The New J/7 Sailboat
How the boats will be used
Questions on the new J/7 Sailboats
Similar to the J/22s, the new J/7 fleet will support the following programs:
● Group and private lessons
● Adult Racing Series
● Youth Summer Recreational Keelboat Program
● Sail Newport’s Pell Elementary School 4th Grade Science and Sailing Program
● Community partnership programs for children, adults and families
● Sail Newport’s free community events such as Community Waterfront Day and AdventureSail® Day
● Corporate outings, team building events and mini-regattas
Q. Why did Sail Newport replace the J/22 Fleet?
A. This is a significant upgrade to our keelboat fleet. We loved the J/22, and it served as a wonderful teaching and club racing platform. The J/7 offers ample space for both instructors and students, accommodating groups of 5 or 6 in our rental and the “Try Sailing” program.
Q. Did Sail Newport collaborate on the boat set-up/deck design for any custom features?
A. Yes, the Sail Newport team collaborated with Newport-based J/Boats over the past season to test the boat and experience its handling, sail design, and comfort to ensure that the new fleet of J/7 sailboats meets the highest standards of Sail Newport’s programs for the community.
Q. Why now?
A. Several reasons:
- We have the opportunity to be the first sailing center to purchase this new design, which meets many of the objectives we were looking for in a replacement for the J/22.
- Available funding – Between the revenue from the sale of the existing fleet and the available funds from the growth of the Keelboat Replacement Fund, in place since 2012, the financial timing makes sense.
- In 2025, the fleet of J22s had an excellent resale value.
Q. Where did the J/22s go?
A. The entire fleet was sold to our fellow nonprofit sailing center, Sail Maine.
Q. What about the J/7 made you select the boat?
A. The 23’ J/7 is a modern design daysailer with an extra-large and comfortable cockpit, an optimized deck layout for simplicity and efficiency, a roller-furling jib, and a lead keel to ensure stability. The boat can comfortably accommodate six adults, making it perfect for family and group sailing experiences.
Q. Is it easy to sail?
A. Yes! It’s an enjoyable boat with an optimized deck layout for simplicity and efficiency, including an end-boom mainsheet system and bridle. No traveler to trip over! The cockpit is also self-bailing.
Q. Is the boat sturdy?
A. Yes, very. The 3.8′ keel has twice as much lead ballast as the J/22.
Q. How is the visibility from the helm?
Excellent. Because of the high boom, visibility from the helm is exceptional. Also, the low profile cabin design contributes to the better visibility.
Q. How many people will it accommodate?
A. The boat will comfortably sail with six people, increasing the experience for families and guests. For racers, four crew can sit side-by-side for better weight balance while sailing upwind.
Q. Since there's a transom entrance on the J/7, can we swim off the boat?
A. As much as we live for the ocean, this is a very big no-No. For safety reasons, Sail Newport will still not allow for swimming off the J/7s.
Q. What's the racing set up?
A. The sizable cockpit allows for four crew to sit side-by-side, offering more weight balance options for upwind sailing and it also has a tiller extension.
Q. What kind of spinnaker is on the J/7?
A. The boat will come equipped with a symmetrical spinnaker.
Q. Is there a cabin?
A. Yes. however, It’s smaller than on the J/22 as it’s deliberately designed to give more deck space and helm visibility, but enough room to store gear.
Q. Are you looking for donations for the new fleet?
A. Sail Newport has the resources to purchase the fleet. However, Sail Newport is actively seeking donors interested in making leadership gifts to name five unnamed boats. Importantly, these gifts will provide funding for fleet maintenance and the next Fleet Replacement Fund.
If you would like to consider a gift to Sail Newport to name a boat, we have boats 5, 8, 9, 11 and 13 available.Please contact: [email protected]
Contact: Kim Hapgood, Program Director
Telephone: (401) 846-1983