Blog & News

Blog & News

Joker’s Atlantic tour EN & FR

July 28th, 2020 news Sailing Adventures
Joker

«Between Christmas and winter holidays with the family and then the period of lockdown, Joker’s tour of the Atlantic was organized in several major stages which will structure both my voyage and my account of it.

 

From Marseille to Santa Cruz de Tenerife

On November 4, 2019, Joker left her home port in Marseille for Santa Cruz de Tenerife. For this first stage, I left with my crew Alain, a seafaring friend, passionate about sailing and attracted by my transatlantic project. 1500 miles link Marseille to Santa Cruz de Tenerife, but coast-hopping round all the bays for shelter, we covered 1622 miles. After 25 days sailing, we reached our destination on November 28.

For the entire passage along the Mediterranean to Gibraltar we had headwinds and very rough seas. Once at the strait, we had to wait five days for a change in the weather to pass it. Once through the strait, we descended towards the Canaries in optimal conditions, with a northerly wind and sunshine. The spinnaker was set for some unforgettable sleighriding to Santa Cruz de Tenerife where Joker stayed a month under the supervision of the yacht club and Jean-Claude, a friend who lives on the island, so that I could come back to spend the New Year holidays with the family.

 

From Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Pointe à Pitre in Guadeloupe

On January 9, 2020, I rejoined Joker in Santa Cruz de Tenerife for the second stage of the trip, undoubtedly the one whichmakes you dream the most. This is the journey to the beautiful and warm: the Caribbean dream.

2,600 miles connect Santa Cruz de Tenerife to Pointe à Pitre, but by extending the route southwards in search of wind we covered 2923 miles. In order not to get lost in this watery desert, I gave myself waypoints (A, B, C) to motivate myself in stages.

Despite this detour, we took full advantage of the beauties of nature: the extraordinary sunsets, starry skies, the tropical softness that sets in, the exceptional moments of surfing down waves, the flying fish … not to mention the catch of the first dolphinfish, a feast of fresh flesh!

After 21 days of sailing, we arrived in Bas du Fort marina in Pointe à Pitre on January 30 under spinnaker, on an ocean covered in sargassum with golden reflections and with lots of flying fish and birds to accompany the reverie.

 

From Marin in Martinique to Funchal in Madeira

After a month and a half of Caribbean holidays spent welcoming the family, the so-called return crossing began in the haste of the lockdown period: March 18, 2020.

During this transatlantic crossing, I had planned to leave with a crew member who was not able to join me due to the lockdown being put in place. However, I was fortunate enough to meet Thierry, on the quay, who was supposed to crew on another boat that was no longer leaving.

This crossing is the most interesting in terms of navigation. The weather conditions forced us to go towards the cold and the bad weather but in increasingly impressive landscapes.

This trip would have been very different without Hubert, an oceanography researcher and sailing enthusiast, very qualified to be a router, and we are in regular contact by email thanks to the iridium satellite phone installed for the occasion.

At this point in the trip, Hubert informed me that a depression was expected over the Azores and that we were strongly advised against taking this route. He advised us to go further south and east,  a safer and more comfortable route. By following his routing, we took advantage of the good life – bucket showers on the stern deck, reading, music – and decide to stopover in Madeira to take on diesel, fresh food and to rest before the last stage.

 

From Funchal to Marseille

After two days spent in Funchal, we resumed our journey on April 12 for an arrival in Marseille scheduled for April 27. During the last 15 days, we felt the atmosphere of confinement, even at sea: few merchant ships, no aircraft in the sky … With the fear of being immobilized at any time, we looked for remote anchorages every evening rather than continuing under engine.

On Sunday April 26, the boat glides over calm seas as far as Planier, marking the entrance to Marseille harbor, where we arrived as if in a dream. At noon, Joker is back in her place after a six month voyage – 86 days of sailing and 9,600 miles covered.

