French production with American roots
The creation of the j Composites yard dates back to 1994, when Didier Le Moal met Jeff Johnstone, son of the founder of American shipyard J Boats, at a regatta. The American shipyard, based in Newport and founded in 1977, has a good reputation on the other side of the Atlantic, but produces very specific models for the US market.
The two men hit it off and agreed to set up a production unit in Europe, to be based in Les Sables d'Olonne. It would produce US-licensed units, but better adapted to the European market. A team was recruited and the first J/92 built in France was assembled the same year.
This first collaboration was a success, and the young French shipyard went on to produce the J/120 and the famous J/80, with a different level of interior finish to the American models.
Independent but closely linked French and American entities
In 2001, the Les Sables d'Olonne shipyard launched the J/109, the first sailboat developed jointly by J Boats and J Composites. The French entity gained confidence and leadership in the development of this unit, as Frédéric Bouvier, J Composites' Sales Director, explains:
"J Composites plays a key role in J's image around the world. We're not just a building site, we're also designers who adapt to market trends.
Today, 80% of J products are co-developed and produced in France by J Composites, which also markets them in Europe and the rest of the world" .
Versatile DNA
Right from the start, the J shipyard designed sailboats for fast cruising. The first of the name, the J/24, was designed for short coastal cruising, as evidenced by its elaborate layout. But numerous regatta victories gave J an image as a racing boat, as Frédéric Bouvier confirms:
"The DNA of a J is first and foremost sailboats designed for people who sail, and enjoy themselves on the water. Having the most versatile boat possible underpins the entire architectural philosophy of our boats. We design boats that are dedicated to the program they are going to be used for, avoiding the temptation to submit to the marketing hype of the moment. The "performance" marker of a J is very much anchored in nautical culture, whereas our initial objective is not to win in a regatta, but to provide pleasure for the crew"
J Composites was a forerunner in infusion construction, being among the first to master this manufacturing method in series production. The use of a sandwich hull minimizes the structure, and therefore adds this weight saving to the ballast. J Composites was also the first shipyard to offer an asymmetrical spinnaker on a retractable bowsprit as standard.
Another strong point of a J is its versatile, timeless hull. High-performance in all conditions, it provides its crew with optimal pleasure, not only in regattas but also when cruising. A J is also a favorite for cruising, thanks to its nautical qualities. Almost 20% of the J 80 fleet is used for day-boat programs, with no sporting pretensions.
Two product ranges
The J Composites catalog is divided into two ranges, Sport and Elegance:
The Sport range is made up of versatile yachts, including the emblematic J/70 and J/99, offering both accessibility and competitiveness. These yachts allow enthusiasts to sail with first-rate performance. They have won numerous prestigious victories around the world, and are much appreciated by pleasure sailors. Its historic best-seller, the J 80, has been supplanted by the J 70, of which 1,700 units have been sold since its launch in 2012.
The Élégance range is made up of units dedicated to ocean cruising, with the aim of achieving the right balance between interior comfort and performance. Created on the initiative of our French teams, this range comprises two models: the J/45 and the J/112E.
The J Composites shipyard in figures
Since its launch in 1994, almost 2,000 units have left the 8,000 m2 yard in Les Sables d'Olonne. The fifty or so employees have generated sales of 9 million euros in 2022.
