In last year's Mackinac, the J-105 Perversion sustained speeds of 14 knots for three hours in 24 knots of wind, said owner Dennis Dettmer of Grosse Pointe Park. Everybody was in the back, holding on and having a great time. At the same time, Dettmer said the boats are very stable. But the biggest reason for the rise of the J-105 is the competition. Many of the new owners wanted a one-design class because they were weary of what they saw as the politics of handicapped classes.
Tactics become so much more important.
To make tactics and crew work even more important, the class rules limit owners to two new sails each year, and a new main only every other year. There is a downside to the boats. And with just one jib, they tend to be slow in light air and choppy waters, Best said. Just the same, the remarkable growth is expected to continue. If all our guys show up and we have a good year, a lot more guys will jump.