The J/80 fleet races on Thursday evenings from June through August.  Most boats are dry-sailed (launched with a crane on the day of racing and hauled out the following day).  You don’t have to be a member to race as an owner or crew:  All are invited.

The Boat:  The J/80 is the most modern boat at the Beverly Yacht Club; it has a planing hull with weight concentrated in a lead bulb at the bottom of the keel. There’s a retractable bowsprit used when sailing under its large spinnaker or “gennaker.”  It’s generally sailed with a skipper and three or four crew.

Last Year:  In 2022, BYC hosted the East Coast Championship, with a fleet of 14 boats.  Several boats went on to the North Americans and the World Championship, sailed shortly afterward in Newport.  Though sailed by visiting teams, several Beverly boats did very well, taking first, second, and seventh place in the Worlds out of 48 boats.

Organization:  The BYC fleet of 7 boats is part of Fleet 12 of the J/80 north American class association, which includes boats in Newport, Pocasset/Bourne, and Jubilee YC in Beverly, MA. There are also boats affiliated with New Bedford YC. Apart from Thursday night racing, J/80s are expected to race at the Annapolis NOOD (National Offshore and One-design) regatta,  Block Island Race Week in June, and the North Americans at Lake Winnipesaukee in early October. Take a look and come sailing! As we did last year, we plan to hold a “Get to know the J/80” event during the summer so that new—and old—members can inspect the boat and go for a sail.  We’re always looking to expand the fleet.