J/Boats announced that McConaghy Boats has been named the J/70 builder for the Asian and Pacific Rim markets. This is following the recent news of the J/70 receiving International Class status from the International Sailing Federation (ISAF). Nearly 500 boats are already sailing in 20+ countries within 20 months of launch. McConaghy Boats joins J/Composites (France) and CCF Composites (USA) as part of the J/70 world building team. “McConaghy Boats and the J/70 are a perfect fit,” said Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats. “McConaghy is world renowned for building high performance custom racing yachts (such as the famous 7-time Rolex Sydney-Hobart winner WILD OATS XI), and they’re also highly regarded for producing one-designs to exacting tolerances. We look forward to working with Mark Evans, Stephen Oliver and their team in Zhuhai to build on the momentum the J/70 is already generating in the Pacific Rim.” Mark Evans, Director of McConaghy Boats, commented, “The rapid growth of the J/70 has been nothing short of phenomenal and we’re proud to become a building partner with J/Boats. The J/70 represents the next-generation of fun, easy-to-sail sportboats—a perfect match for the Asia/Pacific Rim markets we’re supporting.” New tooling arrives at McConaghy in late January and production is expected to begin this spring. The J/70 will be distributed in the Pacific Rim region by J/Boats Asia.