Formerly a commercial sailor, I am used to being at sea in heavy weather. While this trip represents my eighth crossing of the Atlantic by sail, I am still fascinated by the beauty of nature. Each encounter – a sunrise and sunset, a fish, a bird – takes on an inestimable value in my eyes which gives me profound joy.

As for Joker, she is my sixth sailboat. I am particularly delighted with her sailing qualities which have given me a fantastic experience. I may have been happy to change boats before, but Joker will continue to sail the seas and oceans with me for a while longer. »

 

Hervé, owner of the J/109 Joker

Joker

« Entre les vacances de Nöel et d’hiver en famille puis la péride de confinement, le tour de l’Atlantique de Joker s’est organisé en plusieurs grandes étapes qui structureront tant ma navigation que mon récit de voyage.

 

De Marseille à Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Le 4 novembre 2019, Joker quitte son port d’attache de Marseille pour rejoindre Santa Cruz de Tenerife. Pour cette première étape, je pars avec mon équipier Alain, un copain marin, passionné par la voile et attiré par mon projet de transatlantique. 1500 milles relient Marseille à Santa Cruz de Tenerife, mais en faisant le tour de toutes les baies pour rester à l’abri, nous allons parcourir 1622 miles. Après 25 jours de navigation, nous rejoignons notre point de chute le 28 novembre.

Cette traversée s’est établie dans des conditions de vents contraires et de mer très forte tout le long de la Méditerranée jusqu’à Gibraltar. Arrivés au détroit, nous attendrons cinq jours un changement climatique pour le passer. Une fois le détroit traversé, nous descendons vers les Canaries dans des conditions de vent de nord et de soleil optimales. Le spinnaker est de la partie pour des glissades inoubliables jusqu’à Santa Cruz de Tenerife où Joker restera un mois sous la surveillance du club nautique et de Jean-Claude, un copain qui habite sur l’île, pour que je rentre passer les fêtes de fin d’année en famille.

 

De Santa Cruz de Tenerife à Pointe à Pitre en Guadeloupe

Le 9 janvier 2020, je retrouve Joker à Santa Cruz de Tenerife pour la deuxième étape du voyage, sans doute celle qui fait le plus rêver. C’est le voyage vers le beau et le chaud : le rêve Antillais.

2600 miles relient Santa Cruz de Tenerife à Pointe à Pitre, mais à la recherche de vent en allongeant la route vers le sud, nous parcourons 2923 miles. Afin de ne pas me perdre dans ce désert liquide, je me suis donné des points de repères (A,B,C) pour me motiver à avoir des étapes.

Malgré ce détour, nous profitons pleinement des beautés de la nature : les couchers de soleil extraordinaires, les ciels étoilés, la douceur tropicale qui s’installe, les moments exceptionnels de glissades dans les surfs, les poissons volants… sans oublier la prise de la première daurade coryphène, régalade de chair fraîche !

Après 21 jours de navigation, nous arrivons dans la marina de Bas du Fort à Pointe à Pitre le 30 janvier sous spinnaker, sur un océan chargé de sargasses aux reflets dorés avec beaucoup de poissons volants et d’oiseaux pour accompagner la rêverie.

 

Du Marin en Martinique à Funchal à Madère

Après un mois et demi de vacances antillaises à accueillir la famille, la traversée dite retour commence dans la précipitation de la période de confinement : le 18 mars 2020.

Lors de cette transatlantique, j’avais prévu de partir avec un équipier qui ne pourra pas me rejoindre pour cause de confinement qui se met en place. J’ai néanmoins eu la chance de rencontrer Thierry, sur le quai, qui devait rentrer sur un autre bateau qui ne partait plus.

Cette traversée est la plus intéressante sur le plan de la navigation. Les conditions météorologiques nous obligent à aller vers le froid et le mauvais temps mais dans des paysages de plus en plus grandioses.

Ce voyage aurait été très différent sans Hubert, chercheur en océanographie et passionné de voile. Très qualifié pour faire routeur, nous sommes régulièrement en contact par mail grâce au téléphone satellite iridium installé pour l’occasion.

