With a master’s in music education from the University of Colorado Boulder, Robert Styron has taught music theory and technique for nearly two decades. In his free time, Robert Styron enjoys sailing as a crew member on the J-35 sailing vessel Footloose.

Manufactured from 1983 until 1992, the J-35 was designed as a racer by Rod Johnstone. Tillotson Pearson built the boat for J/Boats, an American boat builder based in Rhode Island. In Australia, Sydney Yachts and Cashford International built a few units. In total, 330 boats were completed.

While the J stands for Johnstone, the number 35 stands for 35 feet. The boat features a relatively flat, low sheer line and short overhangs for a long waterline. A solid but lightweight vessel, the J-35 is built mainly of fiberglass over a balsa core, using sophisticated construction techniques. It has a Japanese diesel engine of 30 horsepower.

The J-35 is considered a good boat for racing, but it is also comfortable enough for weekend outings and longer cruises.