The Perfect Gift For People Who Love Sailing!
(Newport, RI)- HOT Off the Press! J/Calendar 2015! For 2015, we have created another beautiful calendar for J sailors who love the joys of sailing a J in some of the most spectacular harbors and waters of the world. Whether you are a cruising, racing or armchair sailor, these stunning sailboat photographs will transport you to wonderful sailing experiences in far away places.
The 2015 sailing calendar features photos of J/70s flying off Monte Carlo & Lake Garda; J/24s dueling off Sweden, Newport & Seattle; surrealistic J/80s off Santander, Spain; J/120s gliding off San Diego; J/111s serenely sailing on the Solent; J/22s sailing off the Netherlands; and other gorgeous images of J/105s and J/122. A great gift for loved ones, family, friends and crew (see gallery here). Order your 2015 J/Calendar today here!
J/Boat Show Schedule(Newport, RI)- Over the course of the next few months, there are some excellent boat shows to view some of the latest J/Designs and also have a chance to speak with many of your friends and colleagues about the world of sailing.
Here are some of those events to consider, so mark your calendars to see the latest J’s on display:
- Dec 6-14- Salon Nautique- Paris, France- J/122E and J/70
- Jan 9-18- London Boat Show- London, England- J/70, J/88, J/97e, J/122e
- Jan 10-18- Toronto Boat Show- Toronto, Ontario- J/70, J/88
- Jan 14-18- Chicago Strictly Sail Boat Show- J/88 and J/70
- Jan 17-25- Boot Dusseldorf- Dusseldorf, Germany- J/122E and J/70
- Jan 22-25- San Diego Sun Road Boat Show- J/70, J/88, J/111
- Jan 22-25- San Francisco Boat Show- J/70, J/88, J/111
- Jan 23- Feb 1- Seattle Boat Show- J/122E, J/70 and J/88
- Apr 9-12- Apr 9-12- Strictly Sail Pacific- Oakland, CA- J/70, J/88, J/111
J/Sailing News
The Sun Never Sets on J's Sailing Worldwide
The fourth Thursday in November is traditionally the weekend that Americans celebrate their traditional holiday called “Thanksgiving”- an event that first took place when the Pilgrims at Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts celebrated after their first harvest in the New World in 1621. This feast lasted three days, and it was attended by 90 Native Americans and 53 Pilgrims- presiding over the feast was Governor William Bradford, an early Johnstone family relative! In keeping with that tradition, the Johnstone family wishes to “thank” all our passionate, loyal friends and sailors worldwide; we hope everyone enjoys this weekend with friends and family and share their love for sailing with others!In the Americas, the San Diego YC Hot Rum Series had a lot to be thankful for since they had a nice breeze and many of the J sailors enjoyed another nice day on the water pursuing each other across the water to the finish line inside the harbor. In Central America, the J/24 Mexico National Championships took place at Club Marinazul on Valle de Bravo, Mexico, west of Mexico City. Then just east of them, a number of J teams enjoyed sailing the St Croix International Regatta off Christiansted, St Croix in the US Virgin Islands. Down in South America, several events took place, including the Arbotantes Regatta, an offshore event sailed off Algarrobo, Chile that included a J/145, J/130, J/24 and J/105. Then, east of them the first weekend of the J/24 Argentina National Championship took place off Buenos Aires, Argentina at Club Nautico Olivos.
Heading across the Atlantic, on the beautiful little garden spot called Bermuda (now site of America’s Cup 35 in 60 foot foiling cats), the International J/105 Bermuda XL Invitational took place in The Great Sound in gorgeous aquamarine blue waters and tropical weather conditions. The international cast of J/105 sailors were most grateful for the opportunity to “share” sailing duties with their wonderful, local hosts in idyllic weather!
On the east side of the big pond, the Garmin Hamble Winter Series enjoyed their first “wintry” weekend on the Solent with just one more weekend to go for the fleets of J/111s, J/109s, J/88s and J/97s. The J/24s earlier had their famous Autumn Cup off Plymouth, England with a very nice, competitive turnout. Then, across “La Manche”, the J/80s had great sailing in their Benelux Open J/80 Championship off Grevelingen, The Netherlands. Also, the J/22s were grateful for having a great summer European Circuit, all leading up to the 2015 J/22 Worlds in Germany.
Finally, the “convicts” Down Under were grateful for their fun-in-the-sun, enjoying a fantastic turnout for their J/24 NSW States Championship, sailed off Cronulla, NSW, Australia (e.g. near Sydney).
