, couldn’t have been happier. Al expressly designed the boat to handle as well under main alone as under main and jib, and while this works it terms of convenience, it also provides a great way of de-powering the rig. When tacking back and forth off Fort Adams under full sail started to feel a little too much like work, we simple rolled up the headsail and kept on going, pretty as you please— gossiping to our heart’s content without a care in the world. 
The boat’s expansive cockpit, easy-to-board open transom aft and comfy cockpit benches with equally comfy, practical wraparound cushions meant there was plenty of room to stretch out in as we did so. Electrical auxiliary power only served to make this sporty little sloop that much more pleasant for anyone looking to enjoy an after-noon on the water— no matter what the weather.” Thanks for this award from the SAIL Best Boat Awards selection team.  For more J/9 daysailer sailboat information