1998 J/120 – High-end cruiser-racer, ready to sail
This 1998 J/120 is an excellent example of what J Boats does best: a true cruiser-racer – fast, light, safe and pleasant to live aboard. The boat has benefited from major recent structural works, as well as a complete upgrade of rigging, sails and safety equipment, making it a particularly reassuring choice for anyone looking for a high-performance yacht with no hidden surprises.
The boat is owned by a French company, which means that, in the event of a purchase by a VAT-registered European company, VAT on the acquisition can be reclaimed/deducted.
Construction and hullThe hull and deck are built in high-tech balsa / GRP sandwich, using the “Scrimp system” vacuum process, renowned for its stiffness, low weight and durability. Hull and deck were moulded by TPI Composites (USA), with construction completed by J Composites in France, ensuring a high-quality level of finish.
The deck has a two-tone non-skid surface. The hull is finished in an elegant “Flag Blue” gelcoat with white cove line and waterline.
Recent major works:

Complete scraping of the hull and full preparation of the underwater sections.
Keel-to-hull joint completely rebuilt by a professional.
Interior linings/headlinings recently renewed, providing a clean and healthy interior.

The lead keel is bolted to a substantial moulded keel stub, and the boat is steered by a balanced spade rudder on an anodised aluminium stock. The wheel steering is fitted with a new Carbonautica wheel (2023), providing precise and comfortable steering.
Propulsion is via a Volvo Penta MD2040B inboard diesel driving a Gori folding propeller on a stainless-steel shaft, with a 110-litre diesel tank.
Rigging, deck gear and deck layoutThe boat is equipped with a Sparcraft aluminium mast and boom, with a tapered mast section and two sets of airfoil spreaders. Particular attention has been paid to:

Standing rigging completely replaced in 2023.
New Profurl furling system (2023).
Retractable carbon bowsprit, ideal for Code 0 and asymmetric spinnakers.
Lazy jacks and reefing points for easy handling with a small crew.
Jackstays fitted.

Deck gear is race-quality:

2 Harken 48ST primary winches.
4 Harken 44ST winches for halyards and mainsheet.
Spinlock rope clutches for halyards and sheets.
Harken genoa tracks with cockpit-adjustable cars.
Harken jib tracks.
Harken mainsheet traveller.

On deck, safety is ensured by bow and stern pulpits, double lifelines and a bathing/boarding ladder on the transom.
SailsThe sail plan is one of the boat’s major strengths, with a recent, high-end wardrobe and a complete downwind inventory:
Recent sails (2023):

Carbon mainsail (2023).
No.2 carbon genoa (2023).
No.3 carbon genoa (2023).
Code 0 (2023).

Additional sails:

Storm jib (2006).
Trisail / heavy-weather sail (2006).
A2 spinnaker (2006).
A3 spinnaker (2006).
A5 spinnaker (2006).

A perfectly suited inventory for IRC/ORC racing, offshore passages and fast cruising.
Electrics and electronicsThe electronic package is complete and more than adequate for offshore racing and demanding cruising:

Navtex.
Garmin plotter with log/speed, depth sounder, wind speed and direction.
7 Raymarine deck displays (2023), giving all navigation data at a glance.
Autohelm ST50 electronics with repeaters (compass, VMG, Maxiview units on mast).
Autohelm ST5000 linear-drive autopilot (Raytheon).
GPS navigator + AP 8 GPS with repeater.
VHF with antenna.

Electrical equipment:

SL Anchorman 700G electric windlass with foot switches.
Combined masthead navigation/steaming light and deck floodlight.
Freshwater and seawater pumps.
Shore power connection and battery charger.

InteriorThe interior is warm and seamanlike, finished in varnished cherry by J Composites, with recently renewed linings/headlinings. The layout offers both comfort and practicality, suitable for a racing crew as well as family cruising.

Eberspacher heating for comfort in shoulder seasons and winter.
Two new 90 L freshwater tanks.
Generous refrigerator.
Gas cooker with oven and two burners.
Galley with double sink and pressurised hot and cold water.
New marine toilet (2023).

Berths:

Forward cabin with V-berth double and heads compartment (toilet/handbasin/shower).
Saloon with settee berths plus port and starboard pipe cots.
Aft double cabin.
Fabric upholstery in good condition.

There is a forward-facing chart table with storage and easy access to electronics. Numerous lockers and storage spaces for gear and provisions.
Deck equipment and safetyDeck equipment:

Sprayhood with frame.
Spare navigation lights and spare VHF aerial.
15 kg Bruce anchor with 50 m of calibrated chain, with modified bow roller for stowing this anchor.
10 kg racing anchor with 15 m of chain, stored in a padded locker/box.
Opening midships gates in the lifelines on both port and starboard.
Outboard engine bracket on the pushpit.
Ensign staff and socket.
Flag halyard on the mast.
2 additional midships mooring cleats.
3 harness attachment points in the cockpit.

Safety:

AIS.
EPIRB.
Emergency tiller.
Lifebuoys and recovery line/sling.
First aid kit.
Life raft and full offshore safety equipment.
Offshore flare pack.

Fiscal statusThe boat is owned by a French company. For a VAT-registered European company, the purchase can be structured so that VAT is deductible/reclaimable, which represents a major financial advantage for a charter operation, team-building programme or any structure operating a fleet.
Ideal for a performance cruising programme, coastal or offshore racing, Fastnet, RORC events, or fast family cruising.