J/11 S Information, Review, Specs

The genesis of the J/11 S dates to 2016, with its production commencing in that year and continuing as an active model. Emerging from the design stable of J Boats, known for their in-house naval architecture primarily led by Rod Johnstone, the J/11 S is a refined evolution of the successful J/111 model. Its design philosophy centers on optimizing for short-handed efficiency and competitiveness, a growing trend in modern sailing. Key design modifications from its predecessor include the adoption of twin rudders and a slight reduction in hull length (20cm chopped off the stern) to enhance its ease of handling and performance with a minimal crew. This focus aligns perfectly with J Boats' overarching ethos of delivering yachts that offer a balance of high performance and user-friendliness, a hallmark of their reputation for competitive yet accessible sailing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The J/11 S exhibits a highly performance-oriented profile, underscored by its design ratios. With a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 23.18, she is poised to deliver exceptional performance, particularly in lighter wind conditions, allowing her to accelerate quickly and maintain speed. Her Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of around 126.8 further classifies her as a very light displacement vessel for her size, contributing significantly to her agility and speed potential. The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of 0.341 suggests a moderate level of stiffness, enabling her to stand up to a good breeze while maintaining a lively feel on the helm.

Designed with short-handed sailing in mind, the J/11 S is engineered for easy management. The incorporation of twin rudders is a direct result of this design objective, offering enhanced control and responsiveness, especially when heeled or sailing at higher speeds. This configuration contributes to her balance and predictable behavior across various sea states, making her an efficient boat for a skeleton crew. Her fractional sloop rig, combined with a generous asymmetric sail area of 1023 sq.ft. (from notes), allows for powerful downwind performance, characteristic of J Boats' modern designs. Propulsion is provided by an 18 HP Volvo Penta D1-20 diesel engine, offering reliable auxiliary power.

Accommodations and Layout

While the J/11 S prioritizes sailing performance, its interior is designed to offer a functional and simplified layout for comfortable short-term cruising or overnight stays during regattas. Although specific headroom details are not widely publicized, J Boats typically balances racing efficiency with practical living spaces. The interior is generally characterized by a clean and uncluttered design, consistent with a performance-oriented cruiser-racer. Expect a basic but well-appointed salon, possibly with settees that convert to berths, a compact galley for essential meal preparation, and a forward V-berth for sleeping. A marine head is typically included. Given the emphasis on weight reduction for performance, storage solutions are usually cleverly integrated, and the overall finish tends to be durable and practical, often featuring a blend of fiberglass surfaces and minimal wood trim. The simplified interior and deck layout contribute to the boat's overall ease of handling and maintenance.