J/133

Description

The J/133 is an American high-performance cruiser-racer designed by Rodney S. Johnstone (Rod Johnstone) of J/Boats, introduced in 2003 (first hulls built around then) and produced by J/Boats (in partnership with builder TPI Composites/Pearson Marine in the US, with some European production). It was conceived as a dual-purpose mid-40s yacht blending exceptional racing speed (optimized for IRC, PHRF, and offshore events) with genuine short-handed cruising comfort, featuring a sleek hull with fine entry, flat canoe body, modest beam for reduced wetted surface, deep fin keel with lead bulb for low VCG and strong stability, spade rudder, fractional sloop rig with retractable carbon sprit for asymmetric spinnaker, infusion-molded sandwich construction (fiberglass/balsa core, vinylester resin for lightness/durability), spacious cockpit for efficient sail handling, and a habitable interior (standard 3-cabin/1-head or optional 2-cabin/2-head layouts with full galley, nav station, and storage). Praised in reviews as "one of the best mid-40s racer-cruisers," it's responsive/light in light air, stable in heavy conditions, easily managed by a couple short-handed or full crew for racing, and durable for rough passages. Production was limited (dozens built, with around 20 early orders noted in the US; not a high-volume model, making surviving examples sought-after classics with occasional listings).