J/22 Sailboat

US Watercraft Named New Builder of International J/22
Newport, R.I. (February 22, 2001) - J Boats, Inc. announced today that it has selected US Watercraft to be the U.S. builder of the International J/22. US Watercraft is the current U.S. builder of the International J/24, and a division of marine repair company Waterline Systems, based in Bristol, R.I. New International J/22s are expected to be available in May 2001.

"With 63 boats at this year's midwinter's, and the upcoming Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship in Annapolis, J/22 class racing is booming," said Jeff Johnstone, President of J Boats. "Used J/22s are almost impossible to find. Plus there are several sailing programs looking to the J/22 as their next training boat. With such demand, it was natural for us to approach US Watercraft, especially after such a successful re-introduction of the J/24 last year."

The hull molds for the International J/22 were transferred from TPI Composites (who had built the J/22 from 1983 to 1998) to US Watercraft to assure that no changes are made in the strict building specifications set by international class rules. TPI will assist in the transition period by providing technical assistance.

A similar situation took place when the license for the International J/24 was also awarded to US Watercraft in late 1999. Since that time U.S. sales of new International J/24s have exceeded expectations and the same scenario is expected for the J/22.

"We look forward to the opportunity to assist J Boats and the J/22 Class with the continued growth of the class," said Randy Borges, President of US Watercraft. The new J/22 will be equipped with an optimized Harken deck layout, a lightweight KBS tiller, a molded fiberglass forward berth, molded seats amidships and a molded aft tank. The mast, boom, standing and running rigging will be supplied by Hall Spars & Rigging "All these changes will adhere to strict One Design class rules and established weights," added Borges.

Optional equipment includes a TackTick digital compass, two-tone deck color options, a lightweight outboard motor bracket and a Triad Trailer.

The International J/22 is an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) recognized international one-design class. With 1,450 boats in 17 countries around the world, the J/22 is one of the most popular keelboats today for racing and learn-to-sail programs.

"We welcome the re-introduction of a U.S. J/22 builder enthusiastically," said Peter U, President of the International J/22 Class Association. "It is especially good news to have US Watercraft, whose products are known for quality and workmanship. TPI built a lot of solid J/22s and all indications are that US Watercraft will pay the same attention to the quality and finish of the new boats. I believe the steady production of the J/22 and our current demand will ensure the health of our class in the future."

model	J/22
year	2009
length	22
location	Introduced in 1983
loa	22.5'
lwl	19.0'
beam	8.0'
draft	3.8'
displacement	1,790 lbs
ballast	700 lbs
designer	Rod Johnstone