Yet another new J/109

Alistair Ray’s brand new J/109, Jumunu Four © Becci Epplett

Alistair Ray’s brand new J/109, Jumunu Four, was launched in Hamble today and he and his crew will join the Solent fleet (again) to compete in the busy one-design regatta schedule enjoyed by the Class. Jumunu Four is the 371st J/109 out of the moulds but Ali first joined the J/109 Class with the blue hulled Jumunu (hull number 117) back in 2004.

Ali was a mere slip of a nipper back in 2004 and a jolly good yotter too. He and his young crew enjoyed huge success in the boat, both inshore and offshore. In the 2005 Fastnet Race Ali’s crew were one of the youngest teams to compete. They finished the race as top J/109, fifth in their Class and thirteenth overall.

Six years on, Ali said ‘We have unfinished business in the J/109 Class and are looking forward to racing one-design again in such a competitive fleet. Since my first J/109 I’ve owned two other boats, have had four jobs, I married my gorgeous wife and we’ve had two children! In spite of all of these changes I will be back in the J/109 fleet with five of my original crew and we can’t wait. We have a packed regatta programme including the J/109 Nationals, the J-Cup and Cowes Week.’

Jumunu Four will be stretching her legs for the first time on her shake-down sail on Sunday morning from Hamble. She is sure to receive a wave and very warm welcome from the rest of the J/109 Class.