À ce moment du voyage, Hubert m’informe qu’une dépression est prévue sur les Acores et qu’il est fortement déconseillé de prendre cet itinéraire. Il nous conseille de nous rendre plus au sud et à l’est, afin de pouvoir bénéficier d’une route plus sûre et confortable. En suivant son routage, nous profitons des bonnes choses : les douches au seau sur la plage arrière, la lecture, la musique, et décidons de faire escale à Madère pour se ravitailler en gas-oil, vivres frais et se reposer avant le dernier tronçon.

 

De Funchal à Marseille

Après deux jours passés à Funchal, nous reprenons notre route le 12 avril pour une arrivée à Marseille prévue le 27 avril. Durant ces 15 derniers jours de navigation, nous ressentons l’atmosphère du confinement y compris en mer : peu de navires marchands, aucun avion dans le ciel… Avec la peur de se faire immobiliser à tout moment, nous cherchons des mouillages aussi insolites les uns que les autres chaque soir plutôt que de faire route au moteur.
Le dimanche 26 avril, le bateau glisse sur une mer calme jusqu’à Planier, marquant l’entrée dans la rade de Marseille, où nous arrivons comme dans un rêve. A midi, Joker est de retour à sa place après six mois de voyage, 86 jours de navigation et 9600 milles parcourus.

 

Auparavant marin de commerce, j’ai l’habitude et l’expérience en mer dans le gros temps. Si ce voyage représente ma huitième traversée de l’Atlantique à la voile, je suis toujours fasciné par la beauté de la nature. Chaque rencontre : un lever et coucher de soleil, un poisson, un oiseau… prend à mes yeux une valeur inestimable qui me réjouit profondément.

Joker, quant à lui, est mon sixième voilier. Je suis particulièrement ravi de ses qualités nautiques qui m’ont permis de vivre une expérience fantastique. Si j’étais content de changer de bateau auparavant, Joker, lui, continuera à sillonner les mers et océans encore un petit bout de temps avec moi. »

Hervé, propriétaire du J/109 Joker

Joker

Altre News

New J/40 Elegance yacht

July 31st, 2024 Uncategorized

J 40 ELEGANCE YACHT Il NUOVO J/40 . . . Velocità “offshore”, comfort e piacevolezza J/Boats e J/Composites sono lieti di annunciare il nuovo J/40, un’imbarcazione con elevate prestazioni off-shore e in crociera, capace di sviluppare velocità a due cifre, con un comfort eccezionale sia in porto che in mare. Dallo stesso team che ha […]

Three J/99’s take the podium 1-2-3 in the Australian classic RPAYC Pittwater to Coffs Harbour Race

April 3rd, 2023 news Sailing Adventures

27 yachts competed in the 226nm coastal classic, ranging in size from the 30ft Dubois 30 up to 100ft Andoo Comanche with three J/99’s in the mix. The race very professionally run by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club (RPAYC), with welcoming reception from Coffs Harbour Yacht Club. The conditions were challenging for the light wind […]

J/99 Australian National Championship

March 15th, 2023 news

The J/99 from J/Boats has again proved its versatility with an extremely successful Australian National Championship held last weekend 4-5th March 2023. The Championship was a six race program, fully crewed windward leeward series and held as part of the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta, hosted by Middle Harbour Yacht Club (MHYC) Others have […]

Double handed sailing skills with Pip Hare on a J/99

February 20th, 2023 news

Pip Hare gives you tips on how to perform double handed in a series of episodes ft. Yachting World.   Watch the videos in Pip Hare’s new series on double handed sailing skills. Expert advice on short handed sailing from one of the world’s best sailors. Pip Hare, accompanied by our English expert Wayne from […]

J/45 : Best Crossover 2023

December 19th, 2022 news Sailing Adventures

After the “Best Performance Cruiser” title at the Cruising World Magazine – Boat of the Year 2023, the J/45 wins the “Best Crossover” title at the Sailing World – Boat of the Year 2023! For more details https://www.sailingworld.com/…/2023-boat-of-the-year…/ — Après le titre de “Best Performance Cruiser” au Cruising World – Boat of the Year 2023, […]