Read on! The J/Community and Cruising section below has many entertaining stories and news about J/Sailors as well as cruising blogs about those who continue to enjoy the Caribbean and the South Pacific, staying warm while others are trying to stay warm up north. Check them out! More importantly, if you have more J/Regatta News, please email it or upload onto our J/Boats Facebook page! Below are the summaries.
Regatta & Show Schedules:
Oct 4- Nov 30- Garmin Hamble Winter Series- Hamble, EnglandOct 24- Mar 8- Monaco J/70 Winter Series- Monte Carlo, Monaco
Dec 4-7- J/22 Jamaica Jammin’ Regatta- Montego Bay, Jamaica
Dec 6- Hot Rum Series #3- San Diego, CA
Dec 13- Feb 7- Quantum J/70 Winter Series- Davis Island, FL
Jan 18-23- Quantum Key West Race Week- Key West, FL
Mar 4-7- Bacardi Miami Sailing Week- Miami, FL
For additional J/Regatta and Event dates in your region, please refer to the on-line J/Sailing Calendar.
Hamble Winter Series- Weekend #7(Hamble, England)- Winter finally made an appearance in the Garmin Hamble Winter Series on the penultimate race day of 2014. Up to this point, we have had unseasonal warmth, but the weather Gods made up for this with a cold, gusty and unbelievably wet day on the water.
The rain began at around midnight, and competitors awoke to it hammering on their windows. It did not let up all day! Nonetheless, the race teams braved the conditions to get a race in for all classes, and some close, tactical racing ensued. The northerly breeze might have brought in the cold temperatures, but it also provided some handy windshifts as boats closed the mainland shore. At this, the penultimate race in the series, competition is hotting up throughout the fleet as boats battle for podium places.
Martin Dent's J/111 JELVIS leads IRC0 with a race to go, five points clear of fellow J/111, Chris Body's ICARUS. Chasing hard to make a full J/111 podium is Louise Makin's JOURNEYMAKER II, two points behind in third overall, but they didn't race on Sunday.In IRC 2, Stew Hawthorn’s J/88 JIFI is sitting in fourth overall, leading the J/88 contingent. Next is Paul Ward’s J/88 EAT SLEEP J REPEAT in fifth and Ivan Trotman’s J/88 JOJO is sitting on sixth.
IRC 3 sees Charles Ivill's ETB TYRES/ JUST LIKE THAT win yet another race and now sits atop the results with a three-point lead over Andy Howe’s J/97 BLACKJACK II in second.
The J/109s were won by Roger Phillips' DESIGNSTAR 2, which puts them only a point behind the leading boat, Adrian Wheal's JOLLY JACK TAR. Owain Franks' JYNNAN TONNYX is only a point behind second place, so the top three positions are all to play for next week, which should provide an exciting end to the series.
After such a wet day on the water, competitors dripped their way to the HRSC clubhouse to enjoy hot food and well-earned refreshments. Prizes were presented by Athena Rossi from Force 4, the day sponsors of the event.
One week remains of the 2014 Garmin Hamble Winter Series. Let's hope that winter holds off for another week! Thanks for contribution from Ben Meakins. Sailing Photo Credits- Paul Wyeth/pwpictures.com. For more Garmin Hamble Winter Series sailing information
Bromby/ Murphy Crowned XL J/105 Bermuda Champs!(Hamilton, Bermuda)- The Bermuda J/105 Class and Royal Bermuda YC hosted the 2nd Annual Bermuda J/105 Invitational Regatta, sponsored by XL Group, from November 21st to 23rd on the gorgeous aquamarine waters of The Great Sound. Due to the effects of hurricane damage, just six international teams sailed in this year’s event. The sailors were treated to a wide variety of conditions, from near-drifting sunny weather on the first day, to rainy and windy on the second day, to postcard-perfect sailing on the final day. Sailors from the USA, Canada, UK, and Bermuda competed for the XL Trophy [Overall Series]; the Bermuda Tourism Trophy [International Series]; and the Goslings Trophy [Bermuda Series].
The regatta featured a unique “team” format- each boat was made up of 3 international sailors and 3 Bermuda sailors who sailed together in each race. Races were being designated as “Bermuda” or “International”; the respective nominated helmsman helmed for that race. The format has proven popular for the sailors and continues to attract top-notch competition. One of the Island’s top Race Officers, Royal Bermuda YC’s Charles Tatem, ran an amazing regatta all three days.
