Fast Cruising Sailboat J 45

[@federicogaraventa2004]

In the 90s I was the lucky and happy owner of a J-44 and so I can't help but love this one

[@drjzzz]

oh yeah... I used to lust after a J-42 that would make very late starts in the Thursday night round-the-cans race in Boston then come steaming up and whoosh pass everybody. It was such a pleasure to watch sail nobody minded much being passed. Below looked great also (though I never got more than a peek). Great that J-Boats put this out and serious envy to the lucky owners.

[@brownnoise357]

There is a J45 presently Sailing the Pacific, and has been around Cape Horn. The Telling picture of its unsuitability, was it being unable to enter a sheltered Lagoon, and it having to anchor outside of the Coral Reef, due too too Deep a Draft. The ingrained Racing Habit of going fast means everything continues to be stressed at 100%, then a String gust comes out of the blue, stresses hit 200% or more, and very expensive things start breaking, Sails blow out and Shred, just like happened toThomas on Sailing Thomas Channel who due to the Twin Rudders on his Bavaria 55, didn’t get the Weather Helm early warning to De Power his Sails, so ended up shredding expensive Sail Cloth, then found he was a long way from any Sailmakers. Cruising and Voyaging is a totally different Game to Sailboat Racing, and the Negatives from Sailboat Racing need to be kept well away from Everything to do with Cruising and Voyaging. The most annoyingly difficult and expensive reality of Racing influence for me Personally, is the issue with finding a Shallow enough Draft for my next Sailboat. Perfection is as close to a 4 foot Draft as I can get. My last Sailboat had a 4.2 foot Draft, and I could get in and out of pretty much everywhere that I needed to go. The air Draft was a bit too high at 50 feet, plus the Shakespeare 6 db gain VHF Aerial on top of it, no next Mast will be 40 feet above the Waterline which can be supplied by Selden. With a clean good antifouled hull, at about 80% Stressed, and 10 foot longer LOA, it should exceed the average of just over 7.5 knots I managed with my last Sailboat, and that will get me where I am going Due to their really good relationship with Mars Keels, a Custom Lead Wing Keel, for a new Catalina 426 looks to be possible and close to a 4 foot 6 inch Draft, and every inch under a 5 foot Draft, is a major win for a Cruiser. After a Lifetime surrounded by a Sailing Coommunity deeply hostile to Centre Boards and Drop / Lifting Keels on anything bigger than a Dinghy, after years of asking if they are reliable enough to even Consider yet, and the answer only ever being Silence, and not even Crickets, then I will Take that as No, they are not reliable enough to bother with still. Yep, I am Really Fussy, know what I need, and what actually works for me, the amazing list of Standard Island Packet Construction options plus standard list Custom options like hard Dodger and Hard Aft Cockpit Arch Tick every Single Box on my needs List, which is amazing, but I just can’t afford one.But I can get really damned Close with the Catalina 426, including matching the Draft of 5 feet with the standard option keel.Custom Draft ? I’m waiting to hear back from the Agent with guide . Should be close to a 100k over base boat price, and that’s a heck of a lot cheaper than the Island Packet at the export Price with preliminary Registration in the BVI - as a British Subject, I don’t need to make a Company, and can pre Register to collect from Florida to the BVI, and have the finalisation Survey for full Registration done there. 👍 Best Wishes. Bob.🙂🌟🌟🌟❤️⛵️

[@OurLadyDefiant]

We have a J/133 (43 ft.), and it’s our forever boat for a reason. We live aboard, cruise, and race competitively. It’s construction is also seemingly bulletproof. We surf in the mid to high teens down wind (averaging above 9 or 10)…that’s with white sails only… and we regularly go 8 to weather. It’s the difference between an overnight passage versus getting to a place same day and having a beautiful cocktail and dinner and good night of sleep. Also, at anchor things like the carbon mast and lead keel help reduce rolling and open decks means there’s plenty of space to lounge. The J/45 looks to me like a modern interpretation. I can’t recommend enough.

