A favorite topic of discussion here at SA has been the concept of the affordable sport boat. Many of you have said that no such animal exists, and still others have different interpretations of what that animal is.

We have maintained that the market needs and will buy a 30' sport boat that is simple, light, easy to sail, faster than hell, and cheap. And I've been ridiculed for having the audacity to think that it can be done.

We think it has just happened, and your pals here at SA might just be a part of it. Say hello to the JS 9000, as previewed earlier on these pages. It's designed by Aussie Naval Architect John Swarbrick and it is 30', simple (non overlapping jibs, no runners, no pole, etc), light (1,500 lbs!), easy to sail (minimal hiking with over 1000 lbs. in the keel), fast (with these numbers, there is no way it can't be) and cheap. How cheap? How does under $30,000 sail away sound. Don't believe it? Believe it.

That's right; a GRP composite infusion hull and deck built in Australia, state of the art sport boat design delivered here and in the water and complete for under 30k.

Swarbrick is known for his innovative AC and Whitbread (he designed the very quick Tokio for Chris Dickson) work and this boat reflects that. It is conceived to be a low volume, low sail area boat with very simple sail controls and minimal accommodations (there are two bunks, and not much else). You sail with a crew of three, and should also be an excellent single-hander.

In our way of thinking, this represents a new and bold, yet very simple approach to getting people a wicked fast, easy and inexpensive way to go racing in almost any venue.

So look at the pictures and the drawings and see if you don't think this is a glimpse at the way things ought to be. We are so stoked on it, we are in talks to perhaps become a distributor for the boat. check out their site, www.sportzboat.com

More JS 9000 Pictures

Drawing #1 | Drawing #2

01/17/2002