J/44

Description

The J/44 (1989–1993) is Rod Johnstone's iconic 44′10″ offshore performance cruiser-racer that redefined the 44-foot genre, blending J/Boats' signature speed with legitimate bluewater comfort in a sleek, low-profile package: 21,500 lb displacement with 9,200 lb lead ballast in a deep fin keel (7′6″ draft, shoal 6′ option), a generous 13′3″ beam, and 1,035 sq ft of upwind sail (main + 135% genoa) on a fractional aluminum rig that yields an SA/D of ~22 and D/L around 200 for balanced, responsive handling—capable of 10+ knots upwind in a breeze and easy surfing to 15+ under symmetric spinnaker. The cockpit seats a full crew for racing or family, with all lines led aft for short-handed ease, while belowdecks offers a practical three-cabin layout with double berths, full galley, nav station, and two heads, all finished to production standards yet built to American Bureau of Shipping offshore certification. A proven race winner (Fastnet, SORC, Bermuda Race victories) and cruiser favorite, it sails light on its feet with minimal weather helm and remains highly sought after for its timeless lines and versatility. A total of 54 J/44s were hand-built by Tillotson-Pearson (TPI) during its short production run, cementing its status as a modern classic with active one-design fleets.