J/Sailing Newsletter: daysailor

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Wednesday, August 19, 2020

J/Newsletter- August 19th, 2020

What a difference a week or so makes in this crazy pandemic world. While the USA is having its issues state-to-state dealing with basic human behavioral dissonance or lack of cognitive perspicacity, the rest of the world seems to "get it" regards the pandemic guidelines to moving life forward in a responsible manner. Europe, in particular, seems to be doing well. As a result, the hugely popular J/70 sailing leagues programs have taken off again in Germany, Sweden, and Denmark. The SAILING Champions League was reduced to one qualifier this year, due to the pandemic of course, and it was recently sailed in Tutzing, Germany for a field of eighteen teams. Then, the Swedish J/70 Sailing League premiere event in 2020 just took place in the picturesque harbor of Ornskoldsvik, Sweden for their eighteen sailing clubs. Just south of them on the Baltic Sea, the Danish J/70 Sailing League sailed their premier 2020 event off the harbor of Aarhus for their eighteen sailing clubs.

Not to be outdone, the J/35's in Detroit (a.k.a. "Dah'Twah") had their version of a Rumble in the Jungle - Throw-Down Mo-Town style. North Star Sailing Club hosted the eight J/35's that showed up as they continue their amazing renaissance on the Great Lakes.

Out east in New England, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club hosted their annual Ida Lewis Distance Race, albeit with a few wrinkles thrown in. They added a big doublehanded class and also a "round the islands" race inside Narragansett Bay- rounding Conanicut, Prudence, and Patience Islands all to starboard (clockwise). Fun was had by all in the 20-30 kts of breeze from the north-northeast; thanks to the remnants of a North Atlantic hurricane (reduced to a tropical storm) lingering off to the east.

J/Fest Chicago Announcement
(Chicago, IL)- Despite all odds against it happening, the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club is looking forward to host Chicago's first fully-autonomous one-design keelboat regatta- J/Fest Chicago!

The event is planned to take place August 29th to 30th, sailing out of Montrose Harbor, with racing taking place on the gorgeous azure blue waters of Lake Michigan. One-design classes that are invited include J/24, J/70, J/88, J/105, J/109, and J/111.

Thanks to regatta sponsors/ supporters such as MarkSetBot (the fully autonomous mark setting miracle), Stearns Boating, Evolution Sails, Skyway Yacht Works, and SAIL 22.com. For more J/Fest Chicago sailing and registration information

J/Cup U.K. Regatta Announcement
(Cowes, England)- The 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup has attracted nearly 40 teams so far, for the 21st birthday of the regatta exclusive to the J/Boats family. Organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, by invitation of Key Yachting, eight races are scheduled in The Solent over three days (September 3rd to 5th, 2020). The 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup is a celebration of racing designed for all J/Boats, no matter the level of experience or ability.

The organizers have been hard at work to maintain safety of all involved, both ashore and afloat. All Competitors will be welcome at the RORC Cowes clubhouse during the event with daily social events, which will be restricted in number. The complimentary berthing at Cowes Yacht Haven is proving very popular.

The 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup will feature one-design racing for at least three classes and IRC Racing Classes for mixed fleets. There will be both windward leeward courses and round the cans racing.

Seven different J/Boat designs are set to race with results decided by IRC time correction. This allows fair racing for J/Boats not racing in one-design classes. Nine teams are currently entered under IRC, including the 2018 J-Cup winner J/112E Davanti Tyres, skippered by Chaz Ivill.

Eleven J/70 teams from all over the UK have entered, including Paul Ward’s reigning J/70 Open World Champion; Eat, Sleep, J Repeat. Last year’s Cowes Week winner, Jolt steered by Tilly Harrison and Charles Thompson’s Primo Cup winner Brutus, will also be in action.

Eight J/109s have entered including proven winners and all of last year’s podium. John Smart’s Jukebox is defending J/109 National Champion and will face stiff competition from last year’s runner up, Simon Perry’s Jiraffe. Third last year was the 2017 J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish.

The J/111 Class will be out in force with nine teams entered including last year’s winner and J/111 National Champion Tony Mack’s McFly. The 2018 J/111 National Champion will also be racing, Chris Jones and Louise Makin's Journeymaker II.

The most coveted award at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup is the J-Cup itself, which will be awarded at the Prize Giving Dinner on Saturday 5th September. For more J/Cup U.K. sailing and registration information

Pandemonium Regatta Announcement
(Tiburon, CA)- Corinthian Yacht Club will host the Pandemonium Regatta, a one-day double-handed event for one-design boats on Sunday, August 30th, 2020. There will be recognition for the overall winner as well as mixed-gender teams. Invited classes include J/24, J/70, J/88, and J/105's.

According to Bruce Stone, who will be competing with his J/105 Arbitrage, “Our objective in working with Corinthian Yacht Club is to offer chances to build experience with a training partner, and if we have great turn-out, we’ll go for longer lengths a month from now. In this iteration, there will be a long course of around 25 miles for J/105s and J/88s, a medium course for Express 27s and J/70s, and a shorter course for smaller boats like Knarrs, Cal 20’s, J/22s and J/24s.

The start will be off of the west end of Angel Island and a route going just north of the Richmond Bridge, then a challenging beat to Pt. Bonita, outside the Golden Gate Bridge, and an exciting spinnaker run to the finish at Corinthian YC in Raccoon Straits.” Sailing photo credits- Pressure-drop.us. For more CYC Pandemonium Regatta sailing and registration information

Conanicut YC Round The Island Announcement!
(Jamestown, RI)- In a summer of social distancing, getting out on the water has been a release for many local sailors. Conanicut Yacht Club's Annual Around-the-Island Race on Sunday, September 6th aims to continue to be that respite. The 93rd edition, held annually on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, may look a little different this year, but will still be a celebration of the New England summer sailing season winding down.

Typically attracting around one hundred boats, competitors start at 11:00 AM in separated divisions, then circumnavigate the 21.0nm course around Conanicut Island. Usually, this is followed by the popular post-race party and awards ceremony at the club. However, the latest pandemic guidelines haven’t allowed the club to do that part of the day's activities.

"We are proud and grateful for how flexible and patient the sailing community has been this summer," says CYC ATI Race Chairman, Alan Baines. "We delayed opening registration until we knew more about how we could operate safely for everyone and, of course, decided to not host a post-racing party. However, as regulations are always changing, we do ask for your continued cooperation. So, please keep an eye out for any late special instructions or changes over the coming weeks."

Despite the cancellations or modifications of other local regattas, many race boats have still been sailing as much as possible. They have adapted to the "new normal" by following the safety recommendations from the State of Rhode Island by limiting crew or just sailing with family. Face masks or neck gaiters have become a part of the sailors' gear bag as much as the lifejacket, hat, and sunglasses.

Conanicut Yacht Club welcomes any monohull sailing yachts 22 to 80 feet with a 2020 PHRF-NB certificate to register; the closing date for entries is September 2nd. For more CYC Round the Island sailing and registration information

J/Gear August 20% OFF Special!
(Newport, RI)- The J/Foul Weather Jacket boasts a rugged construction and features taped seams for durability. The jackets are discounted 20% and the special price is active now until August 30th, 2020.

The very nice-looking jacket features the following

Zip-off multi-adjustable hood
Partial storm flap with metal snaps at top
Reflective printed shoulder panels
Center front reverse coil waterproof zipper
Chest and lower pockets with reverse coil waterproof zipper
Adjustable shockcord at hood and hem
Outer jacket works with style 9951 liner- offers warmth to 8.0 F!

The J/Class logo of your choice is embroidered on the front. We can also customize with your detail. Perfect for the whole crew! For more J/Foul Weather Jacket information and to buy now.

Sailing Calendar

Aug 13-16- SAILING Champions League- St Petersburg, Russia
Aug 14-16- Swedish J/70 Sailing League- Ornskoldsvik, Sweden
Aug 15-16- Danish J/70 Sailing League- Aarhus, Denmark
Aug 15-16- J/Fest Newport- Newport, RI
Aug 28-30- J/70 Segel Bundesliga- Wannsee, Germany
Aug 28-30- Under 21 Italian J/70 Sailing League Championship- Rimini, Italy
Sep 5-6- Danish J/70 Sailing League- Skovshoved, Denmark

SAILING Champions League Qualifier- Tutzing
(Tutzing, Germany)- From 20 to 23 August the season opener of the SAILING Champions League (SCL) 2020 will take place in Tutzing at Lake Starnberg – at the Deutscher Touring Yacht-Club. It is the first qualifier in Germany since the SCL was launched in 2014 and after holding events in St. Petersburg, Palma de Mallorca, Porto Cervo and St. Moritz. This year’s final will be held in Porto Cervo, Italy, from 15 to 18 October.

Twenty-four clubs from 12 nations are going to start the SAILING Champions League in Tutzing this Thursday. “The enthusiasm among the athletes and sailing fans to finally start racing again is great. We are delighted that we have succeeded in getting the first SCL event in Germany off the ground,” says Anke Lukosch, SCL Project Manager, looking forward to the event.

In addition to the top finishers of the national leagues from 2019, clubs were able to apply for a wildcard for this year's edition. Anke Lukosch explains the decision, “due to the current worldwide pandemic regulations and travel restrictions, some teams had to withdraw their participation at short notice. With the awarding of wildcards, clubs that could not qualify for the SCL directly now have the unique opportunity to compete with the best sailing clubs in Europe”.

The SCL Qualifier can be followed via Livestream on Saturday, 22 August, and Sunday, 23 August, from 12:00 PM (CEST) on Facebook, YouTube and sailing-championsleague.com.

After the first day of racing, the German clubs are leading. Despite light wind conditions, there was a lot going on the water and every meter was fought in the four races with the result of three penalties and one crash. The hosting club, the Deutscher Touring Yacht-Club, was able to make full use of its home advantage and sailed to first place in its race. The Norddeutsche Regatta Verein and the Segel- und Motorboot Club Überlingen, both also from Germany, are at the top of the table, too, and lead with equal points with the host. More news soon! Sailing Photo credits- Lars Wehrmann For more SAILING Champions League sailing information

Swedish J/70 Sailing League Season Premiere
(Ornskoldsvik, Sweden)- The series of four competitions sailed on the fleet of 12 J/70's that were to start this past spring has been reduced to two competition weekends, where the first will be decided in Örnsköldsvik from August 14th to 16th.

