Easy to handle the J/80 is said to be less intimidating, safer and better suited for sailing offshore than other modern sport boats.
It even has a full-length V-berth and 12-foot-long cockpit.
Thanks to its combination of stability, speed, durability, low maintenance and age-friendly deck layout, the J/80 has proved to be a great club boat around Irish yacht clubs with fleets popular in Dublin on both sides of the Bay at Howth and Dun Laoghaire.
The key to a racing keelboat is that it holds the attention and interest of many types of sailors, young and old. The J80 does it all, with thrilling 15-knot rides under spinnaker or relaxed sunset cruises with mainsail only.
The Irish J/80 Class Association was formed in 2017 to represent owners, sailors, associated clubs and to help develop J/80 racing in Ireland.