J/45 : Best Performance Cruiser 2023

December 12th, 2022 news Sailing Adventures

New distinction for the J/45 🏅 She won the title of “Best Performance Cruiser” at the Cruising World – Boat of the Year 2023 against a strong field of competitors.  ➡ J/45 will be exhibited at Boot Düsseldorf 2023 Extract from the Yachting World report 📃:  Over time, J/Boats pivoted from one-design classes to ocean racers […]

J/99’s on form in the Blue Water Pointscore, Sydney

December 12th, 2022 Sailing Adventures

J/99’s and J/122’s on form in the Blue Water Pointscore, Sydney. The 172nm Cabbage Tree Island Race (hosted by Cruising Yacht Club of Australia) was held over the weekend 2nd – 3rd December with a combined fleet of 69 yachts of which 15 were sailed two-handed.  Again, we saw more outstanding success from the J/99 […]

 J Composites will be present at the Boot Düsseldorf from 21 to 29 January 2023

November 30th, 2022 news

J Composites will be present at the Boot Düsseldorf from 21 to 29 January 2023   This is a unique opportunity to discover (or rediscover for the most assiduous) our Elegance range with the J/45 and J/112E. A combination of comfort, luxury and performance, these two yachts have been designed for the pleasure of the […]

J/99 ‘Rum Rebellion’ victorious in Bird Island Race

November 28th, 2022 news Sailing Adventures

At 10.00am on Saturday 12th November 2022 a fleet of 49 yachts started the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia 83nm Bird Island race where competitors sail from Sydney Harbour to Bird Island (approximately 3nm north east of Norah Head), before returning to Sydney Harbour to finish.   In light conditions the fleet headed north out […]

A J/99 winner of the Flinders Islet Race

September 28th, 2022 news Non classé Sailing Adventures

Last week, the J/99 ‘Rum Rebellion’ won IRC and line honours Two Handed division at the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s  Audi Centre Blue Water Pointscore series Flinders Islet race. The crew told us about their experience: The 2022 edition of the Cruising Yacht Club of Australia’s  Audi Centre Blue Water Pointscore series Flinders Islet […]

Grand Pavois 2022

September 26th, 2022 news

We invite you to meet us until sunday 2nd October at the Grand Pavois in La Rochelle . The J/99 and J/112E will be exhibited at Pontoon 5 – 5 – 03. — Nous vous donnons rendez-vous jusqu’au dimanche 2 octobre au Grand Pavois de La Rochelle. Le J/99 et J/112E seront exposés au Ponton […]

Cannes Yachting Festival 2022

September 7th, 2022 news

Join us until Sunday 11th September at the Cannes Yachting Festival! This is the opportunity to visit our J/99 and J/45. See you at Port Canto – Stand : SAIL163, SAIL026.

Key Yachting J-Cup Regatta 2022

July 4th, 2022 news

J Cup Regatta 🇬🇧 Last weekend saw the Key Yachting J-Cup Regatta organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club. The race started on Thursday 30 June in sunny and ideal windy conditions for the 56 participating teams. ☀ Thanks to Key Yachting and of course the RORC for the organisation of this great event! 🔝 […]

The J/99 AXESAIL wins the Spi Ouest France

April 25th, 2022 news Sailing Adventures

The 2022 edition of the emblematic Spi Ouest France which took place last weekend in Quiberon Bay was marked by sunny conditions. The J/99s were once again at the forefront, especially in the IRC B category. Maxime Mesnil, skipper of the J/99 AXESAIL, winner of the IRC B category, gave us his impressions on his […]

A single-handed Transquadra in a J/99, a such beautiful revelation

March 14th, 2022 news Sailing Adventures

🇬🇧 A single-handed Transquadra in a J/99, a such beautiful revelation! – Olivier Grassi, skipper of the J/99 Grassi Bateaux The Transquadra 2022 will go down in history with the highlight of the second leg, which required the crews to avoid the 2 depressions, by the North, in an almost obligatory way. For this new edition, […]

J/99 Class

Spi Ouest France – Let’s get the J/99 fleet together!