On the first day of sailing, the fleet was greeted by light WNW winds gently crossing over Somerset and Ireland Island and onto the Great Sound (future home of America’s Cup 35!). Setting the course just south of Pearl Island, the fleet barely managed to get in two races before PRO Tatem called off sailing for the day. Tied on points at the end of the day were SADIIQI team (Richard Mitchele & Pete Ramsdale) and the MORNING GLORY team (Jason Owen & Jon Corless). Lying in third was CHEQUEMATE (Kevin Murphy & Peter Bromby- a former Star World Champion).
The second day saw five races completed in a stiff southwesterly breeze of 12-20+ knots. The opening race of the day was in 13-15 knots with the International Skippers in charge, majority of the fleet picked the SW side of the course to good effect. The opening race went to Morning Glory skippered by Jason Owen, with the boat continuing to lead the overall.
Race 4 saw Bermuda Skippers sailing the boats, a battle between Morning Glory skippered by Jon Corless and Chequemate skippered by Pete Bromby for the two-lap race, with Bromby taking the win in a close finish.
Race 5 put the International Sailors back skippering and saw the fleet split, with Sadiiqi sailed by Richard Mitchele taking the left side of the course and the bulk of the fleet middle to right. With the left paying handsomely, Sadiiqi took her second win of the competition from Passion sailed by Bill Lakenmacher, who was having a very consistent day.
Bermuda Skippers took over once again for Race 6 and the Breeze had shifted a little to the South and built to 16-18 knots. YABSTA’s Stuart Neff & Trevor Boyce started off fast and led the fleet around the track, winning the race but having to take penalty points for a rules infraction. Both Morning Glory and Sadiiqi continued to sail well, taking a 2nd and 3rd, respectively.
In the seventh race Sadiiqi led after the first lap, but YABSTA had a better leeward rounding and took the lead on the second upwind, and then kept a comfortable lead of several hundred yards to the finish from Sadiiqi. At the completion of the day, the Sadiiqi team was holding onto their first place overall, but having to face the fact that four other boats were squeezed into a four point spread just behind them. It would be no small task for the Sadiiqi team to hold on to the lead considering the closeness of the racing so far.
The final day of racing saw three races completed in a stiff northerly breeze. The opening race [#8] of the day was in 14-18 knots, and the fleet had to deal with large wind shifts as well as difficult chop that this wind direction always brings. The race went to YABSTA [Trevor Boyce] – his second bullet of the regatta, ahead of Chequemate [Peter Bromby]. It was also YABSTA’s third straight bullet against the highly competitive fleet.
Race 9 [the final International race] started with a shift to the left in strong breeze. At the windward mark, a massive pack converged with YABSTA again leading the fleet for the fourth race in a row. Immediately behind them, the entire pack of five boats rounded as a massive cluster, which saw several protests hailed and flags raised, as the finer points of rules were politely discussed on the racecourse. Sadiiqi came out of this mess pinned out to the right and behind, never to recover. After two laps, Passion [Bill Lakenmacher] beat Chequemate [Kevin Murphy] to the line, with YABASTA (Stew Neff) dropping back to fifth.
Race 10 [the final Bermuda race] rounded out the series, and it came to a thrilling conclusion. After yet another solid, controlling start, the YABSTA crew (Trevor Boyce) led the fleet around the first windward mark (leading the fleet for the 5th time in a row) with Chequemate [Peter Bromby] just behind. After a disastrous leeward mark rounding, the race leader YABSTA fell back into the pack and took a fifth. Meanwhile, Chequemate won the race and the regatta.
As a result, the winner of the 2nd annual XL Bermuda J/105 Invitational was one of Bermuda’s most famous sailors- Peter Bromby on Chequemate sailing with Kevin Murphy. Just two points back was Morning Glory (the team of Jason Owen & Jon Corless). In third was Passion sailed by Bill Lakenmacher & Jim Macdonald. Sadiiqi’s (Richard Mitchele & Pete Ramsdale) slow day dropped them to fourth and Yabsta (Stew Neff & Trevor Boyce) held onto 5th.
A fun distance race, “The Last Blast Race”, then took the teams on a tour of the Great and Little Sound’s, before working down Granaway Deep back to RBYC. YABSTA convincingly won this race for the prize presented by Triangle Rigging.
For the International Trophy, sponsored by Bermuda Tourism Authority, the winner was YABSTA (Stew Neff), followed by Passion (Bill Lakenmacher) and Sadiiqi (Richard Mitchele).
For the Bermuda Trophy (the locals), sponsored by Goslings, the winner was Chequemate [Peter Bromby], followed by Morning Glory [Glenn Astwood/Jon Corless], then Sadiiqi [Pete Ramsdale]. For more XL J/105 Bermuda Invitational Regatta sailing information
Hot Rum Series #2 ReportJ/70’s Dominating PHRF 4!
