Newport, RI… J Boats announced today that US Watercraft of Portsmouth, RI has been named its new USA builder for the J/105, the prolific 34.5’one-design sprit boat with over 650 boats sailing in 14 countries. Introduced in 1991 as the first modern day keelboat with a retractable bow sprit and asymmetrical spinnaker, the J/105 has grown into one of the most popular offshore one-designs in the world. 69 boats recently competed in the 2007 North Americans in Annapolis, MD and 34 sailed in Key West, Florida for the 2008 Midwinters. The J/105 has also garnered recent praise for its offshore sailing record with double-handed victories in the 2007 Rolex Fastnet and Rolex Middle Sea Races.“As a licensed builder and service provider of the J/22 and J/24, US Watercraft is ideally positioned to carry the torch forward on the J/105,” said Jeff Johnstone, J Boats’ President. “Randy Borges and his team know one-design perhaps better than anyone. From preparing race-ready winners, to building one-designs within tight tolerances and providing on-site regatta support, US Watercraft provides a great compliment to our long-term one-design program.”
Randy Borges, President of US Watercraft added, "We look forward to providing the J/105 Class and owners with great boats as well as supporting the many local and national events. It’s exciting to see the continued growth and recognition of the J/105 worldwide."
The 2008 model J/105 includes several upgrades such as race-ready keel and rudder, composite tiller, racing mainsheet system, new galley layout and more. Upcoming class events include the 2008 North American Championships to be held in San Francisco Bay, August 20-24 plus class starts at 9 different venues for the Sailing World NOOD Regatta.