J/70 is a 6.93-metre sailboat class designed by Alan Johnstone and first built in 2012. The boat is built by J Boats in the United States. More than 1100 had been constructed by 2017.

There’s no foredeck work, no hoisting at the mast, everything is done from the cockpit, which you’ll find surprisingly roomy. The spinnaker sits nicely in the hatch so that when you’re ready to launch, simply throw it up and wind in the furling jib. Finding crew is easy too, with no weight limits, just a minimum of three persons.

The J/70 will thrill you. But while you’ll feel as though you’re on the edge, you won’t feel as though you’re going over the edge. The J/70 is as stable as it is powerful.

Unlike some of its contemporaries, the J/70 will plane in 12 knots of wind without even trying. Fly the spinnaker and whizz around the race track at 14 knots or more.

The lifting keel means that you don’t have to pay expensive berthing fees, most marinas offer great drysail packages. Alternatively keep it on your driveway! The combined weight of the J/70 and its trailer is 1,250kg; a load that is suitable for most cars to tow home.

The J/70 will comfortably fit a family of 4 or 5, so is a great step from dinghy sailing to keelboats. The simple layout makes the J/70 a super boat for teaching youngsters.