Sweden's best racing clubs are vying for the championship title in the two competitions on the program this year, as the Corona Pandemic put an end to sporting events this spring. The first round will thus be decided in first weekend and the final will be sailed in Västerås from September 4th to 6th. Västerås will thus be the host during the final weekend, just like last year. There will then be a qualifier for the Allsvenskan 2021 in Marstrand 3-4 October.

This year's Allsvenskan consists of eighteen clubs. Last year, the favorites at KSSS won and they aim for the same gold again this year.

"This year, it will be harder because the favorite team will be decided in only two competitions. One of our strengths has always been that we have been able to deliver at a high level over a longer series of four competitions. I think several of the other clubs with fewer sailors will have a certain advantage, but we like when it gets tough. Our goal is always to be in the absolute top, and it is important for us to secure a place in next year's Sailing Champions League. For the first event, we are sending a really sharp crew with Björn Hansen at the helm. So, there is no doubt that we want to be part of the fight at the top," says Niklas Edler who is captain for the KSSS Allsvenskan team (the Royal Swedish Yacht Club).

J/70 Swedish sailing league winners

During three days of competition, the ambition is run 45 races, which means 15 races per club team. The races are judged directly on the water, so first to the finish wins. The short races mean that small mistakes can be expensive and sometimes chances can pay off. This often means that it is extremely challenging sailing.

Each crew must consist of one person of each sex and at least one sailor under 25 years of age. It is the clubs - not the individual sailors - who decide who will eventually win the gold.

How did it turn out for the teams this past weekend? GKSS won the first part of the Allsvenskan Segling competition.

GKSS was in a class of its own. Inside the harbor in Örnsköldsvik, the Gothenburgers sailed stably and in the 16 races they sailed, they were on the podium 15 times; and they won ten of them! Wow, basically a total "white-wash" of the competition.

"We grew as a team through the weekend and learned a lot from each other. Because everyone sails skiff and 49er on a daily basis, we spoke the same language on board even though we are new to the boat," says Marcus Anjemark from GKSS. "It has been a fantastic long weekend in Örnsköldsvik with perfect weather and varying winds. We enjoyed and look forward to more regattas here in Ö-vik. Extra fun that it was such an outstanding live broadcast that further strengthened the event."

After three days of sailing in an Örnsköldsvik that offered fantastic sailing weather, it was GKSS with Carl P Sylvan (helmsman), Marcus Anjemark, Oscar Andersson and Elin Sevedag who won the first part of the Allsvenskan. The key to the victory was probably that there were two jointly trained crews on board.

It was only in Friday's light winds that GKSS did not dominate. But when the wind increased on Saturday and also on Sunday, when it was steady at 5-8 m/s and up to 10 m/s in the villages, GKSS dominance also increased.

The team sailed incredibly stably and took home nine first places in the series where a full 15 rounds could be completed. Before the finale, where the six best teams competed for double points, only the reigning Allsvenskan champions from KSSS, with Björn Hansen at the helm, could threaten the Gothenburgers. But, then KSSS needed to beat GKSS by four places just to win...almost an impossibility.

But, KSSS missed the start and GKSS was able to sail to the finish line as the winner in the finale and complete the win. Third was the newcomer Runmarö Yacht Club.

"We have had a fantastic event with world class on everything and very good jobs from officials, organizers and sailors. It has been exciting, tight and very sporty sailing. I am happy with everything," said the regatta manager Claes Lundin. "It has been extra fun to follow the prestigious meeting between GKSS and KSSS. Maybe KSSS and Björn Hansen are better tactically, but this weekend GKSS was sharper and not least they had better boat speed. For more Swedish J/70 Sailing League information

Danish J/70 Sailing League Season Premiere
(Aarhus, Denmark)- The K.A.S. team took the victory in the 1st division after only 5 flights, where the last one ended up being shoot-out. Aarhus International Sailing Center and Sailing Aarhus were hosts and were represented with volunteers from Kaløvig this past weekend.

The wind teased and challenged sailors and, of course, probably made a lot of people simply crazy! Saturday morning started as planned with skipper meeting and welcome to all 1st division clubs. Then followed a postponement. However, approximately 15 minutes later, the wind came creeping in across the lake. Three flights were sailed in the light wind. Sunday started calmly and with a postponement. The wind built up calmly, and by noon the sailors were sent out. The wind was surprisingly good, but died after two quick flights, and the regatta ended up being canceled for the day due to a complete "glass out" on the water.

Last weekend's event winner from the 2nd division (Youngsters ONE)- skipper Rasmus Lumbye from Sønderborg Yacht Club- had planned a close duel between the well-known teams from Frederikhavn and KDY for this year's first 1st division event. In addition, there was a mixed crew from K.A.S. that from the start stood out and took the lead. K.A.S. had not moved to the top of the leaderboard before but sailed convincingly all weekend.

K.A.S. took the competition victory by a single point over the Sønderborg "kids"! The SYC kids fought hard all weekend through the very light winds. The decision was made in a close 1:1 duel in 5 races. There is no question the SYC youth team has promising future ahead of them.

Team SEF from Svendborg Sund Sejlklub finished just 4 points behind in 3rd place, a point ahead of KDY in 4th place. Team SEF started a bit sluggish, but sailed well after that, and ended up in 3rd place after some strong performances.

For K.A.S., the victory was the ultimate culmination of a path they had been working on very hard for several years. K.A.S. has come from the bottom of the 2nd division to be able to be a competition winner in a few years. Charlotte Andersen, Head of Racing at K.A.S. commented, “in 2017 we made a decision to improve the quality of our KAP school and with the team CrewYou. We to look at their set-up and strategy. We entered with the very best sailors in Denmark, Jesper Radich and Rene Villefrance, and it is satisfying to see how our great work has borne fruit!”

From K.A.S. skipper Henrik Rask Sørensen, he commented that “the victory was fantastic despite the very difficult conditions on Aarhus Bay. The result is also thanks to the improved training conditions in K.A.S., which now led to a regatta victory!” For more Danish J/70 Sailing League information

J/Crews Love Rough Ida Lewis Distance Race
(Newport, RI)– A total of 65 boats started the 2020 Ida Lewis Distance Race on Saturday, August 15 in a building northeasterly that dished out 20-22 knots of breeze (and a few knock-down gusts) throughout most of the day and into the evening and overnight.

By the time racing had finished for two offshore classes (IRC and PHRF Doublehanded) and three inshore classes (PHRF Aloha, PHRF Coronet and PHRF Cruising Spinnaker), 16 boats had retired. However, plenty of teams were left to beam about their accomplishments, each one crossing the finish line in Newport Harbor, near where they started, and receiving – no matter what the hour – a congratulatory bottle of Zardetto Prosecco delivered to them on the water by Ida Lewis Yacht Club volunteers.

“The conditions were incredible,” said Ron O’Hanley, skipper of the custom canting-keeler Privateer. “On races like this, you just have to make sure nothing goes wrong. You have to make sure your tacks and jibes and spinnaker take-downs go right.”

O’Hanley said he found the inshore course to be different than any other that has been typically held in the Bay and feels it allowed a lot of people to sail who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to, especially those who had to sail with fewer crew in order to stay with those in their social bubbles.

J/Crews sailing Ida Lewis race

“Everyone’s idea of distance racing is different. For our crew, we’re used to 100-mile races, but for others ten miles is as much as they’ve done. I give the Ida Lewis Yacht Club and its Race Committee so much credit for adding formats to ensure COVID safety and draw more participants into distance racing. I recognize that it’s complicated for the Race Committee to run so many different courses, but Ida Lewis has always sought ways to make distance racing more inclusive, and 2020 was yet another high-water mark.”

The 17-boat Doublehanded Class, which sailed the 153 nm “Block Island Course”, saw a J/105 taking second, only three minutes behind Ken Read's Alchemist on PHRF corrected time. Sailing a 29-year-old design against the latest modern offshore boats promoted by big French, subsidized, companies, the J/105 proved it is still a very powerful, fast, steady, offshore boat for shorthanded sailing. The duo on the J/105 YOUNG AMERICAN was 28-year-old Serena Vilage and teammate Peter Becker, entered by American YC's Young American Sailing Association in Rye, NY. Notably, this J/105 team also took the silver for the PHRF Doublehanded Mixed Crew division.

In the inshore PHRF Spin Aloha class, Bill Kneller's J/109 VENTO SOLARE managed to take the bronze on the podium in the blustery conditions. A fellow J/109, Bill Sutton's LEADING EDGE placed fifth.

In the PHRF Spin Coronet Class, Bob Manchester's J/133 VAMOOSE sailed fast to take fourth place, just 45 seconds shy of taking the bronze! Sailing photo credits- Stephen Cloutier. For more Ida Lewis YC Distance Race information

Throw-Down in MoTown!
Rumble in the Jungle- J/35 Style!
(Detroit, MI)- We had eight J/35's competing on August 15th and 16th. It was as good as it gets. At the end of the day on Saturday there was a bowline knot, for you rookies that is a three-way tie for first. Mr. Bill's Wild Ride 1st and 3rd, Snipe was 2nd and 2nd, and Dean's List was 3rd and 1st. The last race was called because of no wind.

There was a delay on Sunday do to a thunder storm. James Baker and his committee team told us all to standby that the storm will be over and he and his team at NSSC were all in to race more. Thank you NSSC for your dedication to being the real deal.

With that being said; Sunday Mr. Bill's Wild Ride was 1st and 2nd. Snipe was 2nd and 1st. Dean's List was 3rd and 3rd.

The THIRD RACE WAS THE BEST. In the final 7-tenths of a mile there were three lead changes. Dennis Meagher nosed out Mr. Bill by 1.5 feet and beat Dean's List by 10 seconds. Congratulations to all the sailors!

The party at NSSC and the awards were outstanding. We had Jake burgers cooked on the J/35 grill, and plenty of Guinness as we all talked about J/35 sailboat racing.

I heard there are several people with their big toes poking at the J/35 world. I will write you a hall pass! Please join in
you will happy you made the right decision. Do not buy yourself short, our renaissance is happening.

North Star Sail Club is the premier yacht club in Michigan. Their dedication to racing and putting out the effort to never be bogged down in politics is great. NSSC has the ability to keep 'the main thing the main thing'. Keep up your fine work! For more North Star Sail Club information.

