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J/80

J/80 Sailing


The J/80 from J Boats is a thrilling keelboat which has been in production for 20 years. It provides the perfect combination of family day boat and one-design race boat. Thanks to its simplicity, its strength and its performance record, this 8m keelboat has become a worldwide reference, and remains so despite being launched two decades ago. 

The J/80 is easily controlled, forgiving and sea-kindly but at the same time incredibly exciting to sail and race. The J/80 is also the only sports boat that is certified for offshore sailing and capable of over 18 knots yet designed to sail under just the mainsail to cruise with friends and family. The boat typically races with 4 or 5 crew. The J/80 Class is competitive, but at the same time extremely friendly.The class is happy to encourage, offer advice and lend a hand. If you are looking for serious yet friendly racing, for the fun of sailing a boat that you can cruise as well as race, the J/80 is a super choice. Second-hand boats are sometimes on the market and are very competitively priced compared to new boats. The Fleet Captain can give information on boats currently available.

Lymington J/80 Fleet


The J/80 is the newest one design fleet at Royal Lymington Yacht Club. There are currently over 20 boats in Lymington, nearly all of which race regularly as a competitive one design class. Some also race in mixed fleets under IRC and local handicap ratings. Most J/80s at Lymington are dry sailed from Berthon or Yacht Haven.
 

Regular racing with Royal Lymington Yacht Club


The Lymington J/80 fleet race together under One Design Rules in our regular race series and other local regattas. The J/80 has an IRC rating of approximately 0.958 and so can also be raced in keelboat handicap fleets.

A great variety of racing is organised throughout the season, including the Spring Series, and Thursday Night Racing series. Teams from Royal Lymington Yacht Club usually perform well in the annual Round the Isle of Wight race and at Cowes Week. The year is rounded off in December with the Annual Needles Relief race, finishing in Yarmouth where we are hosted by the Royal Solent Yacht Club.

The J/80 National Championships will be hosted by Royal Lymington Yacht Club from Friday 27 to Monday 30 August 2021.

Join our J/80 fleet!


Our J/80 fleet is keen to welcome new members of any age. New recruits to the fleet will be offered a warm welcome and will experience wonderful sailing. If you are interested in crewing on a J/80 or coming out for a sail before you look to acquire one please contact the Fleet Captain. We maintain a crew register and will help you find a boat to come and experience racing the J/80 first-hand.

Fleet Captain, Jim White.
J/80 Class Association: https://j-80.co.uk