(San Diego, CA)- San Diego's favorite fall racing event- the “Hot Rum Series”- continues in full swing. This fun-loving “free-for-all” generally sees the fleet starting inside of San Diego Harbor, takes them on a “tour” that heads out past the majestic Point Loma, around some buoy set offshore, then “back home to the barn” to again finish inside the channel just off Harbor Island. For those not “in-the-know”, it’s consistently one of the largest PHRF “pursuit-style” races run annually— with the little boats (like 21 footers) starting first and the big boats (e.g. over 70 foot ULDB sleds) starting last; whomever crosses first wins!
In Class 1, Jim Madden’s J/125 STARK RAVING MAD IV leads the J teams with Viggo Torbenson’s J/125 TIMESHAVER next, followed by Tom Barker’s J/145 GOOD CALL.
The top J/120 in Class 2 is Chuck Nichols’ CC RIDER, sitting 3rd overall and is followed by Mike Hatch’s J-ALMIGHTY in 5th and Peter Zarcades’ MELTEMI in 9th.
The enormous Class 3 is generally the provenance of the large, aggressive J/105 class. Sitting in 2nd overall and leading the J/105s is Dennis Case’s WINGS, followed by Dag Fish’s VIGGEN in 4th. Third J team is Herb Zoehrer’s J/35 Z-FORCE.Perhaps the most remarkable performance so far in the Hot Rum series has to be the J/70s in PHRF Class 4. As a group they’re placed 3 of the top 6, with Dave Vieregg’s SOGGY DOLLAR leading, with Karl Pomeroy’s ZERO TO 60 in 2nd and Dave Cheresh’s FLARE in sixth.
In PHRF Class 5, several classic J’s are racing, with the top J crew so far being Dave Cattle’s pretty J/27 BLACKADDER, followed by Mark Clements’ J/24 BRIGADOON, Robert Noe’s J/30 MAD HATTER, and Chris Doolittle’s J/22 DELIVERANCE. For more San Diego Hot Rum Series sailing information
J/Teams Crush St Croix Regatta!(Christiansted, St Croix, USVI)- The St Croix International Regatta, hosted by the St Croix YC, has a lot going for it and has continues to attract more sailors. What’s not to like sailing off their famous beach? For one, the winning skipper’s weight in Cruzan Rum is first overall prize; secondly, there are three spectacular days of racing in classic Caribbean sailing conditions; and lastly, there are live bands each night on the beach with awesome “island-style” hospitality!
The event is somewhat unique from a regatta format as well since there is a “pre-regatta” called the Commodore’s Race Trophy. This enables the locals, in particular, to get their acts together, work out the rust and get their teams “gelling” like a well-oiled machine! The first event produced some great racing with J/Teams pretty much dominating the entire regatta.
In CSA Racing, taking 2nd in the warm-up was Paul Davis’s J/27 MAG 7, followed by Jonathan Lipuscek’s J/105 DARK STAR in 3rd and Angela Mayala’s J/80 SUN BUM II in 4th.
The CSA Non-Spinnaker also saw very spirited racing with the winner being Stanford Joines’s J/36 PALADIN looking magnificent, in fact for the second year in a row! Improving upon last year was Dave Tomlinson’s J/24 EL SHADDAI, taking 2nd overall.
With their “practice regatta” behind them, it was now high-time to determine who would be crowned champions in the “big one”, the St Croix International Regatta and, of course, the skipper’s weight in Cruzan Rum for winning their respective divisions.
The CSA Racing was dominated this year by Jonathan Lipuscek’s J/105 DARK STAR, taking four 1sts and two 2nds on their way to a massive win; the only blemish on their record being a DSQ in race 4. Sailing a consistent regatta over the seven race series was Davis’ J/27 MAG 7, taking 5th overall.
Continuing their winning ways in CSA Non-Spinnaker was Stanford Joines’s J/36 PALADIN, winning the class with a vengeance, posting only seven 1sts for a perfect scoreline of 6 pts (throw-out included). Last year’s winner, Tomlinson’s J/24 EL SHADDAI, hung on for 2nd overall. For more St Croix Regatta sailing information
J/145 YALI Wins Arbotantes Regatta(Algarrobo, Chile)- The Chilean Navy Yachting Reserve Divisions (CABOR Yates) hosted the 13th version of the Arbotantes Regatta off Algarrobo, Chile. Algarrobo is one of the major sailing venues due west of the capital city of Santiago and 60 miles south from Valparaiso where the main Chilean Navy Academy is located.
