(Newport, RI)- Over the past month the evolution of J/70 one-design
class development continues its inexorable fast pace around the world.
While the first J/70s are just beginning to appear in such exotic
locations like Santiago, Chile; Sydney, Australia; Hong Kong, China; and
Miami, FL, other famous sailing venues are seeing fleets blossom like
spring flowers across the sailing landscape. Europeans are just
beginning to get a taste of the J/70 in the Netherlands (Belgium &
Holland) as well as in England and France. In the Americas, the class is developing rapidly. To date there are over a dozen fleets in development with nine confirmed already. At this stage, it looks like Annapolis can lay claim to being the J/70 capital of the world with Fleet #1 status, followed closely by their friends in Newport/ Narragansett Bay with Fleet #2. The Great Lakes are growing fast with Cleveland as Fleet #3, Western Lake Ontario #6, South Shore Lake Ontario #7 and Erie, PA as #8. Out West, SoCal (Southern California) is Fleet #5 and the California fleets may soon expand to include Santa Barbara, CA as its own fleet along with San Francisco, CA. Plus, the Cascade Locks, OR and Seattle, WA fleets are not far behind! In the East, Fishing Bay, VA is now Fleet #4 and just recently Marblehead attained Fleet #9 status. Not far behind are fleets forming in Chicago, IL; Fort Worth, TX; Houston, TX; Lake Dillon, CO; Tampa, FL; and Long Island Sound.
Reports from the frontiers of J/70 fleet development are encouraging. Recently, Jud
Smith, a world-renowned sailor (Etchells 22 World Champion, Sonar North
American Champion, IOD World Champion and Dennis Conner's mainsail
trimmer in the America's Cup), had the following commentary after
sailing in Marblehead recently: "I saw the J/70’s sailing in Newport a
bunch this summer. It looked well mannered, without the crew having to
fight it to go fast. I also like the decision to go with dacron race
sails for this size one-design. The ramp-launch trailer, roller furling
headsail, carbon rig with adjustable backstay all makes a lot sense.
However, it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to sail with Peter Duncan
this fall in New York that I realized that this boat was going to be a
game-changer. I couldn’t help but think the J/70 class was going to
take-off like the J/24 did years ago. When I got home I told my wife,
Cindy, how impressed I was with the boat and that it was a class we
could race together. I was pleased to finally be able to get her out 
sailing
at the Marblehead Demo day. When she returned to the dock she insisted
I join her for another ride. I wasn’t expecting that! She’s quite
excited now for racing the J/70 together. Our two daughters can race it
as well, even if I’m away!"The report from San Diego was similar. Jeff Brown at JK3 Yachts said: "This past Sunday we had a J/70 Demo Day hosted at San Diego Yacht Club with sailmakers from Ullman, Quantum, and North sails on each boat for people to test. It turned out to be a perfect day with about 30 attendees. We offered food, beer, and drinks on the dock after and it was a very successful, enjoyable event. We're looking forward to growing our Socal Fleet #5!" For more J/70 one-design sailing information