J/Community
What friends, alumni, and crew of J/Boats are doing worldwide
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* J/Net Brokerage Specials! Check out our exciting new site for lovingly-owned J/Boats from around the world.

1999 J/125 "Can't Touch This" is one of the best equipped J/125's in the world and has been continually upgraded. Her last two owners have maintained her in impeccable condition. This boat has won every major offshore event on the west coast, including the Rolex Big Boat Series three-times and the Transpac Race.

She has a brand new carbon rudder, new carbon sails, and updated Awlgrip silver-metallic paint job on the topsides. She has both a buoy-race inventory and an offshore inventory. The boat has gone thru a long list of upgrades as well as a serious "carbon diet". Carbon hand rails, carbon hatch boards, carbon steps, carbon padeyes with Spectra loops, a custom carbon step for offshore driving and Equiplight titanium shackles throughout. The boat has the new rudder design by Alan Johnstone along with all offshore safety gear. The boat is ready to go offshore today.

Hull & deck was built with TPI's patented SCRIMP vacuum resin infusion molding process. Hull has carbon fiber biaxial - unidirectional inner skin, biaxial Kevlar - E-glass hybrid outer skin and thermo-formed CoreCell linear structural foam core drilled for West System epoxy resin.

Deck has carbon - E glass - CoreCell - vinylester laminate with gelcoat finish. Hull & deck laminates meet ABS offshore yacht standards and is also CE Mark Certified for Europe. Truly an amazing offshore racing yacht for the most discerning performance sailor. These J/125s rarely come on to the brokerage market and this particular boat is in pristine "as new" condition. Learn more about this fabulous J/125 here.

J/121 CRESCENT IV blasting upwind on the Sea of Japan.

* "Like many of the world’s most splendid sailing areas, such as Narragansett Bay and Waikiki, Japan’s very own Sagami Bay, just south of Tokyo, has been without sails and sailors for months; staying socially distant, and abiding by the rules.

J/121 setting spinnaker sailing off Japan

Nevertheless, I’m now happy to say that sailing in Sagami Bay is finally back! Hayama Marina Yacht Club has restarted its fortnightly summer club races, given the rules and regulations set forth by our national and local governments.

After restarting the sailing season July 12th, our J/121 CRESCENT IV dutifully performed as committee boat at this first race and happily watched eighteen other boats enjoy a strong sea breeze. Then, on August 8th, the time was finally at hand for CRESCENT IV to compete. That morning, we had a fairly nice wind and succeeded in making a top finish in race #1 for our first club race!

Wherever you may be in this windy world, I hope and believe that all J/Boats advocates will enjoy a nice summer sea breeze!" Thanks to Aki Hirai's report, the owner of the J/121 CRESCENT IV. Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

J/Newsletter- August 12th, 2020

More and more rays of hope are poking through the ominous clouds of the pandemic world. Recognizing that observing suggested guidelines for social distancing and wearing masks is helping to mitigate the spread/ reduction of all kinds of airborne pathogens, the world as we live in (now basically, an enormous "petri dish") is showing that modifying human behavior one step at a time works. Time will tell. Recognizing that human behavior can change for the collective good, some parts of the world (be they nations, states, regions, cities) are able to permit sailing events to take place while respecting certain parameters.

In that spirit of things, the RORC (Royal Ocean Racing Club) in the United Kingdom has crafted a unique, fun series called the RORC Summer Series. A number of enthusiastic J/Sailors are participating. Similarly, in the USA, the Ida Lewis Yacht Club is hosting their annual Ida Lewis Distance Race, modifying and adopting its format to satisfy Rhode Island pandemic guidelines. The result? An astonishing record turnout for the event! Who knew!?

Finally, Midwestern sailors in America were the beneficiaries of two very popular events recently. One was Racine Yacht Club's "The Hook Race", an infamous, beautiful 189.0nm race from Racine, north around the Door County Peninsula, finishing in Sturgeon Bay, WI. The race included a harrowing account of an overboard rescue on a J/111. Then, Chicago Yacht Club hosted their annual Verve Cup Offshore for a strong fleet of boats that included one-design classes for J/88s, J/105s, and J/109s.

RORC Summer Series- Part II Preview
(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- The second of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Summer Series will be taking place this weekend for pandemic "escapees"! Just kidding, of course. But, for those who have been lucky enough to get out on the water, the feeling of freedom and happiness is inescapable!

The first warning signal is scheduled 09:20 BST on Saturday, 15th August off the famous Royal Yacht Squadron starting line. An iconic starting line as any in the world.

“With a very changeable weather forecast, the RORC Race Committee will be waiting for as long as possible to determine the course,” commented RORC Deputy Racing Manager, Tim Thubron. “It is likely that the fleet will be starting to the west from the Squadron Line and racing in the area of Poole Bay with the potential of sending the fleet south into the English Channel. The RORC will be keeping all competitors informed of any decision on the course for the race.”

A number of J/Teams are looking forward to a weekend on the water. In the IRC 1 Class, we find Mike O’Donnell's J/121 DARKWOOD with his team of multiple XOD Captain's Cup winners onboard.

Then, in the IRC 2 Class, Chris Daniel's J/122E JUNO, the RORC 2019 Performance 50 Champion, will be facing an eclectic mix of boats.

Sam Cooper's J/88 TIGRIS will have his hands full sailing against thirteen-boats in IRC 3 Class, the largest in the event. His colleagues include two J/109s- Chris Burleigh's JYBE TALKIN' and Joppe Schepers & Jasper Heilkens' JOMALIJA.

In the six-boat IRC 4 Class is Jerry Freeman's well-known J/105 JULIETTE.

Finally, in the IRC 2H Doublehanded class is the Scheppers/ Heikens J/109 JOMALIJA and Freeman's J/105 JULIETTE. Both scoring in two different classes.

In summary: permitted crew can be up to a maximum of 6 people from any household or two-thirds of a boat’s IRC crew number, whichever is the least. Competitors are also reminded of the United Kingdom government guidance on social distancing and other Covid-19 measures. For more RORC Summer Series information

Ida Lewis Distance Race Preview
(Newport, RI)– The Ida Lewis Distance Race scheduled for Saturday, August 15, has a record-breaking 74 entries, indicating how much sailors are itching to compete and embrace any and all event modifications that the pandemic has necessitated. The race, in its 16th year, is hosted by Ida Lewis Yacht Club and starts off Fort Adams at 11 am. Because of CDC guidelines, the skippers’ meeting – typically held at the Club – will be held on the water at 10:15 a.m. (broadcast on VHF Channel 79A).

“It definitely will not be your normal Ida Lewis Distance Race,” said Event Chair Pat Kennedy. “We have been taking it week-by-week, but we started early on with tailoring the event to family and friends (those who can sail together safely) and keeping our plans flexible.”

To that end, the race starts on a Saturday rather than its traditional start on Friday, and 44 boats in the PHRF Aloha class (for smaller boats with PHRF ratings of 55 and higher), Coronet class (for larger boats with PHRF ratings of 54 and lower) and Cruising Spinnaker class will sail a never-before-offered inshore course that tracks 33 nautical miles around Conanicut, Prudence and Patience Islands. “Those teams will not need to sail overnight, which makes it easier for those forced to sail with a smaller crew,” said Kennedy.

The balance of the fleet– an IRC class with 10 boats and a PHRF Doublehanded class with 20 boat – will each sail one of the race’s four traditional overnight offshore courses. The round-trip courses, ranging in length from 112 to 169 nautical miles, are decided by the Race Committee just prior to the race to best fit the weather conditions expected. With turning marks at Castle Hill, Brenton Reef, Block Island, Montauk Point, Martha’s Vineyard and Buzzards Tower, they incorporate some of New England’s most celebrated cruising grounds.

In the IRC Class of ten boats, three J/Teams will be competing for handicap honors, including Steven Levy's J/121 EAGLE, Dan Heuen's J/122 MOXIEE, and Bob Manchester's J/133 VAMOOSE.

The Doublehanded sailors, comprising the largest class this year with twenty boats, and the largest class of its kind in the history of the race, has two J/Crews sailing, including Tom O’Connell’s J/99 FINALE and the American YC's mixed double youth crew on the J/105 YOUNG AMERICAN.

A half-dozen J's will be sailing inside the Bay on the very popular round-the-islands format, a very scenic tour of the Bay! The nineteen-boat PHRF Spinnaker Aloha class has many accomplished teams enrolled, including EC Helme’s J/92 SPIRIT, Bill Kneller’s J/109 VENTO SOLARE, Sam Sylvester's J/29 MEDDLER, and the US Merchant Marine Academy's J/44 VAMP.

The sole J/Team in the eighteen-boat PHRF Spinnaker Coronet division will be Mark Nannini's J/120 SALACIA.

This is the 16th running of the Ida Lewis Distance Race, which is for boats 28 feet or longer and is certified as a “Clean Regatta” by the Sailors for the Sea organization. It begins off Fort Adams and ends just inside Newport Harbor where Ida Lewis volunteers can site the finish line from their clubhouse on Lime Rock before greeting each team on the water with a congratulatory bottle of Prosecco. For more Ida Lewis YC Distance Race information

SAILING Champions League New Schedule Announcement
(Kiel, Germany)- The SAILING Champions League (SCL) has shortened the SCL Series 2020 to one qualifier and the final due to the COVID-19 regulations and the worldwide travel restrictions. From 20 to 23 August, the only qualifier of the 2020 season, will take place in Tutzing, Germany. The final from 15 to 18 October in Porto Cervo, Italy, will be held as planned. The two planned qualifiers in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Mariehamn, Finland, are cancelled without replacement.

“We held on to the three qualifier dates for a long time in the hope that conditions would improve. As things stand at present, however, the worldwide travel possibilities are so limited that we now had to take appropriate steps,” says Anke Lukosch, Project Manager of SCL.

The winners of the national leagues from 2019 automatically qualify for the final in Porto Cervo at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. In Tutzing on Lake Starnberg, as a guest of Deutscher Touring Yacht-Club, the second and third place finishers of each national league will have the chance to fight their way into the top 11 and thus get a ticket to the final.

“The shortened mode is certainly not an ideal scenario, but nevertheless, we're looking forward to welcoming the best clubs from a total of 19 nations to the final in Porto Cervo,” commented Lukosch. “We are grateful for the flexibility of all the sailors and the numerous clubs and their representatives who have worked with us over the last few weeks to plan and prepare every conceivable scenario”.