[@GREGVFINCH007]

a fellow J-133 owner.. I resonated with much you wrote. I may differ on build quality. mine of course is a 2004 and was raced before I bought it so really worn out.. the sole the cushions the sails etc all shot. still in the process of refurbishing.. hull number one. its a bit dark down below with all the cherry wood .. prefer lighter and brighter... I have all the options since it was the demo boat. I do love the looks of this boat. its simply gorgeous and I routinely get compliments further supporting that idea. I usually walk everyone on the bay who takes up the challenge except the J-146 and the J-125. it's no contest otherwise. its a great boat just wish the build quality was a bit more robust and sturdier

[@OurLadyDefiant]

@ yeah, we were lucky to find the opposite: 2006 boat barely used, we’ll taken car of, and full suite of racing sails that were lightly used. We’ve made good use of the boat though and it’s time to do some similar upkeep that you’re doing. We also dropped the keel and had it rebed recently, etc.

[@GREGVFINCH007]

@@OurLadyDefiant a well sorted J-133 you really dont need another boat. it has what you need. however time and the elements will eventually win I guess .. mine is for sale and I own the only one in Southern California. there is another one up in northern cali. its mostly a right coast boat. you have to pop the keel off to transport ... too tall.

[@OurLadyDefiant]

@ good luck with the sale! I’m sure you’ll find a buyer quickly.

[@harbourdogNL]

Benetoys are for cocktails. J-boats are for sailing. I crewed on a J-42 summer of 2023 and it was an amazing boat. Fast!! And just comfortable enough. Loved it.

[@johnsmith-up2of]

In Norway proper sailors go against the wind 🤘

[@LP-gs3xj]

Several years ago I moved from a San Juan 21 to a J28. Kept it at the Naval Academy, Very quick boat.

[@mikestevens9455]

YT Channel Sailing Sweet Ruca proves this point. Few sailors spend a season at Cape Horn cruising all the channels and hand steering when ever it gets spicy laughing and trimming for 10 kts, while also cooking some great meals.

[@maurolimaok]

Nice channel. Thanks.

[@captainjimolchs]

---Sweet -Ruca is nothing like this. Slab reefing, jackstays, single wheel, conventional stays'l. Never seen the f'c's'l, but I doubt the bunk has side access, which makes it difficult to stay in bed in a seaway. Typically, one sleeps in the salon, which is rigged with lee cloths. I seriously doubt there is a loose chair, wonder what one would do with it underway, have never seen the table set, but I suspect there is edging which prevent the tea cups and saucers from sliding. --When weather got "spicy", Kate went out to play. Curtis had to call her in out of the rain! Very interesting strip show as she peeled off the layers.

[@garymiller7870]

Home run - it is for me. My previous boat was a J35 but too much of cruising so I went to a SO419. I love to cruise it but can't really point. The J45 with the tailgate, three roller furrowing sails. Could easily single hand and not compromise cruising. I love it.

[@observer2172]

I had a very exciting long passage on a J124 years ago - it was absolute joy to sail. If this 45 has a similar temper it would be on my short list (not that I can afford it, even if it was not so expensive or overpriced). And, yes, for this price the designers could have worked harder.

[@ericmongeau1110]

The new J40 may be the perfect coastal cruiser. Racer her on Wednesdays and sail quickly to the best anchorage over the weekend. I hope to see a full review of the J40 from PS soon!

[@RModillo]

Looks very much the same-- it would be interesting to see where they shaved off the extra length. Cockpit, presumably, will account for a foot or two. Is there wasted space in the 45 below that can disappear without anyone noticing?

[@Paul-k6w]

Three roller furlings for one boat! That needs an episode.

[@ramonsuarez1893]

I wonder how much drag that creates.

[@valerieb.4912]

So sorry Tim, but I am really more interested in the navy blue Ketch on the Aft-Starboard side of the J boat. What a beauty! Does anyone know what sailboat that is? S&S? Hinkley? Rhodes? Happy Sailing ⛵

[@RichardYork-l1x]

I may know that boat, hard to tell from the video. S&S 56’ or so. Best bet is to go to Newport and tour the harbor. Or, follow the NYYC cruise.

[@valerieb.4912]

@@RichardYork-l1x Thank you. I am located in south west Florida.

[@EsotericSoul]

Of course it looks French. They are built in France, as I recall…. I love it.. A J boat with style and function 👍

[@aaronfreeman1479]

I'm looking at a Pogo 40 (and, to some degree, the Pogo 12.5) for similar reasons. An early, clean Pogo 40 will weigh about half as much, cost about a third as much, and optimally cruise at something nearly approaching twice the speed. Of course, the Pogo's interior will resemble a dorm room or barracks instead of the lounge at the club, but I can live with that.