Twenty-one boats participated in the regatta, including some new J/Boat owners. The race consists of a long distance triangle in Algarrobo Bay. The fleet was treated to a nice breeze from the southwest of 5-9 knots and some long, rolling swells.
The largest, most competitive, class was IRC 1 & 2. The outcome of this class surprised some of the best offshore sailors in Chile. Winning both IRC 1 Class and IRC Overall was the J/145 YALI, sailed by her new owner Ramón Eluchans, winning against seven other very good boats; one of those boats happened to be the Soto 40 Santander (5th in the last World Championship at Valencia, Spain). Taking 6th in class was the J/130 SCARAMOUCHE sailed by Ricardo Corssen.In IRC 3 Class, the J/105 FOGONAZO sailed by Carlos Risso took third and in the IRC 4 Class, the J/24 TREPIDOSO sailed by Chilean Navy skipper Sebastian Monckeberg took first overall!
The next J/Boat event in Chile is the J/105 Nationals, sailing December 6-8, where 15-18 boats are expected.
Porter Wins J/24 Mexican Nationals(Valle de Bravo, Mexico)- Over the past weekend, the Club Nautico Marinazul hosted the J/24 Mexican National Championships. A strong turn-out of twenty-four boats participated over the weekend, enjoying the privilege of sailing eight races in total! As defending champion, Kenneth Porter’s “S” managed to repeat their efforts a take home top honors over the excellent fleet at Valle de Bravo.
On the first day, the early regatta leader was Juan Maegli’s GOOD VIBES, posting a 1-3-5-9 tally. One point back was Porter’s “S” with a “snakes & ladders” scoreline of 2-8-2-7. And, just behind them was Tito Benitez’s LOS MISERABLES with a 7-7-6-5.
The next day saw dramatic changes in the overall top three, if not the top five. Sailing like a crazed bandito taking everything in sight, Porter’s “S” crew took home a 3-1-1-3 to close out the regatta and take the championship with 19 pts net. However, behind him the regatta turned out to be a battle for the balance of the top five. After knocking out a 2-3-2-4, Yon Belausteguigoitia’s CHIMERA grabbed the silver with just 23 pts net. Five points back after posting a closing tally of 1-1-5-3-5 was Luis Alvarez’s TA’LENTO, happy to secure the bronze. Rounding out the top five was Maegli’s GOOD VIBES in fourth and Pablo Gutierrez’s DIGGER in fifth place. For more Mexican J/24 Nationals sailing information
JOI’DE’VIVRE Repeats As J/80 Benelux Champ!(Grevelingen, The Netherlands)- There were many familiar and unfamiliar faces that participated in this year’s 2014 J/80 Benelux Open Championship. The top seven was occupied by mostly veterans and the fleet saw three new teams debuting in in the regatta. Thirteen teams in total enjoyed a good seven races series over the weekend. Winning for the second year in a row was Laura Vroon’s JOIE’DE’VIVRE with a stunning record of four 1sts and two 2nds for a mere 8 pts total after toss race.
The fleet enjoyed great conditions both days, with moderate swell and good breezes. It was clear there were two winners for each day of racing on Saturday and Sunday. Vroon’s crew had four 1st’s Saturday while NB Elsink’s crew on J-ZUS took three 1sts on Sunday!
In the end, behind Vroon’s team, the J-ZUS crew took second with 11 pts with a 6-2-4-2-1-1-1 record for 11 pts net. Third was David van Veen’s nJOY crew with a 4-3-3-3-3-5-3 tally for just 18 pts net.
The biggest battle seemed to be for places 4th to 7th. After the smoke cleared mid-fleet, taking 4th overall was A Menck’s JOT with 31 pts, followed by Bernard Holsboer’s JUUL in 5th with 33 pts. Sixth was taken by Edwin Spaans’ J-STRING with 34 pts and, finally, in 7th was T deJohnge’s DJ with 39 pts! Close, fun racing with a great camaraderie amongst the crews! More racing soon! See the J/80 Benelux YouTube sailing video of the regatta here.For more J/80 Benelux Championships sailing information
JOLLY ROGERS Takes J/24 Autumn Cup(Poole, England)- It was yet another epic, amazing, fun, adventurous event run by the Royal Western YC in Poole, England. The J/24s in the United Kingdom always seem to have some drama and fun in their infamous J/24 Autumn Cup. Here’s the report from Nick Triscott aboard JAWBREAKER:
Day 1
A blustery, cloudy forecasted weekend set the scene for a dramatic sailing event in Plymouth Sound. Following just one week after the re-scheduled Spring Cup, there was much expectation from the thirteen entrants to retain or improve places in the absence of Madeleine, the previous week’s winners.
