Now in its 14th year, the J/80 is in more demand than ever. 45 boats were recently shipped to Spain and another 50 are on order for England, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden and the States. By year’s end, over 1000 boats will be sailing worldwide. The French Navy selected the J/80 for use at their Naval Academy and sailing clubs, and last year hosted the Military Sailing Championships. The Royal Yachting Association (UK) picked the J/80 as their sole keelboat for training, match-racing and corporate sailing. The Swedish Sailing authority (SSSR) features the J/80 for its match-racing development program, and J World Sailing School uses J/80s at its locations in Annapolis, San Francisco, San Diego, Puerto Vallarta and Stockholm. Class racing is booming and the 2007 J/80 World Championship will be sailed in La Trinite sur Mer, France July 1-7. 70+ boats expected from at least 7 nations.
