Olympian Mark Mansfield is the J/Boat agent for Ireland. Here he describes sailing the multipurpose J/99, its improving performance and why this new J/boat model is shortlisted for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The J/99 is one of 12 models that have been shortlisted for selection for upcoming Olympic 2024 Offshore Mixed Keelboat Qualification events. The actual equipment (boat) that will be used at the Olympics will not be known until Dec 2023, but the J/99 must be in the mix. An all-inclusive (including sails and instruments) new stock J/99 is available for May delivery at a competitive price.
A number of the other 12 shortlisted boats are older designs, and likely may just be used in qualification events.
There is already a J99 is sailing in Dublin. Andrew Algeo's Juggerknot, and has been showing increasingly good form since her Launch in April 2019. She was the overall DBSC class 1 winner for 2019.
The J/99 interior
Of the 12 listed boats, some are out and out offshore boats that may not perform particularly well inshore or in light winds.
Should the Olympic organisers decide to go for a more all-round boat that can perform in all conditions, and still be designed for a smaller or doublehanded crew, then the J99 must be a serious contender.
I have sailed on the J/99 several times and can see that little by little; the J99 is improving its performance. Most new designs go through a year or two of changes and improvements. In the case of the J/99, more rake to the mast has been added throughout the season, which has helped. Some small sail area and pole length increases are planned for 2020, and a few small deck equipment updates. Similarly, with the larger J109, it took a few years for this boat to become ultra-competitive and this is now a tough boat to beat on IRC rating.
The J/99 Juggerknot at the start of the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race Photo: Afloat
Key Yachting UK has a new stock J/99 available in April and is ready for sale.
The package will include Instruments and a top-level sail inventory of five-race sails (main, two headsails and two spinnakers). This all-inclusive pricing arrangement may appeal to prospective purchasers, as we can pass on discounts that often would not be available to the general public.
For further information, contact Mark at 087 2506838 or [email protected]
