About

The J/24 USA Class Association was established to support and organize racing for the J/24 sailboat, which was designed by Rod Johnstone in 1975. The origin of the association is closely tied to the rapid popularity of the J/24, which quickly became one of the most successful one-design keelboats in the world.

How It Started:

1. Design & Launch (1975): Rod Johnstone built the first J/24, named Ragtime, in his garage in Stonington, Connecticut. Its impressive performance and affordability sparked interest among sailors.
   
   

2. Early Growth (Late 1970s): As word spread about the J/24's performance, more boats were built, and informal racing began. By the late 1970s, fleets were forming in several locations across the U.S.
   
   

3. Formation of Class Association (1978):
   
   

   • With growing interest, owners recognized the need for an organized body to standardize rules, coordinate events, and promote the class.
     
     

   • The J/24 USA Class Association was officially formed in 1978, providing structure and governance to the rapidly expanding fleet.
     
     

   • The goal was to maintain the one-design nature of the boat, ensuring fairness and consistency in racing.
     
     

4. First Major Regattas & National Championships (1979):
   
   

   • The first official J/24 North American Championship was held in 1979.
     
     

   • The USA Class Association played a key role in developing a cohesive rule set and establishing a framework for local, regional, and national competition.
     
     

5. Rapid Expansion (1980s):
   
   

   • Throughout the 1980s, the class continued to grow, with new fleets popping up across the country and internationally.
     
     

   • The USA Class Association worked closely with the newly formed International J/24 Class Association to harmonize rules and promote the boat worldwide.
     
     

Purpose of the Association:

The association was created to:

• Maintain a strict one-design standard.
  
  

• Promote and organize racing events.
  
  

• Support local fleets and districts.
  
  

• Provide resources for training and education.
  
  

Today, the J/24 USA Class Association continues to support one of the largest one-design keelboat fleets in the world.