Overview

If you would like to expand your sailing horizons with a modern sportboat in open waters outside protected harbors and lakes, there’s only one choice: the International J/80 one-design class sailboat. Sailing World magazine rated J/80 as easier to handle, less intimidating, safer and better suited for sailing offshore than other modern sportboats tested.

J80 key west 2005 02 Numbers highlight the reason: The 1,440 lb. lead keel with bulb on the J/80 weighs nearly the same as the leading competitor’s entire boat. No question, stability is the most important standard when it comes to a forgiving design, family sailing fun and sailing in open waters. No wonder the J/80 continues to be the fastest growing one-design sportboat class in Europe, it’s a joy to sail in winds from 5 to 25+ knots!

Additional Information

Sailing can be the world’s best family sport. The key is a boat that holds the attention and interest of many types of sailors, young and old! 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) J/80 has big-boat feel and requires less experienced crew. The boom is high for safety and good visibility. No one has to clamber over a cabin top because everyone sits in the 12 ft. long cockpit. Even toddlers are contained by playpen-high cockpit sides.

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 sprit launch control line, hoist the asymmetric spinnaker and trim. Now you’re planing! To jibe, 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 4-5 athletic experts.

Join hundreds of others worldwide who are discovering how well J/80 fulfills their dream: A single boat which combines simplicity of operation, confidence building stability and sparkling performance in an affordable, low maintenance and trailerable package. Truly, a unique sailboat for the entire family!