[@johnsmith-up2of]

J-boats rock. Used to race a J109. Proper boat

[@Franco.Zanchi]

French also have JPK 45 which does have all creature comforts and is by far a faster boat. This J boat wants to play with Grand Soleils(single rudder) or Swans, but stands no chance. And I just remembered what it really reminds me of. Luffe. But Luffe is pure luxury and speed with great build quality

[@Cloudburst1957]

You sound like an expert on the J45. Had a lot of experience sailing it have you?

[@Franco.Zanchi]

@Cloudburst1957 Hi. I did have a test sail with it and it is a nice boat. I've also raced with J/99 on couple of occasions and it's also a very nice boat for it's purpose. But I don't consider myself an expert on the brand. I have sailed extensively on many other boats which would fall in the same competition bracket in therms of price and/or performance and some I liked much more. My thoughts and experiences. Someone else sure thinks otherwise.

[@OurLadyDefiant]

@@Franco.Zanchi The first JPK 1180 is about to come to the U.S. in the SF Bay, and yes, we stand no chance... which just means I'm gonna crew on the JPK rather than race my own boat 🥳 but I wouldn't want to live aboard or do long term cruising on a JPK I don't think. It has all the creature comforts, but you'll only be comfortable if you're a creature 🧌

[@Franco.Zanchi]

@OurLadyDefiant 1180 has a not so crazy half brother called 39FC which is aimed at cruising. You can live with any boat if you really want to. I cruised on a Pogo 2 with my then girlfriend for a summer, so everything goes 😃

[@OurLadyDefiant]

@ I’ll check out the 39FC! We saw a Pogo in Catalina Island a year or two ago and I was drooling. It’s a little more spartan than I would like, but looked comfortable on the whole, and the boat speeds are nuts!

[@migstwo5591]

Have loved J-Boats since my J24 and J30 days. This is a great iteration of a fast cruising option.

[@michaeldenicola6725]

Great review. I think J Boat hit a home run with this boat even for the price. Thanks for sharing.

[@corradodeluca1320]

I am a big fan of J Boats.

[@woody4269]

Looks amazing. Still don't know why there's no back wall to stop you getting washed out to sea on many boats.

[@captainjimolchs]

They religiously avoid those kinds of seas. The owners find the poop scoop/swim platform convenient.

[@UncleJoeLITE]

Just seeing the "J" prefix makes me think of fast. Cheers Tim. Lovely boat. ⚓

[@Warerdog24]

I have always been a fan of J boats . There is an Older J 45 Main Street on lake Michigan which has sailed very well over the years. I have alway been a racer more then a cruiser so this boat would fit .

[@captainjimolchs]

Racing makes one a better cruiser. After the race, you need to go home.

[@davescott1491]

Great review. What a beauty

[@robertgold2643]

Loved the honesty and humor as always 😎

[@AEFisch]

I raced on a J109 for 5 years. Was just as good when we put all the nice stuff back on and sailed it double handed up and back to Maine or happy to be controlled by a couple of people through rough weather. Could throw out the Asim Spinn with the same small crew unlike a full spinnaker that takes people to douse

[@adamsonofdon2766]

Growing up racing on a j boat in the PacNorWest, I’ve seen what J’s can handle. This spring I got to do a mid distance race on a 111 and damn they’re slippery. I can only imagine how nice this would be to take to Alaska or down to Hawaii

[@erichyney6287]

Thanks Tim. See you next time.😊

[@billhanna5455]

Bene first ?? Js always remind me of Davidson boats out of NZ , Fast & comfortable

[@baxternauset]

Surprised that it doesn't seem to have a water tight bulkhead (with access hatches) forward of the rudder / steering system like my J-121. Do like they have the inner furling J4. Use mine a lot when short handd.

[@USA4thewin]

I hate J boats ,, they are too fast cant keep up with them

[@allanrheaume5549]

It would be interesting to see what a Canadian built Rob Ball designed C&C would look like in this day and age.

[@sr-py4jc]

Yacht brands today habitually market their boats as performance cruisers. J Boats will remain among my favourites forever, but how to enjoy summer cruising in hot climates without a bimini? The traveller in the cockpit floor prohibits it. No bimini, no cruiser. As for the interior: a question of personal taste, and I for one find their recent styling really attractive.