A perfect windward-leeward course was laid inside the breakwater by race officer Neil Dunkley and genoas were rigged for winds measuring around 14 knots. A hotly contested start showed no immediate leader but there was no room for errors given the competitive fleet. Correct tactics, including knowledge of the strong spring tide, allowed Nick McDonald’s team (sailing the Spring Cup’s third placed Cacoon) to cross the line first after a hard fought battle. They were followed by the visiting team of Roger Morris of Jolly Roger from Poole. Third place was earned by Adrian Bennett of Skilled Services.
With the wind rising, a pre-start incident between guest helm Sophie Pearson of Hitchhiker and local boat Dogs Jorrocks unfortunately lead to the retirement of Torpoint stalwart Steve Wassell and his crew from the event after a single race, but the commotion continued throughout race 2. The hot contest to the windward mark provided enough congestion to cause the scraping and even complete missing of the buoy by numerous boats and the placings shuffled as penalty turns were taken. Those able to gybe quickly benefited at once however and the second lap lead gained by the underweight team of Skilled Services was enough to see them win through, narrowly before the consistent Roger Morris and his Jolly crew. Nick McDonald’s Cacoon completed the first three, ahead of Plymouth’s Jawbreaker and Hijinks.
The now numbering ten starters lined up once more for Race 3, with the lead changing hands several times before the previous event’s runner up Jawbreaker, coolly helmed as always by David Cooper, surged across the finish ahead of the dependable Cacoon. A strong performance from boat-borrowing father Darryl Conyers, who worked his way out of a McDonald sandwich, earned illuminator a deserved third place.
Despite the innocent faces of most helms, Race 4 quite understandably saw the use of the black flag for the first time in the cup. With overnight places at stake, nerves began to show as advantageous positions were thrown away time and time again. There were no clear leaders until the end of the first beat when Stig McDonald’s Jeli made the best tactical choices given the now incoming tide and wind shifts. They held their lead until the end, narrowly followed by Nick McDonald’s Cacoon and the husband and wife team of Austen and Claire Davies on Jam Too who completed the Plymouth Podium. The unshaken Sophie Pearson of Hitchhiker achieved a very notable fourth, but in a change of fortunes, the winners of the previous two races followed all of the other boats across the line.
Day 2
An extra hour’s rest for daylight savings put the sailors in high spirits for the start of day 2, despite the predicted stronger winds and occasional regrets of sangria the night before. After much debate during rigging, 3 genoas ultimately stood out amongst the jibs as controversial choices in the morning’s borderline wind conditions. At the start of Race 5, there wasn’t much difference in boat performance given the headsail, but gusts in different sections of the course caused some to suffer slightly more than others. Towards the end of the second beat, it felt like genoa conditions but it was too late because the pirates of Jolly Roger went steaming ahead and looked untouchable. They confidently lead home visitor William Pollock of Flying Colours whose team fought hard for their second place and Darryl Conyers’ Illuminator in third.
With an all genoa start to the penultimate race, a few boats were squeezed out of their lanes and forced to tack to the centre of the course. The port tackers were shortly followed by previous race winners Jolly Roger, although the far left of the beat proved the more popular choice. Another crowded windward mark (at one point draped in the spinnaker of Skilled Services), left many boats scrambling for clear air in another tight contest, but the early “gybers” once again benefited with the inside line back to the leeward mark at the northern end of Plymouth Sound. At the end of the first run, an inspirational call by ultimate race winner David Cooper allowed the overtaking of four boats to make the first rounding of the leeward mark. A loose cover allowed Jawbreaker to hold onto the lead until the finish, with Jolly Roger, Jeli and Mark Lewers’ Hijinks completing the top four.
Throughout the weekend of some of the least forgiving racing seen by the J/24s all year, mistakes by any boat cost dearly. Although the seventh and final two-lap race of the event began smoothly, it was still very challenging given that the race management team said it looked like the closest start of the whole event from their viewpoint on the committee boat. Holding course on starboard at first was favoured by most but tricky tides inside the breakwater made it easy to over stand when nearer the windward mark. Precise handling on both laps ensured local bastion Adrian Bennett’s second win of the event, followed by Jawbreaker and the most consistent boat of the event and overall winners, Jolly Roger.