NOTE- Due to the exceptional situation in this year’s league sailing season, there are still starting places available – a unique chance to enter the competition of the world’s best sailing clubs. Interested sailing clubs irrespective of nationality can send their application now directly to- email- info@sailing-championsleague.com. Sailing Photo credits: SCL/Sailing Energy For more SAILING Champions League sailing information

RORC Two-Handed Race to Cherbourg Announcement
(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- Due to the fact that the RORC had to cancel the entire RORC Offshore Season Point Series due to the restrictions imposed by "pandemic rules", they have adopted some innovative and creating thinking to go sailing!

The RORC has announced that instead of the usual season ending Cherbourg Race, the RORC has confirmed the intention to run a two-handed race to Cherbourg! This race which will start on Friday, 4th September, is in line with current government regulation and has added significance in that the City of Cherbourg will host the finish of the Rolex Fastnet Race for the 2021 and 2023 editions.

RORC Racing Manager Chris Stone has been delighted with the number of teams who are participating in the summer series.

“We were pleased to have 133 boats in ‘Race the Wight’, the first race of our Summer Series and interest in the rest of the series is very strong. We decided to start the two-handed race to Cherbourg on the Friday to give the opportunity for those two-handed teams who are involved in the summer series to participate in the last race of the series which is scheduled for Sunday 6th September.”

The RORC Summer Series consists of three additional races on Saturday 15th August, Saturday 22nd August and Sunday 6th September. For more information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the race program.

Chesapeake Bay Finishing Sailing Season Strongly!
(Annapolis, MD)- Due to careful adherence to state and local COVID-19 safety standards, the mid-Atlantic racing season on Chesapeake Bay got a late start in June, yet still attracted a strong turnout with over 30 entries competing in Annapolis Yacht Club’s Wednesday Night Series.

This was followed by the Annapolis YC Annual Regatta in mid-July, which in turn is being followed by the Annapolis Labor Day Regatta held on September 6, the AYC Fall Race to Solomons on September 26, the AYC Double-Handed Distance Race on October 3-4, and the AYC Fall Series held over October 17-18.

“We are running these races in a safe manner with no shoreside social events,” said organizer Dick Neville, “yet the interest seems strong as people want to get out and sail. We have been really pleased with the strong turnouts compared to past years.”

The Storm Trysail Club’s Annapolis Fall Regatta held over October 23-25 will be the culmination of a season of successful big-boat racing on Chesapeake Bay.

The Fall Regatta will once again use its popular three-day format of mixed inshore buoy races and short coastal distance races to appeal to those who enjoy proving a variety of skill sets in big boat racing: the quick action of precision boathandling and tactics found in buoy racing combined with a focus on strategy, navigation, and boat speed inherent to success in distance races.

Mastering both sets of skills is important in all ORC championships, so the winning team of each class in this event will be crowned the 2020 ORC East Coast Champion for that class.

Local sailor Ben Capuco has been pleased with the growing local acceptance and use of the ORC rating system. “We have a diverse fleet of boat types here, and with the measurements and rating options available from ORC we have demonstrated the race results are more accurate and fairer compared to use of other systems,” he said. “Using ORC also ensures any entries from out of our area will have fair and predictable ratings to come and compete.” For more Annapolis Yacht Club regatta information

J/Gear August 20% OFF Special!
(Newport, RI)- The J/Foul Weather Jacket boasts a rugged construction and features taped seams for durability. The jackets are discounted 20% and the special price is active now until August 30th, 2020.

The very nice-looking jacket features the following

Zip-off multi-adjustable hood
Partial storm flap with metal snaps at top
Reflective printed shoulder panels
Center front reverse coil waterproof zipper
Chest and lower pockets with reverse coil waterproof zipper
Adjustable shockcord at hood and hem
Outer jacket works with style 9951 liner- offers warmth to 8.0 F!

The J/Class logo of your choice is embroidered on the front. We can also customize with your detail. Perfect for the whole crew! For more J/Foul Weather Jacket information and to buy now.

Great Sailing @ Chicago YC Verve Cup
(Chicago, IL)- One of the largest course-racing regattas in North America, the Verve Cup is an annual world-class sailing event attracting many national and international competitors. Both the 3-day Offshore Regatta and, later, the 2-day Inshore Regatta host well over 100 yachts off the beautiful Chicago lakefront and skyline.

For this year's edition of the Verve Cup Offshore Regatta, it featured three J/One-design fleets (J/88, J/105, & J/109) along with ORR and PHRF Handicap fleets. Overall, J/Crews had strong performances in all classes, with just about every one of them enjoying an eight-race series!

For starters, the J/88 class turned-out in strength, with six boats ponying up to the line. Starting very fast out of the gates with four-straight bullets was Ben Marden's BANTER. After taking a breather overnight, they closed the deal with another day of blistering pace, posting a 3-1-1-2 to simply dominate their class with a total of 11 pts. Finally finding their form late in the regatta was John & Jordan Leahey's DUTCH, posting five 2nds and winning the last race for a total of 18 pts to take the silver. Similarly, it took Andy Graff's crew on EXILE to find their way around the track without getting in trouble on the first day. Then, they showed some of their old form on the final day, closing with at least a 1st and 2nd in their scores to secure the bronze with 27 pts.

In a very similar fashion, the six-boat J/105 class also saw a runaway winner in their class. Breaking out their can of Popeye's spinach was Jon Weglarz's THE ASYLUM. The inmates were on fire! Starting out graciously with a 3rd, they scorched the race track with five 1sts and a 2nd, closing again graciously with a 3rd in the last race for a total of 13 pts. Getting schooled were two teams that are accustomed to being at the top of the leaderboard, Clark Pellet's SEALARK and Mike Sheppard's FLYING PIG. In the end, both teams had good races, taking 1sts, 2nds, 3rds, but not enough to overcome the inmates dominating performance. SEALARK took the silver while FLYING PIG took the bronze.

Not to repeat a broken record, but the J/109 class of five boats saw a similar scenario as the 88s and 105s. The blistering pace set by Peter Priede's FULL TILT on the first day left many a wide-eyed, slack-jawed competitor mumbling off into the haze of sunset wondering what just hit them. FULL TILT wiped the slate clean in the first four races on the first day- all bullets. However, perhaps celebrating a bit too much Saturday evening, they woke up the next day (perhaps hungover) with a less than stellar 4th place in the initial race. After shocking themselves back to their senses, they managed to close with a 2-3-2 for a total of 15 pts. The battle for the rest of the podium was very real, with the fight going down to the wire, the ultimate outcome for the podium determined by the final race on Sunday. Taking the silver was the 2019 Chicago-Mackinac Race winner, Robert Evans' GOAT RODEO, finally finding their mojo on the final day, closing the regatta with two bullets with 21 pts total. Just one point back was the quartet of Miz/ Dreher/ Hatfield/ Neenan on SMEE AGAIN to take the bronze.

In the ten-boat ORR Class, the two J/111s finished neck-and-neck near the top of the leaderboard. Taking third was Rich Witzel's ROWDY with 24 pts, followed by Kevin Saedi and Raman Yousefi's MOMENTUS in fourth place.

Soundly beating everyone in the Saturday ten-boat ORR Distance Race class was Tom Papoutsis' J/133 RENEGADE, sailing away with class honors with a comfortable handicap lead.

Finally, the Saturday PHRF Distance Race class of eight-boats saw Frank Giampoli's J/120 JAHAZI take the silver while Rick Reed's J/35 OB LA DI! powered home into 4th place. Overall, a great outing for J/Crews across the Midwest! For more Chicago YC Verve Cup Offshore Regatta sailing information

The Hook Race 2020- Death’s Door Challenge
(Racine, WI)- The “HOOK”, run the same weekend as the Chicago-Mackinac race, is the Racine Yacht Club’s premier yacht race and 2020 marks its 37th year. It was born from an idea kicked around by Club members who thought a distance contest concurrent with the Chicago-Mackinac race might be able to gain some traction. A race from Racine through “Death’s Door” at the top of the Door County peninsula to a port in Green Bay could be a simpler, lower cost alternative to the ‘Mac and would require less gear. A shorter race, it would allow skippers and crews who couldn’t make the ‘Mac to take less time off and still do a distance race. It would also serve as a way for folks to get their boats north for some cruising while having a little racing on the way. It combines strong competition with the navigational challenge of Death’s Door.

The first HOOK, named by a member who saw a picture of the course and thought it looked like a “hook”, was sailed in 1984 with twelve boats racing from Racine, Wisconsin, to Menominee, Michigan, finishing off Menominee’s marina and the M&M Yacht Club. The finish line at M&M is between a trailer on the marina seawall and a buoy just offshore. Total distance is some 189.0nm.

The Hook Race course

The "Hook" also has a reputation for serving up somewhat challenging, nasty weather at times. This was one of those years, with two fronts passing over the race track before the fleet could finish. The storms left a trail of broken parts, broken boats, bruised egos, and broken spirits.

With a limit of 100 boats to participate, storms led to significant attrition: 4 withdrew, 5 did not start, and 29 did not finish. Before we get into how some of the J/Crews performed in the race, it's well-worth reading the first-hand account of surviving getting washed overboard.

Sarah Pederson, who was swept off the J/111 SHMOKIN’ JOE five miles northeast of the shipping channel in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, describes her hair-raising experience offshore:

"This wasn’t the first time I had participated in “The HOOK” race. The race itself began in 1983, I have participated in 23+ races, and it wasn’t any different than the others I participated in. As in other years, we can’t control the weather and this year wasn’t any different.

The forecast for the weekend was 15-20 knots of winds from the South/Southwest and thunderstorms. To a sailor, that is ideal conditions to “fly” up the lake to our finish.

My sailing experience began early on. Sailing was our “family sport”. Our father introduced all six of us at an early age. I personally have been active in the sport of sailing for 55 years as a racer, instructor, presenter, and supporter of the sport. With my husband, over the past 32 years we have owned and raced boats carrying on the tradition by teaching his two sons how to sail and race.

So, what happened? There were two thunderstorms that we were tracking throughout the day on Saturday, July 18th. The fleet had already sailed through one off Milwaukee. We experienced some of it north of Milwaukee, off Fox Point as we sailed along the northern edge of the storm. From reports, other boats were not as lucky and experienced the full storm causing boats to report dismasting’s.

