J/120 from 1998 – high-end racing-cruising, ready to sail This J/120 from 1998 is an excellent example of what J Boats does best: a v...
1998 J/120 – high-end offshore racing-cruising, ready to sail
This 1998 J/120 is an excellent example of what J Boats does best: a true fast, lightweight, safe, and enjoyable cruising-racer. This boat has recently benefited from major structural work, as well as a full upgrade of rigging, sails, and safety equipment, making it particularly reassuring for those seeking a high-performance sailboat without surprises.
The boat is owned by a French company, which allows, in case of purchase by a European company subject to VAT, to recover/deduct the VAT on acquisition.
Construction and hull
The hull and deck are built with high-tech balsa/ fiberglass sandwich, using the vacuum process “Scrimp system,” renowned for rigidity, lightness, and durability. The hull and deck were molded by TPI Composites (USA) and finished by J Composites in France, ensuring high-quality completion.
The deck features a bi-tone non-slip coating. The hull is finished in an elegant blue gelcoat “Flag Blue” with white fairleads and waterline stripe.
Major recent work:
Complete sanding of the hull and full preparation of the underwater surface.
Repaired keel-hull joint by a professional
Recently renewed inner linings, for a clean and healthy interior.
The lead keel is fixed on a strong molded iron fish, and the boat is steered by an balanced rudder mounted on an anodized aluminum stock. The steering wheel is equipped with a new Carbonautica wheel (2023), providing precision and steering comfort.
The engine is a Volvo Penta MD2040B inboard diesel, driving a Gori foldable propeller on a stainless steel shaft, coupled with a 110-liter fuel tank.
Rigging, hardware, and deck
The boat has an aluminum Sparcraft mast and boom, with a profiled mast and two stages of aerodynamic spreader bars. Particular care has been taken with:
Complete rigging replacement in 2023.
New Profurl roller furling (2023).
Retractable carbon fiber bowsprit, ideal for Code 0 and asymmetrical spinnakers.
Lazy jacks and reef bands for easy handling with a small crew.
Jackstays in place.
The deck hardware is of racing quality:
2 Harken 48ST primary winches.
4 Harken 44ST winches for halyards and mainsheet.
Spinlock cleats for halyards and sheets.
Harken genoa tracks with adjustable cars from the cockpit.
Harken jib track.
Harken mainsail sheet track.
Deck safety features include front/rear coaming, double rails, and a swim ladder on the transom.
Sails
The sail plan is one of the main assets of this boat, with a recent high-end wardrobe and a complete suite of headsails:
Recent sails (2023):
Carbon mainsail (2023).
Carbon genoa #2 (2023).
Carbon genoa #3 (2023).
Code 0 (2023).
A perfect setup for IRC/ORC racing, offshore navigation, and fast cruising.
Electrical and electronic equipment
The electronic equipment is complete and well-sized for offshore racing as well as demanding cruising:
Navtex.
Garmin plotter with Loch/Speedo, sounder, wind speed and direction.
7 Raymarine displays on the deck (2023), offering all navigation information at a glance.
Autohelm ST50 electronic control unit with repeaters (compass, VMG, Maxiview on mast).
Autohelm ST5000 autopilot with linear actuator (Raytheon).
Navigation GPS + GPS AP 8 with repeater.
VHF with antenna.
Electrical equipment:
SL Anchorman 700G electric windlass with foot switches.
Head and deck lights.
Fresh and seawater pumps.
Dock socket and battery charger.
Interior
The interior is warm and nautical, finished in varnished cherry wood by J Composites, with recently renewed linings. The layout offers comfort and functionality, suitable for both crewed racing and family cruising.
Eberspacher heating for comfort in mid-season and winter.
Two new 90L freshwater tanks.
Large capacity refrigerator.
Gas stove with oven and two burners.
Kitchen block with double sink and pressurized hot/cold water.
New toilets (2023).
Sleeping arrangements:
Forward cabin with V double berth and head (toilet/washbasin/shower).
Saloon with settees + pipe cots on port and starboard.
Aft double cabin.
Upholstery in good condition fabric.
Chart table facing forward, with storage and easy access to electronics. Numerous lockers and storage spaces for equipment and provisions.
Deck and safety equipment
Deck equipment:
Foredeck hatch with frame.
Navigation lights and spare VHF antenna.
Bruce 15 kg anchor with 50m of calibrated chain, and modification of the bow roller for storage of this anchor.
Regatta anchor 10 kg with 15m of chain, stored in cushioned locker.
Mid-length opening transom gates on each side.
Support for dinghy engine on the aft platform.
Pavilion mast and socket.
Pavilion halyard on the mast.
2 additional mooring cleats amidships.
3 harness attachment points in the cockpit.
Safety:
AIS.
EPIRB.
Emergency steering.
Crown buoy, rescue line
First aid kit.
Life raft and complete gear.
High seas distress rocket pack.
Tax situation
The boat is owned by a French company. In case of acquisition by a European company subject to VAT, the purchase can be made with deductible/recoverable VAT, providing a significant financial advantage for charter programs, team building, or fleet ownership.
Ideal for racing-cruising programs, coastal or offshore races, Fastnet, RORC, or fast cruising.