About J/80 North American Class Association
The key to the popularity of the J/80 is that it is a boat that holds the attention and interest of many types of sailors, young and old! The J/80 does it all, with thrilling 15+ knot rides under spinnaker or relaxed sunset cruises with mainsail only. Sailing World rated J/80 as easier to handle, less intimidating, safer and better suited for sailing offshore than other modern sport boats tested.
Thanks to its 1400lb. fixed lead keel (48% ballast ratio) the J/80 has a big-boat feel but only requires a max of 3 crew for racing. The boom is high for safety and good visibility and no one has to clamber over a cabin top because everyone fits in the 12 ft. long cockpit.
Be sailing in 3 minutes. Take off the boom cover and hoist the mainsail, attached to the mast with slides. Cast off. You’re now sailing faster than other boats with full canvas. Ready for more speed? Uncleat the furler line and pull in the jib sheet. Presto! Now you’re really flying! Time for the afterburners? Pull the bow sprit launch control line, hoist the asymmetric spinnaker and trim. Now you’re planing! To gybe, simply let off the old sheet and pull in the new. No one on the foredeck! You can even do it single-handed. And to think, prior to the J/80, this kind of performance was rarely achieved, even with a full crew of athletic experts.
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The J/80 fulfills many sailor’s dream: A single boat which combines simplicity of operation, confidence building stability and fast racing performance in an affordable, low maintenance and trailerable package. Truly, a unique and fun sport boat for all!