The story of J/Boats is a classic
entrepreneurial tale: With a $20,000 investment, and a speedy 24-foot
sailboat that Rod Johnstone built in his garage, Rod & his brother
Bob Johnstone went into business. That was 1977. Now, that boat
(the J/24), has become the most popular recreational
offshore keelboat in the world.
The Johnstone family has made an undeniable mark on the sailing
world. In addition to the 5,300 J/24s cruising
the waves, there are over 5,000 more J/Boats, ranging
from the International J/22 to the brand new J/65,
that sailing enthusiasts have bought at prices
ranging from $10,000 to $2,000,000.
While other manufacturers may sell more boats, the
Johnstones have won the high-end, performance-oriented segment of
the market. Theirs is the so-called racer/cruiser category: boats
that perform well enough to race but which are comfortable and easy
enough for the family to daysail and cruise. It is with knowledgeable,
experienced sailors that the Johnstones have done best.
