With a long waterline, a generous sail plan providing horse power for competitive racing, and the stability of a cruiser, the J 109 is (we have come to conclude) a rather perfect boat for racing, day sailing and weekenders.
The J 109 is stable and easy to sail. Its sail handling systems keep things easy: halyards and reef lines are cockpit led and mainsheet control are within reach of the wheel.
Even with the little bit of wind, the boat glides effortlessly through the water. The helm is sensitive and very responsive with easy, fingertip control. The double mainsheet allowes fine or quick adjustment and can be operated by crew or by the helmsman.
So where's the spinnaker pole? The designer took a well thought out leap of faith when he introduced the J 105 and designed it with a retractable bowsprit for offwind sailing, rather than the traditional spinnaker pole. Figuring racers rarely sail directly downwind because it's the slowest point of sail, and the growing use of the easier to handle asymmetrical spinnakers, he committed to the bowsprit an asymmetrical spinnaker. This has proved effective for the J 105 and becomes even more functional given the cruising aspects of the J 109.
Down below: This is where comparison with the J 105 ends. Though not an opulent cruising palace, the interior of the J 109 has a nice feel for cruising or a weekend getaway.
