The J/22 fleet, owned by the St Francis Sailing Foundation and maintained by the St Francis Yacht Club, is much beloved and well-utilized. The fleet started with ten boats christened in 2010 and in 2023, an additional three boats were added to the fleet for a total of 13 boats.
Boat equality is a fundamental requirement in both team and match racing. Once the equipment is equal, the sailors’ capabilities become the primary determinant of outcomes. The Foundation’s J/22 boat program responds to this essential need by providing identical boats of equal age, construction specifications, rigging, sails and level of maintenance for training, practicing and racing in local team and match race events.
Over the years, the J/22 fleet has provided ample opportunities for practice and racing, junior, and learn-to-sail programs. The fleet has been invaluable in promoting sailor development specifically in competitive team and match racing, a format that has grown in significance in the national and international sailing community. The fleet has also been used to host world championship challenge regattas.
In an arrangement with St. Francis Yacht Club, the fleet has full time professional management which assures globally superior race training and competition potential for committed racers.
All photos courtesy of Chris Ray.