Please select your home edition
Edition
Henri-Lloyd Dynamic Range

10 years of growth and international success: J/70 celebrates its 10th anniversary

by Julie & Christopher Howell 18 Apr 2024 07:54 PDT
Cascais J70 Winter Series - 6th Stage © Neuza Aires Pereira

With nearly 1,900 hulls built and National Class Associations in 25 countries, the J/70 is the largest modern sport keelboat fleet in the world. The International Class Association has released a commemorative video to celebrate its growth, accomplishments and popularity since becoming a World Sailing recognized International Class in 2014.

"We are proud of the strong growth and momentum that J/70 continues to demonstrate," said IJ70CA President Vittorio Di Mauro of Italy. "After a successful test event last year in Riva del Garda, Italy, we will soon be hosting the first all-amateur World Championship this spring in Copenhagen, Denmark, with another record-breaking 140 boats registered. Only the J/70 can do this."

"One of the keys to the success of the J/70 Class has been the enthusiasm and dedication of J/70 owners to participate in events in record numbers, and to take on volunteer Class leadership positions at local, national and international levels," said Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats. "Since the first Midwinter Championship in Key West, Florida in 2013, the Class has been driven by dedicated owners who are committed to making J/70 one-design racing accessible, competitive and fun."

Proof of the Class's achievements is highlighted by the incredible locations hosting its nine World Championships to date. The inaugural Worlds occurred in 2014 in Newport USA, followed by La Rochelle France, San Francisco USA, Porto Cervo Italy, Marblehead USA, Torquay UK, Marina del Rey USA, Monaco and St. Petersburg USA.

In 2024, the North American Championship will be at Vallarta Yacht Club in Mexico, April 28-May 4. Italy will host the European Championship in Argentario from May 18-25. The South American Championship takes place in Punta del Este Uruguay on November 18-24. The first-ever all-Corinthian World Championship is set for the Royal Danish Yacht Club in Copenhagen Denmark June 6-9. The World Championship will be presented by Real Club Nàutico de Palma in Spain on September 14-21.

Future World Championship locations include Buenos Aires Argentina and Cascais Portugal. The Class also plans to expand on its unique event formats moving forward with a Mixed Plus World Championship as well as a focus on all-women and youth regattas.

International Class website: j70ica.org

Link to past champions j70ica.org/hall-of-fame

International Class Presidents starting in 2013 were Jurgen Waldheim GER, Henry Brauer USA, Ian Wilson GBR, Scott Weakley CAN and current president Vittorio Di Mauro ITA.

Related Articles

Cowes Week 2025 Day 3
Weekend warriors and inspiring figures With the decision to abandon racing for the day taken on Sunday evening, many crews took the opportunity to rest and gear themselves up for the rest of the week. Posted on 4 Aug
Just another event?
Is Cowes Week still a pinnacle regatta? We've been blessed with incredible sailing so far this summer in the UK (for once) with great breeze much of the time, and some of the best events in the world gracing our shores. But, like with Storm Floris, there are clouds on the horizon... Posted on 4 Aug
Cowes Week 2025 Day 2
Tight racing, big waves and family fun The second day of racing at Cowes Week 2025 proved much easier for the Race Officers, with a good breeze, which enabled all classes to get away on time and delivered great, competitive racing across all fleets. Posted on 3 Aug
Cowes Week 2025 Day 1
Light winds, building breeze and spectacular racing The opening day of Cowes Week 2025 dawned with light north-westerly airs. The weather forecast predicted a sharp change in wind direction, with Storm Floris moving in from Iceland later in the day. Posted on 2 Aug
Cowes Week 2025: The countdown to race time begins
Anticipation is building for one of the world's most iconic regattas With just a few days to go, Cowes Week 2025 is shaping up to be another unforgettable celebration of sailing and summer. Entries are already ahead of last year, and anticipation is building for one of the world's most iconic regattas. Posted on 30 Jul
RSrnYC Salcombe Gin July Regatta
The weekend saw some fantastic conditions Last weekend, 12-13 July, the Royal Southern Yacht Club hosted the third event in our flagship Summer Series - the Salcombe Gin July Regatta. Posted on 20 Jul
J/70 Grand Slam 4 at Cowes
Shorts, t shirts, sunshine and great racing J/70 Grand Slam 4 was run by the Royal Yacht Squadron over the weekend of 12th & 13th July - the sun shone, shorts and t shirts, and 8 to 15 knots, - champagne sailing. Posted on 17 Jul
Stride Forward crew prepare for Cowes Week
With on-water training by helmsman and Olympian Stuart Childerley Training crew for a competitive racing event such as Cowes Week is never easy - but even more so when many have not sailed before and almost everyone on board has a life-changing injury. Posted on 16 Jul
2025 Cascais J70 Summer Cup
The first qualification event for the 2026 Worlds Held from 11 to 13 July at the Clube Naval de Cascais, the Cascais J/70 Summer Cup marked the start of the national qualification process for the much-anticipated 2026 J/70 World Championship, which will also take place in Cascais. Posted on 15 Jul
Excitement builds for Poole Regatta 2026
Less than 12 months until the European IRC Championship comes to town With less than a year to go, excitement is steadily building for the return of the International Paint Poole Regatta, taking place from 23rd-25th May 2026 over the late May bank holiday weekend. Posted on 15 Jul
Maritimo M75North Sails Loft 57 PodcastHyde Sails 2024 - One Design