As we continued our trek north toward Death’s Door Passage off Gills Rock in Door County, Wisconsin we continued to track storm #2. This storm appeared to be stronger and didn’t seem as though it was dissipating throughout the day. We tracked it as it traveled across Lake Winnebago and made its way toward Lake Michigan.

As the track came closer, and we could now see the lightning associated with this storm, as a crew, we began to prepare for the storm. Our preparation included reducing our sail area by taking down the mainsail and raising the smallest jib available. We insured that all crew members above (4 crew members) and below deck (4 crew members) were wearing US Coast Guard approved life jackets, a safety harness, 6-foot tether, along with a strobe light, whistle, and sailing knife.

When the storm started to affect the boat, the wind began to increase dramatically. Even though we had reduced sail area we could feel the effects of the increase. Eventually, the wind hit us with a gust of 50+ knots. There were some on the race that reported 60-70 knot gusts. At the time of the gust, there was a wind shift causing the boat to auto-tack and round up leaving the crew now on the low side of the boat.

When this happened a wall of water came rushing down the deck picking me, and another crew member, off the deck. Because we were all wearing a safety harness and six-foot tether, the “theory” is we would have stayed with the boat and would have been “retrieved” by pulling on our tether.

This happened to the other crew member, but not to me. My tether snap shackle at the chest snapped open, for whatever reason, sending me into Lake Michigan in the middle of a thunderstorm, 50+ knot winds, 5-foot waves, 56º water, and 60º air temperature.

As I popped up, I could see the boat that I was just swept off in the distance, still pinned down. Almost immediately, I lost sight of the boat due to the conditions which caused limited visibility.

My first thought was I was grateful the water wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be. I had heard all week the Lake Michigan temperature was unseasonably high (70º) for that time of the year. Unfortunately, as it was explained to me after the incident, the water had a “turnover” from the waves, change in wind direction, and storms which dropped its temperature.

Because I did not have any time frame for the events of the night, I do not know what order I had done any of these actions. I turned on my strobe and pulled out my whistle that was on a lanyard around my neck. I blew my whistle several times, but then realized using the air to blow was challenging. I would use the whistle sparingly. I kicked off my sea boots and crossed my arms across my life jacket and held on.

At one point during the time in the water, I did see two boats in the distance – the J/111 with their spotlight panning the water for me, and the US Coast Guard with their red illuminated side panels. At that point, I felt as though they were moving away from me.

I was wearing a full lifejacket, not an inflatable, and my choice for a full lifejacket was a conscious one. I have said that I feel as though, in my situation, the full lifejacket saved my life.

The waves were measuring 5 feet at the time of the storm and I needed to float like a cork, to bob up and down. As the waves would crash over me, I would rotate my body so that I would take the wave from my back. I learned this early, when I had taken a few mouthfuls of water in my mouth and nose. I didn’t think that would be a good thing for an extended period. When I would rise onto the top of a wave, I would attempt to extend my strobe higher in the air for better visibility.

I chose to wear a regular lifejacket at night for the warmth and comfort factor. I have often said that I don’t think I would want to go overboard at night in an inflatable to reduce the chance for mechanical failure. I do wear an inflatable; I was wearing one during the day.

I realized to survive this; I would need to regulate my breathing. There was a lot of self-talk happening while in the water, the first thing I said to myself was “You know what to do, this doesn’t have to be the end.”

I will say that the self-talk throughout the hour being in the water wasn’t always so positive, but for the most part I had the skills to hang in there. I felt as though my ability to swim – what I have been calling water awareness- was a big part of being able to tread water for about an hour. I knew I had the skills to do this…

I had no idea how long I was in the water until the J/111 that I was sailing on heard my whistle and then saw my strobe. Luckily, the storm had started to move out making visibility greater. This assisted greatly in their ability to find me. The US Coast Guard was right behind them. As I understand, the Coast Guard search pattern is in a square, narrowing in on the last known location. They did their job to perfection.

Once aboard the J/111, I was transferred to the US Coast Guard vessel in a basket with the potential of hypothermia. With Emergency Medical Services waiting for me at the station, I was transferred and then taken to Door County Medical with a diagnosis of mild hypothermia. I didn’t have any other reported injuries, so my treatment consisted of a warming blanket and a bag of warm saline.

This story is about a lot of very skilled, experienced, and prepared sailors who handled an emergency with precision. It is about being prepared. Prepared for a storm, all equipment was accounted for before we even left the dock the morning before with the skipper/owner checking to make sure all crew had all the required safety equipment.

It is about knowing what to do in the water as well as on the boat. This story is about wearing a lifejacket. It doesn’t make any different what you choose to wear. I wouldn’t be alive without it.

This story is about how lucky I was to have the US Coast Guard so close to provide the needed support.

WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET, ATTACH A WHISTLE TO IT, IF OUT AT NIGHT, HAVE A STROBE OR SOME OTHER DEVICE THAT WILL BE USED AS A VISUAL. ALL WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!"

J/111 man overboard survivor

As for the racing the event, virtually all over boats participating lived through a similar experience as Sarah while she was aboard. It was rough going and typical of Midwestern fronts that can unexpectedly intensify as they begin to pass over the lake. In the J/111 Class, NO SURPRISE won followed by Kevin Saedi & Raman Yousefi's MOMENTUS.

In PHRF 2 Class, J/Crews fared well in the tempestuous conditions. Taking the silver was Bob Klairmont's J/160 SIROCCO, followed by Bob Christoph's J/121 LOKI taking the bronze, and Mike Stewart's J/122 LADY K grabbing fourth position.

The seven-boat J/109 class had tight racing despite the tough weather. Winning was the Douglas/ Maybach duo on COURAGEOUS, followed by Doug Evans' TIME OUT in second and the quartet of Miz/ Dreher/ Hatfield/ Neenan in third.

Winning the eleven-boat PHRF 4 class was Andy Graff's EXILE, followed by Mitch Weisman's J/35 FLYING SPHAGETTI MONSTER in fourth place, Mike Hettel's J/105 GLOBAL NOMADS in 6th, and Dale Brown's J/105 BLACK DIAMOND in 7th.

Winning the eleven-boat PHRF 5 class was Mark Wessel's J/92 RUNAWAY.

Finally, proving again that various J/Designs are tough offshore boats, winning the PHRF Doublehanded division was Ron Otto's J/110 TAKEDOWN 2! Congratulations to all for surviving and, indeed, excelling offshore when Mother Nature throws you a massive curveball! Thanks for this contribution from Scuttlebutt Sailing Newsletter For more Racine YC The Hook Race sailing information

J/Community
What friends, alumni, and crew of J/Boats are doing worldwide
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* J/Net Brokerage Specials! Check out our exciting new site for lovingly-owned J/Boats from around the world.

J/95 used sailboat for sale

This J/95 is a rare find, a nicely equipped fresh water used J/95. The boat has been sailed only on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH with its short seasons, and crystal-clear water. The boat has been very lightly used, is well equipped, and in perfect condition. The only way to find a J/95 in better condition, would be to find a new one. The boat has only been sailed 3 years, and never raced. This is a unique find. For more information about this beautiful J/95 shoal-draft cruiser/ day sailor

* The resurrection of 1996 J/32 Hull #1 - formally known as “Whistler” in all of the J/Boats brochures - has now completely taken place, according to her new owners- Ellen and Jeff Hunt of Pensacola Beach, FL. They have been enjoying her and sharing her with their friends, young and old and women alike!

Recently, there now renamed boat called UH-OHHH! took first place in the "Race for the Roses", an all-women’s event to donate to local women's charities. Based on the huge smiles in this photo, it's clear they all had a great time and loved sailing such a comfortable sailboat!

* J/35s Racing on Lake Erie- Seeking More Team Members!!
"If you are a sailor and would like to be part of the great action going on at NSSC on the 15,16, of Aug., call me. There are J35s going out to race stick against stick in Lake St. Clair. North Star is putting out the red carpet for us. We should have 9, or 10 J35s going at it. Some of the J35s are needing some talent. You are all familiar with the finest boat ever designed. Now is your time to grab the brass ring and join in. It will not get any better than this!

I am opening up an opportunity for some of you past J35 sailors. This type of racing is the most fun and competitive you will ever experience. Bill Vogan, winner of the Port Huron to Mackinaw in his J/35 MAJOR DETAIL, is signing up today.

Some of his crew is stuck in Canada. He will come down knowing that there will be plenty of crew with talent to help him win. Bill Wildner owner of Mr. BILL'S WILD RIDE and 6-time J/35 National Champion is going to have his hands full.

Dennis Meagher owner of SNIPE has been winning. This is Dennis's first year owning a J/35 and he loves it.

Tim and Amie Ross owners of BLACKHAWK just got their mast back from Canada after it got fixed. They will be looking for crew, they are always in the hunt.

Ed Bayer owner of FALCON is a 4-time National Champion and will need two crew people.

Jim Watts owner of GRIFFIN just finished the Slammer Cup in Tawas, Mi. he took 3rd over all. Jim will be interviewing for positions on his J/35. This is Jim's first year owning a J/35, but he has been racing since he was 7 years old.

Finally, four(!) other J/35 owners need crew- Robert Gordenker owner of TIME MACHINE, Sheri Dufresne owner of FIRE FLY, Cheryl Miller owner of DEAN'S LIST, Don Endres owner of RUMORS, some need your skills."

For more information on sailing J/35s, please contact:
Dean Fitzpatrick
p: 248.528.8440
e: dean_fitzpatrick@msn.com

Marine Weather University

* Going beyond the weather app- Go to Weather University!
Chris Bedford is one of the most respected meteorologists in the sport of sailing. Through his company Sailwx.com he has worked in literally every grand prix sailing event – from the America’s Cup to the Olympics.

This year he has teamed up with 2x America’s Cup winning navigator, Peter Isler to create “Marine Weather University” – an online school designed to help sailors raise their weather IQ. Chris has designed a unique curriculum that helps sailors learn how to go beyond their weather app.

Scuttlebutt readers can get 10% off any MWU class or course with the coupon code SBUTTFAM at www.marineweatheru.com. The next MWU lecture (LOCAL & REGIONAL WINDS) will be presented as a live webinar on Tuesday, August 11 @ 8PM EDT before being posted online with all of MWU class.

