Vita Beata - J BOATS FOR SALE

Bold, timeless, and unmistakably quick, this 35-foot 1992 Rod Johnstone–designed yacht blends pedigree performance with the easy elegance of a capable cruiser. Lying in the United States, she presents the sweet spot of size and sophistication—long enough to stretch out and entertain, yet trim and responsive for spirited afternoons under sail and confident passages offshore.

The lines are classic Johnstone: purposeful bow, fair run, and a powerful hull form that rewards a steady hand with lively acceleration and impressive upwind bite. A deep, performance-oriented keel and balanced appendages translate into fingertip control and tracking precision, while the robust fiberglass construction and molded fiberglass decks inspire confidence in every sea state. You feel the yacht’s composure immediately—stiff, surefooted, and wonderfully obedient.

On deck, a clean, ergonomic layout invites both racing focus and relaxed cruising. The cockpit is properly sized for an active crew yet comfortable for sunset conversations, with well-placed hardware that makes short-handed sailing a pleasure. Side decks are secure and uncluttered, and the helm delivers excellent sightlines for close-quarters maneuvering or trimming to the telltales.

Below, the interior is warm, welcoming, and practical—crafted for real sailing life. There’s room to gather for a meal, stow gear neatly for longer weekends, and recharge in quiet comfort. A bright saloon, functional galley, and a private head create an inviting retreat after a fast reach or a long day exploring new harbors. Thoughtful storage throughout keeps everything shipshape.

Power comes from a Volvo Penta inboard diesel—efficient, reliable, and ideal for low-stress docking and extended motoring when the breeze softens. With modest fuel consumption and a sensible tankage, she’s tailor-made for coastal cruising and active days on the water.

Well-proportioned at 35 feet with an 11-foot beam, this yacht strikes a rare balance: genuinely quick when pressed, remarkably forgiving when the family is aboard, and built to the enduring standards that have made Rod Johnstone’s designs beloved around the world. If your vision of yachting blends exhilaration and grace—weekend getaways, club racing, and unhurried horizons—this distinctive 1992 classic delivers in style.

Keywords: Sailing Yacht, Racer/Cruiser, Performance Sailboat, Offshore Cruiser, Coastal Cruiser, Weekender, Fiberglass Yacht, Diesel Inboard, Sport Sailboat, Cruiser-Racer

Description

One of our favorite cruising boats. The J/35c was Sailing World’s Boat of the Year in 1990, celebrated for its exceptional sailing performance and classic American cruising‑yacht interior. Purpose‑built for Northwest waters, it delivers the lively J/Boat feel with the comfort that keeps crews happy on passage. Vita Beata benefits from $15,000 of recent upgrades and is turnkey for her next owner; in March 2024 it received a new start battery and alternator.

Recent upgrades

Recent enhancements elevate both sailing efficiency and onboard comfort: new cushion covers, 13 pieces; the jib furling line re‑routed with Harken Carbo blocks complemented by stanchion‑mounted furling blocks; a new reef line; a new mainsail cover; new cockpit cushions; a new wheel cover; a new dodger; a new fuel tank and fuel gauge; a new Dyneema outhaul; a new reading light; comprehensive engine maintenance in March 2023 with a new fuel filter assembly and a new engine starter motor; a new UV cover on the jib; new bottom paint in 2023; and a new Max Prop in 2023.

Overview

Electronics: a Raymarine instrument package anchors the helm, with one multi‑function display in the nav area and four multi‑function displays on the seahood, an ST6000 autopilot, a Raymarine chartplotter, an AIS receiver, an Icom VHF, and a stereo.

Interior: below, opening portlights and an aft cabin shelf add light and stowage, while refrigeration is generous with a refrigerator with small freezer and a large top‑loading refrigerator. A two‑burner LPG stove with oven, a double‑basin stainless sink, pressure hot/cold water, and heat keep life aboard comfortable in all seasons.

Auxiliary: auxiliary power is a 2010 Yanmar 3YM30 showing 800 hours, turning a three‑blade feathering Max Prop.

Plumbing: the system includes a hot water heater, and the head, holding tank, and hoses were replaced in 2012 with a plastic 25 gallon holding tank.

Exterior: on deck, bottom paint was applied in 2016, and access is easy via a swim ladder and boarding gates port and starboard. Performance and handling are enhanced by a carbon fiber spinnaker pole with storage bag, a dodger—new in 2021—and a boom tent, an outboard mount and a Forespar small engine hoist, plus a Lewmar windlass with wireless remote from 2010, a washdown pump, a claw‑style anchor with chain and rode, a Lifesling, and a BBQ grill.

Sails: the inventory is extensive—mainsail 2002; genoa 135% roller furler by North; jib 100% roller furler 2016 by Ullman; #4 jib in almost‑new condition; #3 jib 3DL by North; #1 genoa 3DL by North; 1/2 oz spinnaker; 3/4 oz spinnaker; mainsail 3DL with Tafata by North; and mainsail Fiberpath Tafata by Ullman.