One’s standard of acceleration and that feeling of being one with wind, wave, and boat probably started on a small dinghy…a Hobie Cat, Sunfish, or inland scow. Then, as one’s boats got larger, some of the magic faded. Sure, cruising was an adventure and the camaraderie of a winning race crew was unforgettable; but now it seems there’s less time for such pursuits. Priorities change. Every moment counts. Time’s too precious and the alternatives too numerous to put up with any boat less than what will recapture those simple joys of sailing. J/100 is designed to do just that.

The comforts that experienced sailors appreciate are part of the package. A two cylinder inboard saildrive hums along at 6.5 knots like a sewing machine…when you can hear it. Why limit your horizons because the wind might die? There’s a bona fide marine head and even a couple of bunks with an option for a V-berth forward for the occasional overnight. A dodger works to extend the sailing season.

If you plan to single-hand the boat or do some relaxed non-spinnaker racing, the Hoyt jib boom works great! Using this system, TERN won what one captain called, “the race from hell”…the 2004 Maine Retired (Age 65 and over) Skipper’s Race. In dense fog, torrential rain, lightning, and 40 degree windshifts, the J/100 excelled. No need to overwork the crew or have anyone on the foredeck when there’s a self-tacking jib and automatic whisker pole. TERN tacked effortlessly on 10 degree shifts, winning the trophy for the fastest of 38 starters. Five minutes back were larger boats with more crew, big winches, and huge genoas.