Why go to school when Bob Dylan says, “You don’t need a weather man to know which way the wind blows“? Chris explains…

The flood of always changing data, observations, models, and circumstances make the task of weather prediction extraordinarily challenging. Personally, I feel that every forecast I make is obsolete the instant I send it out as there is always new information coming that will alter the forecast.

Every meteorologist has developed their own approach and process to making a forecast. But there are common aspects that every trained forecaster follows before they apply their own spin on the problem. The common process is scientifically based. The individualized portion is the “art” of weather prediction, and that is unique to a particular forecaster.

Meteorology is an established science. Conceptualized as a fluid, the atmosphere follows the laws of physics and chemistry. Chuck Doswell, a renowned severe weather meteorologist, refers to a good forecaster as one that can balance the “triad of components of a healthy science: 1) Theory, 2) Observation, and 3) Modeling.”

If your forecast process is comprised primarily of looking at a bunch of models (aka “what’s your favorite weather app?) and deciding which to believe, then you are a) not forecasting, and b) wasting your time.

Of the myriad of models available (and there are literally over a hundred you could look at to make a single forecast), how do you know which is the “correct” one or, as some people refer to it, “the model of the day.” The goal is to ADD VALUE over the model, and that can only be accomplished by analyzing data (observations and weather charts) and applying your understanding of meteorological theory. Models are a GUIDE in that process (In fact, meteorologists refer to models as “Guidance”).

Weather forecasting is not black and white. Adding value to a weather forecast doesn’t necessarily mean getting the lowest error score. You can have the lowest error score but make one wrong forecast at the wrong time and the impact on the user could be huge. For example, you could predict the maximum racing wind speed and be correct 9 out of 10 times (90%). But the only day you will care about is the one when you were wrong and, as a result, failed to include a race winning sail in your inventory.

The real emphasis is on providing actionable information for a user. Let me explain by example. Let us say the race committee has an established race wind speed limit of 25 knots, above which racing is canned. Predicting whether the wind will exceed 25 knots is key and quite frankly an easier “GO/NO GO” forecast than predicting the maximum wind speed for the day.

But for this particular case, you add value by identifying WHEN during the day that limit will be exceeded AND communicating it effectively. Will it be over 25 knots all day or can some of the day be salvaged for racing? If so, when will that be so that mark-set boats and race crews are not sitting on the water all day waiting or not going out at all only to see a perfectly race-able period missed?

So, as you are sitting down to review the weather before a race, think about your process. Have you reviewed the observations and analyzed the existing state of the atmosphere? Can you identify the processes at play (without models!) and understand their causes and potential outcomes based on meteorological theory?

What is/are the forecast problem(s) for the day? Do the models adequately and consistently reflect the initial state of the atmosphere? Am I respecting and adequately reflecting uncertainty in my forecast and adding value over, say, a model consensus forecast? Learn more about Peter Isler and Chris Bedford's Marine Weather University here Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

J/Newsletter- August 5th. 2020

J/Sailing News

Another week, another pandemic? Good Lord, will this never end? Well, sailors as usual are pretty clever at figuring out ways to address "rules", but still have some FUN! There are several examples that we have been championing for some time. More on that in a moment...

For starters, why have various J/Classes not promoted and pushed for events centered around single and doublehanded or "family" events? J/22s, J/24s, J/70s, J/80s, J/88s, J/105s, and J/111s are all very easily singlehanded and doublehanded- especially by couples and families! There could be a Single, Doublehanded, or Family events taking place now! Wake up world! Easy to organize. Just takes one or two people, or family/ household. Food for thought for creative, innovative, open-minded thinkers.

Already answering that "call to action" are some sailors/ yacht clubs. For example, Annapolis Yacht Club in Annapolis, Maryland did EXACTLY that idea. But, modified it and made it even more fun and laid back. Creative, innovative thinking, indeed! Taking a page out of San Francisco's "Three Bridge Fiasco", they created their simplified "Two Bridge Fiasco". Fun idea. It was incredibly successful!

As if sailors aren't frustrated enough to get out sailing in cleverly devised new events, consider the fact that last weekend, two massive events just took place, both "round island" races. The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC) hosted their first-ever "Round Wight" event and contributed their "entry fees" as a donation to local charities. Hugely successful, the sailors loved their annual ritual of actually sailing around the 56.0nm Isle of Wight course. A challenge it was, as usual not exactly a "walk-in-the-park".

Then, in the USA, the Edgartown Yacht Club held their annual "Round Island" race of Martha's Vineyard, also around 56.0nm. A decidedly lighter affair, but no less enthusiastically welcomed by sailors throughout New England to get out on the water-- a "get out of jail free" card for many! Many a smiling face to be seen on the water, post-lockdown life.

Cool 360 Panoramas of J/99 and J/112E Online!
(Les Sables d'Olonne, France)- Dreaming of sailing fast and having your cake (& comfort) too? Experience a very cool "virtual boat show" of the J/99 and the J/112E online. After February's amazing Boot Dusseldorf Boat Show (remember when?), our J/Composites team in Les Sables d'Olonne worked with a French 3D image team to produce a very cool exploration of both the J/99 shorthanded offshore speedster and the beautiful J/112E offshore cruiser-racer (a World Champion in IRC/ ORC).
J/99 sailing awards

The J/99's performance and capabilities have been widely recognized by the world's yachting press as a truly fun, fast, evolutionary boat from the J/Design and J/Composites build teams. Recent awards include the SAIL's Best Boats- Performance Award, SAILING WORLD's Boat of the Year- Best Crossover Boat, and the British Yachting Awards - Performance Yacht award.

To explore the J/99 deck and interior, click on this link here.

A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?
No question the J/112E is fast. How fast? While designed principally for "sport cruising," in just a few seasons, the J/112E has managed to the win several prestigious international events including the 2018 IRC European Championship and the 2018 IRC/ORC World Championship. She has a unique, perhaps unequalled performance and comfort level unattainable by others; in the automotive world, a Mercedes AMG/ BMW M/ Tesla wrapped by the comfort of five-star Hotel George V in Paris....why not? You deserve it.

J/112E offshore cruiser racer 360 virtual tour

To explore the J/112E deck and interior, please click on this link here:

New J/Boats Parts Initiative Announced
(Newport, RI)- J/Boats is pleased to announce a new initiative with MAURIPRO Sailing to support aftermarket J/Boats parts for J/ sailors. The newly launched J/Boats Parts & Accessories initially features the J/22, J/24 and J/80 classes and will soon be expanded to include other popular one-design and cruising J’s.

“MAURIPRO Sailing has been supporting the sailing community and J/Sailors for many years,” commented Jeff Johnstone, J/Boats President. “Their team is fully engaged in all levels of the sport, and they share our long-term commitment to provide sailors with high performing products at a great value.” CLICK HERE TO VISIT J/BOATS PARTS

Chicago YC Verve Cup Preview
(Chicago, IL)- One of the largest course-racing regattas in North America, the Verve Cup is an annual world-class sailing event attracting many national and international competitors. Both the 3-day Offshore Regatta and, later, the 2-day Inshore Regatta host well over 100 yachts to our beautiful Chicago lakefront and skyline

For the Verve Offshore Regatta, participating yachts range in size from 25 to 80 feet. Competitors participate in daily multiple windward-leeward races. Boats sail either in a rating handicap section, so boats of different size and character may compete against each other, or in a One-Design section. Typically, there are 18 racing sections dispersed among three racing circles. Brag flags and prizes are awarded to the top finishers in each section and one offshore boat, the winner in what is determined by formula to be the most competitive section, “The Elite Fleet,” is awarded the perpetual Verve Cup Trophy. The Verve Cup Trophy dates back to 1893 and is the Chicago Yacht Club’s oldest trophy.

For this year's regatta, of course, none of the famous (or rather infamous) social activities are taking place onshore. Instead, due to the "pandemic guidelines", the Skipper's Meeting will be handled online, all notices posted online, and everyone practicing the stuff we are supposed to as part of the pandemic protocols. No "high-fiving" after winning races, that's for sure.

Nevertheless, the sailors in Chicago, like virtually anyplace else, are clearly suffering "cottage fever" and cannot wait to get back out on the race track. An excellent turn-out of J/sailors will be participating in this weekend's regatta.

For starters, the J/88 class has turned-out in strength, with seven boats ponying up to the line. Familiar faces should be in the top of the leaderboard mix, such as Andy Graff's EXILE, Ben Marden's BANTER, and John & Jordan Leahey's DUTCH.

The six-boat J/105 class also has many of its class leaders ready to do battle offshore, such as Jon Weglarz's THE ASYLUM, Clark Pellet's SEALARK, and Mike Sheppard's FLYING PIG.

Similarly, the five-boat J/109 class sees Peter Priede's FULL TILT, Bob Evan's GOAT RODEO, Jack Tolliver's VANDA III, and the trio of Miz/ Dreher/ Hatfield guiding SMEE AGAIN to the front of the class.

In the ten-boat ORR Class, two J/111's are taking on all-comers; Kevin Saedi and Raman Yousefi's MOMENTUS and Rick Witzel's ROWDY.

In the Saturday ORR Distance Race class, we find Boyd Jarrell's J/111 HEAD ROOM and Tom Papoutsis' J/133 RENEGADE also taking on their ten-boat fleet.

Finally, the Saturday PHRF Distance Race class of seven-boats will see Frank Giampoli's J/120 JAHAZI and Rick Reed's J/35 OB LA DI! hoping to take home the silver. For more Chicago YC Verve Cup Offshore Regatta sailing information

Annapolis NOOD Regatta Update
(Annapolis, MD)- "As the new dates for the Annapolis NOOD regatta draw closer, we are working hard to make plans to accommodate all the new Covid 19 regulations imposed by State of Maryland, and local Annapolis authorities, as well as the Annapolis area yacht clubs. Our goal is to ensure we have a great sailing event and most importantly, a safe sailing event. The landscape in which we find ourselves is ever changing, so planning is more difficult than usual, but rest assured we are doing our best to pull this off.

No doubt you have questions and we will try to address those and share what we know to be the plan to date. We will not mandate any in-person meetings or gathering, including registration. All waivers, payments, etc., will be completed online. We are working on ideas on how to distribute skippers’ bags, so stay tuned for information on pickup schedules or something similar.

