Full house for J/24 World Championship

Forty-two years after the first J/24 was built in Rod Johnstone’s garage, the J/24 Class has attracted 81 teams from 20 countries for the 2019 J/24 World Championship on October 22-26 in Miami, Florida.

Participating in the event will be five J/24 World Champion helmsmen, plus countless Continental and National Champions. The nations represented include Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Great Britain, Grenada, Hungary, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States.

With a limit of 85 boats permitted, the 2019 edition will be the 41st World Championship for the enduring Class. For a complete list of all J/24 World Champions, click here.

“The J/24 Class is thriving in 2019 for the same reasons it took the world by storm 40+ years ago…it’s all about people,” noted Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats. “Great racing in the world’s best sailing venues is one thing, but making life-long friends along the way, that’s priceless.”

Will Welles, reigning J/24 World Champion, sees the J/24 Class as alive and strong. “I don’t think the racing has ever been closer. The boat is so refined these days with everyone knowing the tricks; it’s great one-design racing.”

Nancy Zangerle, Chair of the International J/24 Class Associations, observes how the Class strength is a testament to how one man’s idea has grown into a world-wide family of sailors. “The International J/24 Class continues to attract new sailors with affordable boats, great competition and adherence to strong Class Rules that really provide a level playing field on the water.

“The J/24 Class has sustained its popularity with the enthusiasm of so many racers and J/24 alumni who keep coming back to the premier Class events, year after year. This year’s World Championship will see crews from age 16 to 70. While I’m looking forward to five days of exciting racing, the World Championship is as much a reunion with so many J/24 family and friends.”

Event details – Entry list – Facebook