Eighth J Class launched from Holland Jachtbouw

J8, now known by her official name Topaz, has recently been launched from Holland Jachtbouw.

The J Class series have been designed by Hoek Design. Using a special design software from the Hoek office, the naval architects have been able to compare all of Frank Paine’s original lines plans for the J designs from the 1930s to make Topaz the best J in terms of performance. Hoek Design thus built Topaz with a reduced wetted surface and the highest keel aspect ratio of the J Class series. She also has the longest waterline length yet to be seen in J class.

“When Frank Paine originally drew this vessel in 1935 he was prepared to take a sail area or displacement penalty in order to gain the extra length required,” said designer Andre Hoek. “By optimising the design for the modern handicap rules of the JCA, we paid enormous attention to J8′s stiffness to weight ratio and lightweight aluminium hull.”

Topaz will soon undergo her sea trials with the project team from Holland Jachtbouw, project managers Cornelsen and Partnernow, and the naval architects from Hoek Design. She is scheduled for delivery in July 2015.

There are now eight vessels from the J Class fleet on the water.

Name: J8

Builder: Holland Jachtbouw
Length: 42,62 m / 140’0″

Exterior: Hoek Design
Interior: Hoek Design
Naval Architect: Hoek Design

Guests: 8
Crew: 7
Beam (max): 6,85 m / 22’5″
Draught: 4.55 m / 14’11”