O’Day Sailboats Company was founded in 1958 by Olympic medalist George O’Day an it became a leader in the United States sailboat market. This company producedaffordable, easy-to-sail, and trailerable sailboats. Before its closing in 1989 O’Day would produce over 30,000 boats across nearly 60 different models.
Designed by Raymond Hunt 285 O’Day 322 were built by O’Day from 1986-1989 making this boat possibly one of the last ones built.
James Jackson was introduced to sailing at the young age of five when his grandfather told him to take the rudder of his 25 foot boat, because he wanted to fish. Since then he has owned both power and sail boats. This boat was bought from G. Winters Sailing CenterRiverside, New Jersey 3 years ago. Since thenJim has rebuilt the rudder, upgraded the electronics, replaced the sails & some rigging.
The name, “First Light” does homage to the Native American Legend of the raven who steals the sun and gives it to mankind.
This seems especially fitting to Jim who honors the historic and vibrant heritage of Philadelphia’s waterfront charting “First Light” for tours. You will find him athttps://philasail.com or watch him sailing out of Pier 3 Philadelphia on charters.