[@captainjimolchs]

Biminis interfere with perforomance. Awnings are available, can be rigged. "Recent styling"/wife-pleasing, for some, contrasts the beauty of a seaworthy craft.

[@robertscholz4486]

Hey Tim! What can i say ... beautiful boat. I just have an aversion to that "French" interior, so I don't see myself ever taking the plunge on one of these -- especially at that price point. I think that you rightly pointed out that there are endless options available on the market at that price, and if I was really into the speed thing like you I might opt for a Neel or Dragonfly (both of which will give you close to as much interior room as this boat) to satisfy my need for speed.

[@jackwalby6257]

I'm surprised you didn't do the new J40 first. I'm not to sure I like the in boom furling, solent rig set on this particular boat. Still pretty cool and a proper sailboat. I appreciate another posters comment about Grand Soleil, Swan and Solaris.

[@bellwether9496]

Nice boat

[@icksv5529]

"“Base price is $695k with carbon rig, and a sail-away budget with extensive systems would be somewhere in the $900,000 to $1 million range" the base price of a Solaris 40 is 420.900 euro vat included 😅 and I've not mentioned Grand Soleil, Swan and Oyster. It's a very nice boat, but Ferrari... mah, already the interior design it's not match for the mentioned brands.

[@larsnoreng]

Great report and feel the same way; this is exactly the type of boat you want as a passionate sailor (funny comment you made about the gentleman btw). X-Yachts are built with the same philosophy (sailing first, comfort second) and may be worth asking X-Yachts which one you/we should compare with the J-45?

[@jtk6096]

The French style interior is not a surprise. The boat is built in France, and J boats contracted a French interior designer to draw up the interior plan. Based on my personal experience with boats built by J Composites in France, a bigger concern than the esthetics is the build quality. It is about on par with the mainline french builders, but the J45 is a million dollar boat in sail sail away spec.

[@lancehunter3821]

Thanks for your very informative videos. What are your thoughts on the little known Pegasus 50 fast blue water cruiser? Seems to be a direct competitor to the J45 with a really innovative covered cockpit and layout. Thanks!

[@deanebrownfield6866]

I lived to single hand my J 30 in races because no one could even get close to me. It was my favorite race boat except for the International Canoe and the Flying Dutchman. Both much smaller but faster for sure. I love this boat but fat pigging a real racer is just sick.

[@roadboat9216]

How is this different than “Sweet Rucca”, a J 46. It and they certainly has been proven as an amazingly capable cruising boat.

[@michaellippmann4474]

Very nice...actually too nice, but yes the sailing qualities of J Boats are excellent. Great review! Cheers Mike

[@RModillo]

Pretty cool-- a lighter version of the sort of thing that Nautor used to pump out. Without the lovely teak, of course.

[@pl7868]

Great Video Thx for it , Really like this boat , not a fan of the open transom and huge cockpit really , you would be washed away in breaking seas and/or really uncomfortable , give me this boat with a center cockpit and 1 wheel all day .

[@Vildra-t8i]

Nice boat - this is similar to Arcona, Finngulf, Linjett, X etc. quality boats from Northern Europe. My favorite from these is Linjett, its quality is its own level just like HR. I think J and X are the lowest quality from these high quality boats. You can really get the best feel of the quality to check boats about 10 years old. Nautor Swan and Baltic are even higher on the quality and design etc. they are in their own level.

[@markmaugle4599]

Not enough solar panels. If you are cursing you will want quite power. I use flexible panels that can be mounted to the deck. Enough to run the icebox w/chill-plate 24/7.

[@richardduval9237]

Thank you

[@oscarschulz9362]

I have no doubt that it is an excellent boat, but nowadays anyone who is going to buy a boat thinks about what their true objective will be and what the boat offers. Therefore, I believe that the market for sales of this boat has become very limited due to its price.

[@cattaraugustonawanda4426]

Have to wonder how this compares to a Hallberg-Rassy of similar size for durability, speed and comfort?

[@2ndCity3rdCoast]

Beautiful and checks all the boxes, but open transoms scare me on a cruising boat.

[@CH-yp5by]

Swan is another racer cruiser boat that could match this boats performance.

[@davidstorer5551]

👍👍 fast comfort.