Our congratulations go to Roger Morris and his outstanding team on Jolly Roger for their efforts throughout the two days; they truly deserve this victory in Plymouth. It is also noteworthy that both the event winners and runners-up Cacoon (Nick McDonald) included father and son duos, which is undoubtedly an optimistic sign of the continuing development of the class in the UK for years to come. Third was David Cooper’s Jawbreaker, fourth Stig McDonald’s JELI, and fifth was Adrian Bennet’s SKILLED SERVICES.
Praise must also be given once again to race officer Neil Dunkley who provided us with seven excellent races and indeed to all of his onboard assistants, mark-layers and the administrative staff of the Royal Western Yacht Club.
On behalf of the Plymouth Fleet, I thank all visiting boats for making the journey and hope to see everyone back in the port again next year. Full results of the 2014 J/24 Autumn Cup may be found here
CODE VIOLATION Wins NSW States(Cronulla, New South Wales, Australia)- This year’s NSW States offered something for everyone, or in reality everything for everyone. From almost no wind in race 4 on Sunday morning to around 60 knots in Saturday arvo’s thunderstorm, along with lightning, thunder and rain— a good decision by the race committee to close the show down after race 3.
Saturday always looked like being windy, jib weather from way back – although there were a couple of genoas being stretched on the course, the comment was that they weren’t really any advantage though. Looks like there were a couple of people taking a swim too, Sean lost Big Tim and one of the girls over the side when the lifeline let go. The default question was why the other two weren’t hiking hard enough to go in with them— mmm questions being asked! I heard Jeanette also had a swimmer but don’t have the details. Tricky sailing with really shifty westerlies and a start line deep in Rose bay to a top mark to the north of Shark Is. Race two and a course change saw us and a couple of others head out to the left only to find that the top mark hadn’t moved more than a boat length, so we had a reach in around the island back to the top mark. So much for thinking I had picked a winner there !
We were having our own little problems on Code, the boat hadn’t been raced for a couple of years and we had a few boat issues, new crew (Trimmer Pete is used to steering a bigger boat and our training prior was in everything under 5knots and how to use a motor to get back home) and of course the weather and the bloke on the helm – no wonder we won the handicap prize. But seriously we improved with every race until the last two and I have to thank my crew for the huge effort in getting up from Melbourne and racing the boat, as usual we had fun and when you aren’t winning, that is what sailing is all about.
Race 2 gave us all a chance to go downwind in a big breeze (for a change) and many boats took the no kite option … Terry, next time I am risking the national debt with the kite and you are coasting along without one at the same speed next to me, could you just please move away so it isn’t so obvious ! Jeanette Syme sailing Brett Hudson’s Wildfire (with Brett in the crew said, “it was a bit hair-raising on Saturday, especially squalls on the downwind, I was surprised to see my battered and bruised team turn up on Sunday– but their morale usually lifts after a good flogging! And poor Elena slipped in after a big westerly lift dropped into a knock and we fell over to windward with 6 and came up with 5. She was such a trooper smiling all the way!”
But, of course the front of the fleet is sailing away from us at light speed and as usual the bloody Black Prince is up there and will ask ‘where was I’ later, but this time he’s not getting it all his own way. Steve Girdis has gone cycling on pain of death from someone and Robbie Brewer is out of retirement and driving Convicts and driving well, with two to one on Dave in Kaotic, he is the day winner. In fact, we are all winners when most of us get home before the next storm cell hits. So glad we are not racing in that. Not without some drama at the club and round the corner for the boats going back to the CYC though. It’s as black as hell and then white-out, as the 60knot front of the thunderstorm lifts the top 2 feet of water into the air around the boats in pleasant little Felix Bay. Some of us got ashore- - - and some didn’t. Vortex went ashore too, well done Sean in the crew tender turned rescue boat dragging Vortex off in the height of the storm. Sean, yes that’s the Commodore, organizer, tender driver, boat rescuer, crew rescuer and the guy that also comes 3rd- makes me feel very humble!
Check this YouTube sailing video out here- http://youtu.be/eLcBjieN-H0This year we have 4 boats from Cronulla, the fast developing fleet down in the ‘Shire’. One might say a mixed bag of boats and sailors like anywhere, but a great group of guys and girls that love a good time and some hard racing. It’s been a process to get them to the harbour but 3 have sailed up and Dave Mackay has trailed. Dave is the guy that won the big one in the Moths some … well quite some years ago. Known affectionately as “Magoo” and with a sense of humour that instantly puts you at ease and laughing, he is no slug on the race course and comes home 4th overall in Stockcar. Welcome to our world Dave, hope you come and play more often. And that goes for all our new friends at Cronulla, Barry Ryan in Pinot, Clinton Hood in CJ Constructions and Mick Reynolds in Slippery Fish who has worked so hard to get the Cronulla Js into class racing with us. Lets get more of you to come and play.
