Racers around the region have surely noted the ramp-up in J/105 activity, and now the big event is on the horizon! Corinthian Yacht Club (CYC) of Seattle is excited to host the 2026 J/105 North Americans presented by the British Virgin Island Tourist Board from October 15-18.

This is the first time that this event has been held in the Northwest and this will be the first time that many local owners will be participating in this prestigious event. CYC is the Northwest’s premier sailboat racing club and has hosted many national regattas over its 77-year history, including the J/24 World Championships in 2024 and Tasar Worlds in 2022.

Introduced in 1992, the J/105 is the most successful one design keelboat class over 30 feet in the USA and has 670 boats sailing worldwide. There are numerous fleets throughout the United States including San Francisco (Fleet 1) where there are over 60 J/105s, Annapolis (Fleet 3) has over 40 J/105s and Texas (Fleet 17) has over 20 J/105s. Seattle is Fleet 20 and there are over 20 registered J/105s here, and the local fleet’s track-record as the most consistent one-design class on Puget Sound has spanned two decades. The J/105 class prides itself on maintaining strict one design class racing by having extensive class rules including restrictions on sail purchases, not allowing sailing professionals unless they own a boat, and weight limitations.

Racing J/105s increasingly attracts women sailors, as the class rules and physical boat design inherently lower traditional barriers to the sport. The J/105 features a retractable bowsprit and asymmetric spinnaker, which makes managing the sails significantly easier and shifts the competitive edge from physical power to strategic thinking, technical skill, and clear team communication. Furthermore, official J/105 Class Association rules incentivize mixed-gender teams by waiving crew weight limits for teams consisting of three or more women. This regulatory support has catalyzed a vibrant grassroots community, leading to a rise in prominent, supportive events like the Annapolis J/105 Women’s Regatta and the J/105 Women Skippers Regatta on San Francisco Bay. 

The forthcoming North Americans could not be put on without sponsor support, and the event is proudly presented by the British Virgin Islands Tourist Board. Renowned as one of the world’s premier sailing destinations, the BVI shares a deep commitment to world-class sailing, vibrant maritime communities, and unforgettable experiences on the water. Gold Sponsors Kinetic Catamarans and Quantum Sails join in supporting this championship event, helping bring North America’s top J/105 teams to Seattle for four days of exceptional one-design racing on Puget Sound.

The event’s debut in the Pacific Northwest will pair world-class racing with one of the most popular sailing venues in North America. In addition to racing, the event will include a number of Northwest themed social functions throughout the week. 

https://www.2026j105northamericans.com/

Feature image by Jan Anderson.