With all confidence, we can tell you that there will be no organized social events post sailing during the NOOD regattas. State regulations prohibit large gatherings, so however disappointing it seems, we will adhere to those guidelines. Save your dancing shoes for next year – we will go big!

Together with AYC we have agreed to reduce the number of boats needed to form a class. Please refer to Amendment 1 to the NOR posted on Yacht Scoring. Note that smaller classes may be sharing starts but will still be awarded trophies by class. Hoping to make room for anyone that wants to sail.

Awards MAY be hosted via ZOOM and prizes will be left at AYC’s Sailing Center for winners to claim. Linda Ambrose, AYC’s Harborside Director has been kind enough to offer to facilitate the “giving of swag” since we cannot host an awards ceremony in person. More information on this as we get closer to the event.

Regarding whom you crew with, how many you crew with, masks or no masks – none of this is up to us to decide. We will confer with our co-OA Annapolis Yacht Club as to what the current (at the time of the event) state and local government regulations are regarding recreational boating and those will be the guidelines. All of this will be posted and reposted closer to the event.

Launching – please make sure to confirm the policies of your launching location whether a boatyard or yacht club directly with that entity.

Annapolis Yacht Club has welcomed visiting yachtsmen to their Main Clubhouse during NOOD for years, but not this year. We support their current policy of not allowing non-members to obtain guest cards and use the Main Clubhouse facilities. Members are welcome to have non-member guests join them for lunch or dinner at the Club while visiting Annapolis, but those of us that are not members will refrain from visiting this year. The AYC Sailing Center will be open for locker room use as well as ice purchase if needed. At this time, masks will be required upon entry to any AYC facility and while addressing any AYC or NOOD representative. Hand sanitizing stations will be onsite at the Sailing Center.

Lastly, we are excited to get back on the water with you. Annapolis Yacht Club has proven successful at getting racing going and conducting safe, fun, competitive races so we are confident in our partnership. With the help of AYC we have been able to offer a one-time-only discounted entry fee for the Annapolis NOOD. We will be posting a lower than normal entry fee, with a nod to all that isn’t happening this year and will refund a portion of full fare entries that have already paid as well as any social passes purchased. If for any reason the regatta does not occur as planned, all entries will be refunded in full. We just hope those that are comfortable will come out to play. More to come, stay safe and sail fast." Sailing photo credit- Paul Todd/ Outside Images. For more Annapolis NOOD Regatta by Helly Hansen sailing information

Danish J/70 Sailing League Preview
(Aarhus, Denmark)- The Danish J/70 Sailing League is about to start its 2020 sailing season in the picturesque setting of Aarhus, Denmark. Eighteen teams will be showing up for the two-day weekend of racing. Like all other events in the "pandemic world", the competitors will be mandated to follow Denmark's Covid-19 guidelines for event participation. However, like the other years, there will be no shortage of coffee, delicious lunch, or cake, for the many participants on the "pandemic buffet line!!"

Here is the updated schedule for the Danish J/70 Sailing League:

Aarhus- August 8th to 9th- 2. Division
Aarhus- August 15th to 16th- 1. Division
Sletten- August 22nd to 23rd- Youth League
Skovshoved- August 29th to 30th- 2. Division
Skovshoved- September 5th to 6th- 1. Division

For more Danish J/70 Sailing League information

Zip-off multi-adjustable hood
Partial storm flap with metal snaps at top
Reflective printed shoulder panels
Center front reverse coil waterproof zipper
Chest and lower pockets with reverse coil waterproof zipper
Adjustable shockcord at hood and hem
Outer jacket works with style 9951 liner- offers warmth to 8.0 F!

The J/Class logo of your choice is embroidered on the front. We can also customize with your detail. Perfect for the whole crew! For more J/Foul Weather Jacket information and to buy now.

Sailing Calendar

Aug 13-16- SAILING Champions League- St Petersburg, Russia
Aug 14-16- Swedish J/70 Sailing League- Ornskoldsvik, Sweden
Aug 15-16- Danish J/70 Sailing League- Aarhus, Denmark
Aug 15-16- J/Fest Newport- Newport, RI
Aug 28-30- J/70 Segel Bundesliga- Wannsee, Germany
Aug 28-30- Under 21 Italian J/70 Sailing League Championship- Rimini, Italy
Sep 5-6- Danish J/70 Sailing League- Skovshoved, Denmark

J/Crews Silver @ Edgartown Round Island
(Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, MA)- The Edgartown Yacht Club hosted the 82nd running of its signature ‘Round-the-Island (’RTI) race on Saturday, August 1st, 2020. The Round Island, which began in 1938 and counts as one of America’s oldest distance races, it tracks 56.0 nautical miles around Martha’s Vineyard.

The hoped-for classic sailing conditions materialized later than usual but enabled the faster boats to circumnavigate the island in just under ten hours.

Happily adapting to the pandemic guidelines were many J/Sailors. Answering the Siren's Song were sixteen J/Crews, ranging from J/29s to J/46! All divisions have J's participating, such as IRC, ORRez, PHRF, and PHRF Doublehanded!

Senator John Kerry- sailing Edgartown Race

Senator John Kerry- sailing Edgartown Race

Former U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry (Chilmark, Mass.) claimed the coveted Venona Trophy at Edgartown Race Weekend’s 82nd ‘Round-the-Island Race, sailing his classic Alden Cutter 44 Lark to win his class and post the best corrected time from among all entrants in the Spinnaker Division. A fleet of 46 boats competing in eight classes started and finished its circumnavigation of Martha’s Vineyard on Saturday, August 1. In a virtual Awards Ceremony, held Sunday afternoon, Kerry (who also is a former U.S. Senator for Massachusetts) praised host Edgartown Yacht Club for pulling off the regatta during the Coronavirus pandemic, which sadly has caused the cancellation of many other regattas.

“The Club did a brilliant job-- thoughtful and well-executed, without onerous but, nevertheless, clear restraints,” said Kerry, mentioning particularly the restriction of no social gatherings at the club. “That’s a hard thing to give up in sailing, but it was hugely appreciated that they covered all the bases and it allowed us to get out on the water.” ALL teams were limited to just FIVE (5) crew!

The light northeast wind at the start became a stronger southwesterly by the time the fleet reached the south side of the island. A number of J/Teams swept the top spots in various classes, loving the tactical conditions and making good use of their VMG speed with big A-Sails flying in the light stuff. Most boats took from 9 to 11 hours to finish the race by sunset!

Gay Head Lighthouse and point on Martha's Vineyard

Gay Head Lighthouse and point on Martha's Vineyard

Edgartown Yacht Club’s ‘Round-the-Island Race — one of America’s oldest distance races — originated in 1938, and except for the years of World War II, has been an annual event since then on Martha’s Vineyard. After an 0800 start, the fleet sails between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket along the east beach of Chappaquiddick. At midday, it is in the open Atlantic Ocean with views of the south coast of the Vineyard. In the afternoon, rounding the famously gorgeous cliffs of Gay Head, the fleet sails up Vineyard Sound. If the tidal currents or wind conditions make the going slow, the Race Committee can shorten course. (This year, Doublehand B and PHRF Non-Spinnaker classes sailed an abbreviated course of 45.52 miles.)

Stephen Besse (Vineyard Haven, Mass.), sailed his J/120 APRES to victory in the PHRF Doublehanded A Class, the second largest class with eight entrants, to collect the Eolis Trophy. He says he has been second in his class here at least five times out of ten previous tries but has never won, and this year was the first time he sailed without a full crew.

“I did it that way because of Covid-19,” he said, “knowing there would be only one other person to worry about instead of eight people.” Besse, like Kerry, played it right at the most critical juncture in the race; “the wind dropped out where Muskeget was narrowing down and some boats got sucked across Wasque Shoal. Having done this race before, I stayed farther east and drifted by Mutton Shoal on the right side of the buoy by just a boat length. Others had gotten carried past it and were anchored. We had enough of a lead that if we didn’t do anything stupid, we’d be good. We sailed the rest of the race hard, however, and we loved sailing from The Hooter (a government mark that makes a hooting sound) to Squibnocket in seven knots of breeze.”

In the PHRF Spinnaker B class of five-boats, it was Eliot Shanabrook's J/109 HAFA ADAI that won by nearly an hour on corrected time! Wow! Congrats to that performance! Second was the trio of Joyce/ Reservitz/ Wagner on their J/105 DARK'N'STORMY.

Sailing in PHRF Spinnaker C class were two near sisterships. Taking the silver and winning the Hobart A.H. Cook Trophy (Best Corrected Time among Service Academy entries) was U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's J/44 VAMP. It was past class winner Dick Egan's beautiful J/46 WINGS that managed to pull off a fourth place in the light stuff. Sailing photo credits- Stephen Cloutier. For more information Edgartown YC Round Island Race sailing information

RORC Round Wight Race start on the Solent

Challenging Round Isle of Wight Race!
(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- A race around the Isle of Wight on Saturday 1st August marked the return to competitive racing at the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the first since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

133 boats took part with J/70 POWERPLAY sailor (and former J/29 owner) Peter Cunningham from the Cayman Islands taking overall line honors over the fleet in his MOD 70 POWERPLAY. “I have been in quarantine for 14 days, so that was a release!” smiled Peter. “That is the first time I have raced around the island. The sun was shining, a beautiful day, a great boat, top crew and a fun race. This was a fantastic way to come out of quarantine. We plan to do more RORC racing during August and September.”

The race of approximately 50.0nm started from the Royal Yacht Squadron Line with a course anti-clockwise around the Isle of Wight (e.g. starting west towards the famous "Needles Lighthouse"). Approaching high tide, the island shore was favored by much of the fleet due to tidal conditions. After beating to the Needles, the fleet turned downwind into adverse current. Staying close to the island shore worked for many successful teams. As the breeze clocked a little to the south, there was little in the way of wind shadow to the east of the island. The fleet entered the Eastern Solent, where a fresh breeze made for a fast beat to the finish.

Thirty-two J/Crews entered in the race, looking forward to their picturesque circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. Sailing in the thirteen-boat IRC 1 Class was Mike O’Donnell’s J/121 DARKWOOD; they won last year’s RORC Channel Race and was competing with a crew of five. In the end, their circumnavigation took them 6 hr 38 min, good enough for 4th place in their first outing of the year in the insanely competitive "Fast 40" class in IRC One.