March 14th, 2022 news

 Spi Ouest France – Let’s get the J/99 fleet together! The famous French regatta is fast approaching! As the J/99 fleet is getting bigger and bigger every month, we encourage owners to enter the same category. What could be better than to compete against your fellow sailors? You participate at the race in J/99 or […]

Already the 100th J/99 ! 

February 11th, 2022 news

3 years after the launching of our last sport sailboat, the 100th unit is already in production ! Let’s look back at some figures reflecting the success of this sailboat ⬇ Her production involve more than 10 full-time employees She is present in 25 countries on 5 continents One of them has been flashed at […]

The Calypso Odysessy

December 1st, 2021 news Sailing Adventures

🇬🇧 At the yard, we really liked sharing the sailing adventures of our owners. Here Thomas explain why he chose a J/99 and he explains his sailing program in Mediterranean sea. ⏬ Why did you choose a J/99? Calypso Odysessy was commissioned by RLR Yachting early in 2021 as we were excited about this new offering […]

J/45, a warm welcome from the public and press!

November 23rd, 2021 news

🇬🇧 We officially launched our new J/45 last September during the Cannes Yachting Festival. We wanted to thank you for the very warm welcome you gave to the boat! Your numerous feedbacks have confirmed us in the choices and directions we’ve took for this new unit. Many of you, congratulate us on the loyalty and respect […]

Nautic - J Composites

Paris Boat Show 2021 – 4 to 12 December

November 23rd, 2021 news

🇬🇧 We are pleased to announce that we will be present at the Nautic Boat Show in Paris, from December 4 to 12 (stand n°J42). This edition will not be usual for the yard as we will not present unit on the stand. Indeed, the delivery and production schedule does not allow us to ensure […]

J45 interior

J/45 An Inner sense of light!

October 6th, 2021 news

🇬🇧 J/45 – An Inner sense of light! The interior coherence and ergonomics of J/Boats at sea is an absolute given. For the J/45 the aim was to push back the boundaries in this regard. To do this, we teamed up with Isabelle Racoupeau for the interior design. She was able to bring to bear her vast […]

J45

J/45 first cruising test with Benjamin Dutreux

September 4th, 2021 news

🇬🇧 Discover the video of the new 45 at sea! In the perpetual search for excellence in all levels, we wanted for our new unit, the J/45, to have an outside eye on both sides: performance and quality of life on board, by the famous skipper Benjamin Dutreux. This local skipper, based in Sables d’Olonne, […]

J45

J/45 selected for the European Boat of the Year!

August 31st, 2021 news

🇬🇧 We are excited to announce you that our new unit, the J/45 is nominated for the European Boat of the Year! Barely launched at sea, the 45 is already selected for one of the highest prizes in the sailing world, in the “Performance Cruiser” category. Next step, the sea trials with the journalists end of […]

When J/Boats shakes up fast-cruiser standards

July 23rd, 2021 news

🇬🇧 With 45 years of experience in sailboat design and millions of miles covered on all oceans, this new unit has succeeded in astonishing all J/Boats teams! This daring gamble to bring together unparalleled comfort (modern and bright interior, high-end upholstery and finishes, etc.), large interior volumes (very large storage capacities, volume of living spaces, […]

The J/99 is once again at the top of the races in France !

July 19th, 2021 news

The J/99 is once again at the top of the races in France 😎 ✅ 3 weeks of regattas ✅ 3 key events on the Atlantic coast ✅ 3 victories for J/99   🥇Congratulations to Daniel Robin who won the Tour des Ports Vendéens with Jaffa, in double-handed, against the teams !! 🥇Congratulations also to Grassi Bateaux who emerge victorious at […]