J/80

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 sportboats tested. If you would like to expand your sailing horizons with a modern sportboat outside protected harbors and lakes, there's only one choice: the J/80.

Numbers highlight the reason: Thanks to its 1,400 lb. 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.

Be sailing in 3 minutes. Take off the boom cover and hoist the mainsail, and 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!

Wondering if the J/80 is a fast boat? Here they are planing at over 15 knots!