Update from William B. Smith-owner-skipper of the J-109 Harm’s Way

Having raced a J-105 for about ten years with considerable success at
the Fort Worth Boat Club located on Eagle Mountain Lake northwest of
Fort Worth, Texas it seemed appropriate to try something different by
trading the 105 for a new J-109 (hull 45).

The 109 is about three feet
longer on the water line and more completely finished out as a true
racer-cruiser sloop. She is also considerably faster as a racing
vessel. The PHRF time differential between the two type is 9 seconds a
mile at the Fort Worth Boat Club.

Starting with the 2006 year, the
J-109 has won each six race series but one where she finished second.
She also won the Clubs annual regatta last June. This difference is
accounted for in the sail area-displacement ratios which clearly
establish the J-109 as the faster boat.

Both I and my crew are pleased
with the trade we made and expect to keep sailing the J-109 for
sometime to come.

Permanent link to this article: https://j109.org/update-from-william-b-smith-owner-skipper-of-the-j-109-harms-way/