The Successful History of Sail22 and the J/70 Class
From the archives: J/70 demo sailing USA 14 outside Cleveland, Ohio, June, 2012 / Photo by Becky Furry
Sail22 became involved with the J/70 about one year prior to the boat going into production. The relationship began with meeting Jeff Johnstone at his Newport, Rhode Island office. There they took the time to go over the designs, making suggestions and contributing to the support of the class from day one. They would soon gain access to hull #14, and a year later would take delivery of hull #322.
Hull #322 would become Sail22’s first J/70 in their fleet and the opportunity to begin experimenting and testing ways to make them easier to sail while maintaining a competitive edge in the fleet.
Since, 2012, Becky and Ed, in addition to hulls #14 and #322, would also own #490, and now, hull #1522. Sail22 has never been without a J/70 in its fleet. The previous three hulls have since been sold to competitive owners and their current boat, #1522, named RODEO, is currently being chartered.
Over the last seven-plus years, Sail22 has supported hundreds of J/70 owners and is a leading contributor to the research and development of products that support every J/70 sailor.
When they took ownership of hull #1522, they knew they wanted to set the boat up as a competitive charter for the 2020 racing season. Their plan was to install all the go-fast fun products they have spent nearly a decade perfecting. This would provide chartering teams the opportunity to experience all the J/70 has to offer without losing time trying to figure out how to set it up prior to sailing it.
When RODEO arrived at their Culver, Indiana headquarters, to begin, they took a front to back approach. Their team would prepare the boat for refit by preparing the deck and rigging for upgrades, removing the keel, sanding the keel box, and addressing any damage that may have occurred prior to its arrival.
Then, the real fun begins when they begin to install all the products that make a Sail22 boat, a Sail22 boat.
RODEO in the Speed Barn…
Photos by Ed Furry / Sail22 Owner, J/70 class measurer and member of the J/70 Class Technical committee.
RODEO is currently on its third regatta charter, and sailing well. The chartering teams have enjoyed arriving at the regatta and having a race-ready boat awaiting them. This means more time sailing and less time puttering. Less time puttering means owners and crew are able to enjoy the entire regatta experience.
Photo by Phil Pape / RODEO in action during the 2020 Davis Island Yacht Club Winter Series #2
Chartering a J/70 is one way to become involved in the class without the commitment of boat ownership. However, if it is your wish to own, here’s a short summary of what the team at Sail22 does when they are tasked with re-fitting a J/70 that is fresh from the factory. Of course, the best way to save money and time is to contact Ed Furry directly and tap into his extensive experience with the boat and class.
First priorities are:
Replace the tackline and furler line
Replace all sheets
Second priorities are personal preference:
Replace blocks, for example, moving over to Harken Ratchamatic® Blocks
Install a soft deck kit
Order canvas to protect your investment, examples include padded boom and rudder covers
Customize your trailer to ensure it’s set-up to make transportation between events easier on you and your boat.
Lastly:
To further protect your investment, consider installing carbon deck plates and mask guards to protect your boat, hardware, sails, and lines.
Upgrade backstay and bridal for easier adjustments between heavy and light air sailing.
Sail22 has also dialed in their latest flicker, which has been well received by J/70 teams.
Incorporate Sail22 clew blocks and dog bones to make inhauling easier
Keep in mind, setting up your J/70 is part practical for ensuring a successful day on the water as it is a personal preference. Not only are Becky and Ed Furry J/70 owners, and have supported hundreds of customers since 2012, this community is more like family. The Sail22 Team wishes to see every J/70 sailor enjoying their time on the water.
Need help setting up your J/70? Contact Becky and Ed Furry.