[@jamesneirinck413]

I like it as well! My current boat is a C&C 35 Mk1 which is fast and is an amazing sail so I like the performance aspect. For cruising and power needs you would need to add an arch at the back for solar panels, or have a generator? What did the folks from J boat say about that? An arch would kind of ruin the look / style perhaps.

[@captainjimolchs]

How much power do you need on a week-end? A small generator should provide all you need between ports.

[@jamesneirinck413]

@ if I spent all that money to buy a J45 for cruising I would be using it a lot more than just on the weekend.

[@captainjimolchs]

@@jamesneirinck413 If you had that money, you wouldn't be talking about it or care.

[@lorenzom7237]

I think you should buy it.

[@bentanner9265]

Entirely too busy working so I can afford a used one when my kids are done with school. To spend any more time commenting on wanting a sailboat that sails well and points high with cruising amenities for my wife. Then I remember she's scared of crossing oceans. I'll just buy a used Pogo and be faster still. Without the weight. And see her when I get back.

[@sailingreco4909]

Or a RM 1380. Fast, cheaper and french😂

[@bentanner9265]

@sailingreco4909 is the RM really faster? I figured the J boat would eat it's lunch up wind. Is that wrong?

[@sailingreco4909]

@@bentanner9265 I said, fast, not faster. And yes, probably the Pogo will be slightly faster. But you also have JPK's. And those I can well you, they are as fast as Pogos and, in my opinion with more confortable interiors. Don't get me wrong. Any of them are amazing. I made this comment because it looks that on this channel, there's always something agaisnt french boats. Maybe its only me.....🤔🤔

[@sailingreco4909]

I love this boat. Who doesn't? But even french brands can offer the same thing and cheaper. RM 1380? Huge amount of space, lots of light inside, and probably as fast as the J. And what about a JPK 45 FC? Both are almost 1 ton lighter. French again! And I am not french😂

[@micheltremblay2544]

Good vid .... but the price is the issue with all great new J Boats. I have owned used J's before, but as much as I love the brand, I just can't justify the new prices. I'd buy a XP 44 or 43 X Yacht any day for the same price or less.

[@jarodjohnson763]

What about a catamaran? Wouldnt that be the best cuiser? Not racer unless it is a drag race, but cruising seems hard to beat all that space! Minus the cost :\

[@jackchamberlain5993]

Sounds like who ever wrote your script spent a lot of time with the J boat sales rep. Believe it or not, many of those French boats have water tanks up front for the very same reason and many of those 40 foot French boat have the same performance parameters. It seems more like J boats has finally seen the light and decided to make a boat people actually want to sail.

[@observer2172]

@@jackchamberlain5993 The ubiquitous Janneau SO, Beneteau Oceanis, Bavaria, etc DO NOT HAVE performance anywhere near the J. Perhaps some of the First or Sun Fast could challenge but I doubt it. The Archambault, Pogo, etc, are not in the “French boats” category, I guess.

[@PaulieB-wi7mx]

Just an FYI, The J45 is a French Boat.

[@danknox9986]

I’ve always thought J/boats are well designed but poorly made. Hopefully this one is better.

[@GREGVFINCH007]

being an older J-133 owner I tend to agree. good design but the build quality is lacking . good marketing sucked me in

[@CH-yp5by]

They choose the French boasts because their parts are more accessible worldwide and substantially cheaper than other boats.

[@RisingFutureSailing]

4:06 So in a rough sea when something happens like the jibe preventer comes loose and someone needs to run up to secure the boom, there's a massive tripping hazard so they get their foot caught and crack their head on the cockpit seating or table? Nice.....

[@G11713]

A deep draft mono-hull for the price of a well appointed catamaran is not a good buy. That deep draft removes the Bahamas and the speed is further limited.

[@hemeoncn]

I couldn't afford one of the cabinet lock on this boat.

[@miavero]

I have an actual question. Knowledgeable sailors prefer a modern boat for offshore use. As a newbie it seems to me that a traditional boat is more seaworthy. I don't think I want a boat that is stable upside down. Maybe this question will never be resolved but what are your thoughts on this?

[@observer2172]

@@miavero What is “a traditional boat” for you? What would u like to do? You have to be clear about it. Best way - sail a thousand miles with some experienced sailors and youll know.

[@miavero]

​@@observer2172 Let's make the division between boats that stay inverted when capsized and those that will self right. I want a boat that I won't regret choosing in the worst weather I might encounter. I just answered my own question - thanks.

