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The J series of boats began in 1976 with Rod Johnstone's design for the J/24. Since 1977, the line has been in production by the J/Boats company, which was started by Rod and his brother Bob Johnstone. The J/80, just over 26 feet in length, is a sportboat with a weighted lead keel for stability. It was one of the first one-design keelboats to feature an asymmetric spinnaker. Heavier than other sportboats in its class (such as the Melges 24), the boat still provides outstanding performance. Sailed with three or four people, it is raced worldwide. There are 18 fleets chartered in the U.S., with an extensive regatta schedule, plus strongs fleets in Europe. Over 1,000 J/80s have been produced to date. The J/80 is an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Recognized Class Association.