2025 J Boats J/40

The J/40 is an offshore-capable, high performance cruising yacht capable of double-digit speeds with exceptional comfort, both in port and at sea. From the same team that launched the award-winning J/112E, J/122 and J/45, comes an exciting 40-footer that boldly pushes the envelope on performance, versatility of use, and cruising comfort.

The pure joy of sailing and the thrill of steering a well-balanced, stable, high performing sailboat, are part of the J/Boats DNA. The J/40 doesn’t fit into a specific category or rule, except the rule of the sea, the ultimate rule that rewards boats with predictable, smooth motion that can quickly adapt to changing conditions with minimal effort by the crew. Like other J’s before it, the J/40 is designed to track smoothly through waves, nearly steering itself. The simple but versatile, high-aspect sailplan allows almost any combination of sail (mainsail only, jib only, reefed main with inner jib, etc.) for comfortable cruising, while also able to be optimized for signature events such as Rolex Fastnet, Newport-Bermuda, Transpac and Chicago-Mac.

On the J/40, all sail controls lead to the large cockpit, with six winches optimally placed for quick access to hoisting and trimming. The mainsail is the primary driving force of the sail plan and all controls (mainsheet, backstay and traveler) are within easy reach of the driver. The non-overlapping small jib makes tacking a breeze with much better visibility, and much less jib sheet to trim than with an overlapping genoa. For added downwind performance, the J/40 is equipped with a fixed carbon bow sprit for flying an asymmetrical spinnaker or a furling Code sail.

Sailors spend more time in the cockpit than anywhere else on the boat. Getting the details right is critical. The cockpit is both the operations hub AND the primary entertainment space. Focusing too much on one at the expense of the other can produce undesired consequences – the most noticeably being the lack of visibility from the helm on many modern sailboats. On the New J/40, drivers of all sizes have 360-degree visibility from the helm (including over the cabintop) - essential for proper sailing and easier docking.

The angled, radiused backrests are super comfortable for socializing with friends, and the wide, angled winch coamings invite high-side seating and easy traversing during sailing maneuvers. The twin-wheel configuration offers great access for transom boarding, swimming, and all-around cockpit living/playing space. In race mode, the twin wheels allow the driver to sit further outboard, and the crew to smoothly pass between the aft and forward cockpits for easier sail handling and navigating.

With inspiration drawn from the J/45, the interior design and styling is by Isabelle Racoupeau in collaboration with J/Composites. Beautifully varnished, handcrafted, natural wood (solid and veneer) is featured throughout, with a design priority placed on natural light, attractive sightlines, and the overall feeling of space. The standard 3-cabin, 1-head layout maximizes sleeping accommodations and is ideal for owners sailing with a larger family or crew, and for high-side sleeping while offshore racing or rallying. The 2-cabin, 2 head layout maximizes cruising storage and is perfect for all-around family sailing, and extended cruising with one or two couples.