Sunday has dawned sunny and with a dropping westerly breeze, very shifty and getting very light, the Black Prince sailing Arthur Crother’s Kaotic with a mixed crew out of Melbourne bangs in another win to make the tally 2 all with Convicts. We drift around for a little while as the wind tries to make up it’s mind. Finally the wind changes to a south east breeze, settling down and offering great top end genoa racing for the last two …. or was that the last 5 races.
Three practice starts in the last race had the RO threatening the black flag and that was enough to finally get a clean start away. Convicts they might be, but they nailed the last two and it was a done deal. Robbie Brewer and team on Convicts Revenge taking it out from Dave Suda on Kaotic and the Commodore on Sailpac coming in 3rd.
The team on Code Violation won the Zimmer Frame with Barry Ryan in Pinot and Geoff Cowen in Nokomis 2nd and 3rd.
Congratulations to Kate Holmes for being awarded the Women on Water Trophy for many years of attendance and effort with Jeanette on various boats. No Thommo Cup this year as Ron didn’t show, so I guess Jeanette keeps it by default.
Thanks to the team at RPEYC, the NSW Association, the help at the crane at RANSA and the effort from the Cronulla guys to get there, all the Sydney guys and girls that turn up and race and thanks to all the volunteers and friendly smiling faces that made the regatta an event we look forward to. For more Australian J/24 sailing information
J/24 Campeonato Argentina Report(Buenos Aires, Argentina)- Hosting this year’s Argentine J/24 National Championship is Club Nautico Olives (http://www.nauticoolivos.com.ar/). A high-level fleet has assembled to battle for class honors in Argentina on the Rio de la Plata off Buenos Aires. Fifteen boats are racing and just about all teams that have been winning in their local fleets (Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Cordoba, Mendoza and Mar del Plata) enjoyed the first weekend of the championship.
On the first weekend of sailing, the weather had a great effect on race outcomes, with no racing on Saturday, three races in normal conditions on Sunday, and just one race on Monday after a long delay. At this time, with one full weekend of racing left to go, it’s the local Yacht Club Olivos team of Matias Perreira that is leading the fleet with a 1-1-3-4 for 9 pts. They are just the CVB team of Rodrigo Benedetto that have a 5-3-1-1 tally for 10 pts. The balance of the top five includes Alejo Rigone in 3rd, Santiago Doval in 4th and Chiqui Figueroa in 5th. With another 3 days of sailing, these standings could flip-flop quickly! For more Argentina J/24 Championship sailing information
MOJO 4 ROOKIES J/22 European Circuit Winners(Hamburg, Germany)- The 2014 J/22 Euro Circuit saw a nice increase in overall participation with sixty-four teams from Germany, The Netherlands, France and Belgium having participated in at least one regatta in the nine-race series. Taking the overall honors was the German team of MOJO 4 ROOKIES skippered by Svend Hartog. The M4R team ended the season with a high-point score of 135.05 points.
Taking a surprising second overall was the French team of Reiner Brockerhoff on JAZZY, finishing the year with 122.05 pts. They were followed by yet another German team in third, Christian Rieckborn’s JOLLY JUMPER with 114.05 pts. Taking fourth with 113.07 pts was the top Netherlands team of Jean-Michek Lautier sailing FRAPORITA. Rounding out the top five was Hardy Kleinefeld’s CAMPAGNOLO team from Germany.
On an overall basis, it was a fairly even mix of teams from across Europe in the top fifteen: Germany (7), Netherlands (5), France (3). With the J/22 Worlds taking place in Germany next year, watch this list of participants grow quite dramatically in 2015! For more J/22 Germany sailing information
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What friends, alumni and crew of J/Boats are doing worldwide
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* LVHM Foundation’s new “sailing ship” gallery is simply spectacular. Well-known yachting photographer, Christophe Launay, took these photos of the Foundation Louis Vuitton, situated in a beautiful setting in Bois de Boulogne, Paris, France.Frank Gehry designed a building that, through its strength and singularity, represents the first artistic step on the part of the Foundation Louis Vuitton.
This large “sailing ship” is covered in twelve glass sails, set on a water garden created for the occasion; it blends into the natural environment, amidst the woods and the garden, playing with light and mirror effects. See more at- http://www.lvmh.com Christophe Launay’s on-line gallery.
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