41st J/24 World Championship attracts twenty nations to Miami
by Julie & Christopher Howell 13 Oct 2019 21:11 BST
22-26 October 2019
J/24 World Championship © Christopher Howell
Forty-two years after the first J/24 was built in Rod Johnstone's garage, the Class will attract 81 boats from 20 countries to Miami, Florida for the 2019 J/24 World Championship.
Sponsored by Bacardi Rum, the combined efforts of the US and International J/24 Class Associations, Coral Reef Yacht Club, Shake-a-Leg Miami and Twelve USA will present five days of racing on the spectacular Biscayne Bay from October 22-26.
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. The 2019 edition will be the 41st World Championship for the enduring Class. Find complete list of all J/24 World Champions here.
Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats, said, "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. Great racing in the world's best sailing venues is one thing, but making life-long friends along the way, that's priceless." J/Boats and the US J/24 Class Association will launch the Championship by sponsoring Monday's Opening Ceremony. The festive atmosphere will include classic memorabilia, a photo slideshow, flag bearers from each country, live music and food/beverages.
Will Welles, reigning J/24 World Champion, said, "The J/24 Class is 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, IJCA Chair, said, "The 2019 World Championship will be a celebration and culmination of 42 years of J/24 Class history. It 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."
Find complete event details here.