Family and friends gathered Sunday, May 15 in Stonington, CT to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the launching of the 24’ sloop RAGTIME – Rod Johnstone’s garage-born, dream boat built by hand over a 17-month period, and launched on May 15, 1976. There were lots of stories shared, as most who were gathered had helped either build, launch or sail RAGTIME during the memorable summer of ‘76. After launching, RAGTIME and her family crew (mostly under the age of 16) would go on to win 15 of 17 races in Eastern Connecticut that summer and inspire enough people to want a sistership that Rod quit his job, asked Everett Pearson to build them, his brother Bob to sell them, and the J/24 (and J/Boats) was born.