[@observer2172]

@@miavero Righting up is not an issue, there are/were few special racing designs that didn’t, but you’ll never see them. Your concern should be how a boat handles steep or breaking following waves including surfing, Best would be long keel, but it wouldn’t do many other things. Horses for courses.

[@miavero]

@@observer2172 Pictures of around the world races show a bunch of boats floating keel up. I don't have a good number but this J/45 probably has an angle of vanishing stability (AVS) of 110 & the CFS is 1.97. It may well be stable inverted. I'll go for the long keel thank you. I live in southern Ontario and I only need snow tires a couple days a year but on those days I'm glad I have them. As I thought there is no one answer, chacun son goût. Thank you for your input.

[@HikerBikerMoter]

Stable boats in very bad weather are those designed where they still remain upright with or without a keel as the hull is designed wide enough, deep enough and heavy enough that it IS its own keel. Adding a keel can be looked upon as a "bonus" making an already stable boat more stable. However adding that extra width/depth slows the boat down making it a less of a performance boat. But the builders attach "something" very heavy underneath to make it stable hence you have both stability and a fast boat. (of course it is imperative that that heavy keel never ever detaches from the hull or else.....) 😊

[@albertoialongo2005]

900k€ for this boat…. Just crazy price

[@Rottingboards]

IMO: For that much money a catamaran would offer so much more...

[@johnvolkman7208]

It feels French because it is - J/Composties Europe

[@kevinjames3714]

Anybody that hankers after this but can’t afford the one million dollar price ( with essential options) should consider a 20 year old Baltic 47, yes really, does pretty much all the same stuff but with 6 berths and Scandinavian interior, not “French”. Only problem? Only 9 were built!

[@svviento2298]

So many other more interesting options. In the world this boat competes for buyers, build quality is average to its peers. x yachts swan, HR etc. Go shop - plenty of very fast cruise options out there. BTW love these new boat reviews from PS.

[@sethfriedman2462]

Spectacular.

[@davidfellows6250]

Me rite about boat. Me want colum. Boat pretty.

[@stevecheshire5210]

With options this is a $1million boat, it looks fantastic but with a million $’s burning a hole in my pocket I’d head to the Swan shop.

[@CH-yp5by]

Being French inside ??? Most French boats have Italian and Nordic design houses doing the interior design... So I would hardly call it French.

[@attilat8879]

Insane pricing. I happily lose 3-4% performance - if at all - and enjoy a First 44 for HALF of that price.

[@nathanharper8211]

Kraken

[@davescott2042]

A shame about the main traveller.

[@nelmsgraham3384]

7.60 draft. No thanks.

[@NoToBigBro]

He said 6.0 for "Cruiser" version.

[@GordonDavis-j8q]

Yeah my 45 footer has a 5 foot draft and thats plently.

[@robd8577]

Really getting away from the everyday guy chance of buying any of these

[@Jumbo-D]

Actually, if you find yourself trying to point as high as possible while you are cruising, you are a terrible route planer. Additionally, any boat with a sail drive is not a cruising boat, period. Experienced sailors know that it is a bad idea to cut a huge hole in the bottom of the boat for no good reason. What is this boat - A very nice 45 foot day sailor, have fun rounding the marks.

[@philo5096]

Friggin ugly, but fast.

[@billbogg3857]

Seems to be fairly classic. What do you think ugly ?

[@MrCubansurfer]

I’ll take a Kracken any day over this 🗑️

[@stanleybest8833]

Too many front furlers. Drag and weight. Only the bottom of a keel should be lead or zinc. That's crude.

[@brownnoise357]

Nope. Way too much Racing Still, and nowhere near enough Cruising. Too Deep Draft, and too high Mast Air Draft.and a bloody Mainsheet Track in the Cockpit ?😅😅😅

[@holmalbrecht425]

$$ to quality ratio is off! Sail it hard for two seasons and see what’s left of your million dollar boat… no thank you! But there are plenty of people around who love their J‘s.

[@GREGVFINCH007]

some truth to that . owning an older J-133 I can speak to the decay

[@deanebrownfield6866]

I lived to single hand my J 30 in races because no one could even get close to me. It was my favorite race boat except for the International Canoe and the Flying Dutchman. Both much smaller but faster for sure. I love this boat but fat pigging a real racer is just sick.