The start of 2024 opens a new chapter for the Australian and New Zealand sailing community. J/BOATS AUSTRALIA and ENSIGN YACHTS are excited to announce the launch of their partnership.
Under the partnership, ENSIGN YACHTS will become the exclusive dealer and distributor for J/BOATS in Australia and New Zealand, and be in the wonderful position of continuing to benefit from the ongoing support of Ray & Sandra Entwistle.
Ray and Sandra from J/Boats Australia commented:
“Our journey with J/BOATS commenced 15 years ago when many in the Australian sailing community were only familiar with the older J/24 and J/35. There was little awareness of the newer J/models and what they provide with superior handling, all-round performance, and quality construction which enable winning ways on the racecourse plus fast, safe passages whether cruising coastal or offshore.
Over the years we have always been passionate and enthusiastic advocates of J/BOATS, all the while working hard to increase brand awareness and recognition plus support our growing list of owners. The result has seen the growth of a broad range of owners and established fleets around Australia and New Zealand of which we are very proud. Not to mention, we have enjoyed many years sailing and racing our J/109, J/122, J/111, J/88, J/99, and J/70’s.
The time has come where our business has grown to the stage where additional resources are required to facilitate the continued growth of J/BOATS in our region.
After extensive consideration to find the right team with matching enthusiasm and professionalism, we are delighted to join forces with ENSIGN YACHTS.
We welcome the team from ENSIGN YACHTS to the J/Boats family, and we look forward to working together to continue to provide the range of quality J/Boats to the Australian and New Zealand sailing community.”
Sean Rush, MD of ENSIGN YACHTS, commented:
“I am so pleased to welcome Ray and Sandra to the Ensign Yachts Team and to become a member of the J/Boats family. The in-depth knowledge of Ray and Sandra and their expertise will be invaluable.
I’ve been searching for a quality, reputable, and reliable designer and manufacturer of performance yachts for some time now and I know J/Boats will exceed my expectations. I’m excited to work with the professional team at J/Boats in the USA, France, and Australia to continue to expand on what Ray and Sandra have built in Australia and NZ.
Stuart McKinlay, Head of Sales and Partners at Ensign Yachts, added: “ENSIGN YACHTS has admired J/Boats for many years, particularly with regards to their range, performance, quality, and functionality. J/Boats perfectly compliments the exclusive portfolio of motor and sailing yachts which ENSIGN YACHTS represents.”
Ray and Sandra would like to thank all of J/Boats Australia’s existing customers, suppliers and other stakeholders for your ongoing support over the years, it has been an absolute pleasure working with you. Rest assured we will continue to support you into the future. Please do not hesitate to contact Ray or Sandra directly for any ongoing requirements. We look forward to introducing you to Sean, Stuart and the rest of the Ensign Yachts Team.
Sean and Stuart looking forward to meeting the J/Boats community in Australia and NZ and welcome you wholeheartedly to the Ensign Yachts community. We can’t wait to show these fantastic yachts to the Ensign Yachts community.
For any enquiries, please contact Ray or Sandra at J/Boats Australia or Sean or Stuart at Ensign Yachts.
About Ensign Yachts
Ensign Yachts is Australia’s premier yacht brokerage and exclusive dealer of premium yacht brands including Bavaria Yachts (Motor and Sailing Yachts), Nautitech Catamarans, Tofinou daysailers, Rhea Marine motor yachts, Wauquiez premium bluewater cruising yachts, and now J/Boats performance sailing yachts.
Established in 1980, Ensign Yachts has grown to become the premier yacht group in Australia. With a presence across Australia, including Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia, our operation is more extensive than any other yacht business in the country.
The Ensign Yachts team is a professional sales team with vast experience in business and the marine industry. At Ensign Yachts, we expect the highest standards of honesty, professionalism, ethics, and integrity and we know our clients value those characteristics in our company and our team.
There is no other yacht business in Australia that rivals Ensign Yachts for our network, the depth of our team, our range of motor and sailing yachts, and access to such an extensive community of prospective yacht owners, sellers, and buyers.
For more information see www.ensignyachts.com.au
About J/Boats
Started in 1977, J/Boats continues to lead the world in designing fun-to-sail, easy-to-handle, innovative performance sailboats that can be enjoyed by a broad spectrum of sailors. Today, there are over 15,000+ J/Boats around the world, whether cruising oceans, racing in premier yachting events, club racing, and sailing with family and friends.
The current range includes:
The 23’ J/70 one-design speedster has become the world's fastest-growing sportsboat ever with over 1,800 yachts delivered, with multiple regattas and events being enjoyed by sailors around the world.
The 32’ J/99 proving its versatility with over 150 yachts delivered in 4 years; winning the inaugural double-handed Sydney to Hobart race, holding the first J/99 National Championships in the World in Sydney, racing in multiple world events whilst being a comfortable and easy to sail family cruising yacht. The sail and deck plan are optimized for easy handling with fewer crew.
The 36’ J/112E is the ultimate sport-cruising yacht with an elegantly appointed two-cabin layout and a roomy, comfortable cockpit - perfect for the weekend family cruise or blue-water passage-making. J/112E is also fast - winner of multiple Offshore Sailing World Championship under combined IRC/ORC scoring.
The 36’ J/111 – high-performance sailing is within reach. Fantastic one-design racing, easy to sail short-handed. Simple, uncluttered design and pure functionality – perfect for inshore/offshore racing or weekends away with the family. Recent ORC winner in the 2023 Melbourne to Hobart race.
The J/45 offshore cruising yacht raises the bar on cruising comfort and performance like no J/ before it. Enjoy double-digit, passage-making speeds with fingertip control, while relaxing in the spacious cockpit and luxurious interior.
The J/9 daysailer is sleek and stable, with a cockpit second to none. This 28-footer is perfect for harbour cruising, coastal sailing, and the occasional overnight. Rediscover the pure joy of sailing and shared family adventure.
Every year there are over 100,000 owners, crew, and friends in 35+ countries around the world, getting together to sail J’s and enjoying the benefits that sailing a J/Boat brings.
For more information see: www.jboats.com.au