The twenty-four boat IRC 2 Class was a hodgepodge of old and new designs. In the end, Simon Bamford's J/111 KESTREL took 4th place while Stu Lawrence's J/120 SCREAM 2 settled for 7th position.

The enormous forty-three-boat IRC 3 division saw the J/112E's lead the rest of their J/Team colleagues’ home. Taking the silver was James Chalmers' HAPPY DAIZE followed by Bruce Huber's XANABOO on the bronze step of the podium.

In summary: permitted crew could be up to a maximum of 6 people from any household or two-thirds of a boat’s IRC crew number, whichever is the least. Competitors were also reminded of the government guidance on social distancing and other Covid-19 pandemic measures. For more RORC Round Wight Sailing Information

Annapolis J/Crews Love Two-Bridge Fiasco!
(Annapolis, MD)- Build It And They Will Come", reported Will Keyworth from Annapolis. "Well, Annapolis Yacht Club built on a race format used successfully in San Francisco Bay called the Three Bridge Fiasco but named theirs’s the Two Bridge Fiasco. The AYC put the Notice of Race on social media and boy did they come!

143 single and doublehanded teams hit the starting line for this fantastic new event, and no one was disappointed! Mother Nature turned on the wind machine to put some relief to the 90+ F temps and smiles on many a sailor's face!

J/22 sailing Annapolis Two Bridge Fiasco Race

It was a wild ride on the way back from the Bay Bridge mark with all of the waves set up by the 15 kt southerly compounded by all of the residual boat wakes from the fleets boiling downwind to the Bay Bridge mark..The SPINSHEET Protector was like a cork on the ocean providing its occupants with their own personal "carnival ride!"

According to Kevin Reeds and Dick Neville, "some were skeptical about the idea of a fun race, modeled after the successful Three Bridge Fiasco in San Francisco. But, it seemed like a good idea to try it here in Annapolis during a season of cancelled events and owners trying to finesse the idea of short-handed sailing. Thanks to the handicapping expertise of Bruce Bingman, starting times staggered based on predicted performance on the course with the fastest entries starting over an hour after the first competitor crossed the line at 1105 AM. The entries started slowly and then increased to a bold 100 and then more. Ultimately, 133 boats competed in the 10.0-mile Two Bridge Fiasco course which started at G9 at the mouth of the Severn River. From the start, competitors had to decide which order to round marks at the Naval Academy and Bay Bridges before returning to the finish again at G9. They could cross the start and finish line in either direction. So, yes, a not-too-serious, pursuit style race, with all boat types and non-racers welcome, turned out to be very popular. A sunny day with a nice 8-15 knot breeze made it even more successful."

J/105s sailing Annapolis Two Bridge Fiasco Race

SPINSHEET, the Chesapeake Bay sailing magazine, checked in with Dick Neville, who serves on the AYC’s sailing committee, and Kevin Reeds, who is serving as the principal race officer of the inaugural Two Bridge Fiasco to learn more about this exciting new Chesapeake Bay-area event.

SPIN: Can you give us an overview of the course? Also, are there specific areas that you think will provide tactical opportunities?

DN: The start and finish will be in the same place. We will set a rounding mark in front of each bridge. [Boats can] go to either mark first, then to second mark then to finish. There is a point to round between marks, with shallow water - advantage small boats.

KR: The course will start and finish at a government mark (G9) in the Severn River just outside of Annapolis. From the start, boats must round two inflatable marks before returning to G9 to finish. The marks will be located near the Bay Bridge and the Naval Academy Bridge. Competitors can round the two marks in either order.

SPIN: Some smaller boats will definitely have a potential advantage as they can transit across the face of Greenbury Point, which is very shallow. The challenge for them will be that because they are faster, they will be starting later in the pursuit sequence so they will have to be fast to catch those boats that have already started.

J/80 sailing Annapolis Two Bridge Fiasco

J/80 sailing Annapolis Two Bridge Fiasco

SPIN: What are the best-case and worst-case scenarios in terms of weather/conditions for the course?

DN: [It’s] traditionally light air. Worst [case is] no wind. Best [case is] 10-12 knots.

KR: This time of year, we can see a wide range of weather conditions, ranging from no wind to well over 30 knots if a summer squall comes through. Generally, we are expecting the wind to be between four and eight knots…that would be a perfect July day here in Annapolis.

SPIN: Will the event employ any unusual rules, or will it follow the standard Racing Rules of Sailing?

DN: [It will follow the] regular RRS, but we expect first-timers to not know [the] rules.

KR: [The] AYC is currently using a modified race-management plan because of COVID-19, which includes the elimination of signaling flags and extensive use of the VHF radio to communicate with competitors.

SPIN: We will use this same protocol for the [Two Bridge] Fiasco. This race will also use a pursuit start with the slower boats going off first followed by the faster boats.

Start times will be based on [each] boat’s PHRF rating. For those boats that do not have a PHRF rating, we will be using the Portsmouth Yardstick system to create a rating number for them. Whoever finishes first wins!

SPIN: How important do you think local knowledge will be in this event?

DN: Very.

KR: Local knowledge might prove to be very important for the Fiasco, especially if the wind is light. Knowing how the current works in the Severn River might provide a big advantage. Also, for the smaller boats, knowing where the shoals are across Greenbury Point will be key to sailing the shortest course.

SPIN: What kinds of safe-play pandemic tactics are you expecting from the racers on the water? Are we talking about standard-issue things like face masks and hand sanitizer, or will the doublehanded crews also be expected to self-quarantine ahead of the race? Also, do you expect that this will be a highly competitive event, or is the spirit of this event more about getting out on the water for some friendly racing?

DN: No special Covid requirements as the single-/double-handed [format] meets requirements. Friendly competition only is the intent.

KR: This race is limited to single and double-handed crews only. Everyone will be expected to wear masks and social distance when ashore at AYC. Boats will not be allowed to raft up at the club and there will be no post-race party.

SPIN: We have also recruited three quarantine couples to serve [as] the mark-set boat crews - one couple per boat. Our signal boat crew will be limited to only six people [including] the boat driver. All sailors and race committee volunteers will wear marks before leaving the dock.

Given that this is the first year that the Two Bridge Fiasco is being sailed, are there any traditions that you and the other organizers hope (or envision) will develop? Or, do you see that kind thing unfurling more organically over the years?

DN: Purely a trial to get non-racers involved and see if sailors enjoy it.

KR: Great Question! Our initial intent was simply to create an opportunity for folks to go sailing during the pandemic. We liked that idea of single- and/or double-handed crews for the same reason—limited opportunity to be within six feet of others.

Dick [Neville] and I wanted it to be fun and with no frills or stress for the club or the competitors, and we were hoping to attract some folks that don’t normally come out to compete at regularly scheduled events here at AYC.

One of the traditions we built into the event is that there will be no trophies— other than bragging rights. Hopefully that will become a thing going forward.

The [sailing community’s] response has frankly been overwhelming, and we are very excited that this could become a regular event of our annual sailing calendar going forward.

SPIN: Can you tell us about any efforts that you and the other regatta organizers have made to try to lower the regatta’s environmental footprint or otherwise green-up the regatta?

DN: Deliberate minimal RC involvement to meet Covid-19 [standards] with added benefit of [the] environment.

KR: Environmental issues [have] not been part of our thinking for this event. The focus is just on providing folks an opportunity to go sailing during a pandemic and have a blast doing it.

SPIN: Anything else that you’d like to add, for the record?

KR: I am excited to serve as the PRO for this event. I am originally from San Francisco, so the Three Bridge Fiasco has always a favorite of mine. I am pleased to be bringing a bit of the West Coast to Annapolis in the form of the AYC’s Two Bridge Fiasco. I can’t wait to get started on Sunday, August second and see who wins."

J/70s sailing Annapolis Two Bridge Fiasco Race

In the end, it was not surprising to see a number of J/Teams fare well in their easily sailed, easily doublehanded boats.

Winning the ten-boat J/22 class was Jake Doyle's ZESTY ENTERPRISE, followed by Jeff Todd's HOT TODDY, and Chris Brady's GODSPEED. Of note, Terry Hutchinson's son and daughter, James and Annabelle, were having fun getting out on the Chesapeake Bay for the first time. If you recall, Terry is a J/24 World Champion and skipper/ manager of the New York YC AMERICAN MAGIC America's Cup Challenge Team.

In the five-boat J/24 class, it was Will Bomar & Bri Grenier on BANGOR PACKET taking class honors, followed by Kent Bartlett's SPACEMAN SPIFF and Kelly Fitzgerald & Mike Coe's RUSH HOUR.

There was a great turn-out for the J/105s, with seven boats aggressively pointing their bows across the line...even worse than the J/70's! Winning that class was Arthur Libby & Tom Carter's DOG HOUSE, followed by Brian Robinson's VELVET HAMMER, and Fredrik Salvesen's MIRAGE.

There was a LOT of strong competition for braggin' rights in the nine-boat J/70 class. What fun it is to race a J/70 double-handed! Winning was Henry Filter's WILD CHILD, followed by David Schoene's UNO MAS in second, and Ray Wulff's BUYING THE CADILLAC in third place. Amazingly, Lighting World Champion Geoff Becker sailed AWKWARD TURTLE into the cellar...more background news on that later!

In the huge 44-boat PHRF Spinnaker class, Kevin McKee's J/80 DEATH RATTLE took the bronze while John Loe's J/33 HORNET placed 7th ahead of twelve other J/crews.

In the PHRF Non-Spinnaker class of 22-boats, Paul & Sue Mikulski's J/42 FULL CICLE placed fourth while Nick Iliff's J/105 MUSKRAT finished just behind in 5th place. Thanks for contribution from SPINSHEET. For more news on Annapolis Yacht Clubs inaugural Two-Bridge Fiasco:

J/160 #8 of the iconic J/160 Offshore Performance Cruiser has benefited from a major refit in 2014/2019, overseen by her captain of the past 8+ years, and is now available for sale. US owner under USA flag (USCG Certificate of Documentation).

In 2019, TRUE LOVE's hull was Awlgripped in Kingston Gray and the deck, including non-skid, was Awlgripped in white. The cockpit sole was done in teak in 2014 and her toerail, portlights & hatches were replaced in 2016.

Her cockpit was re-done in teak in 2014 and features a carbon-fiber wheel, new Raytheon navigation gear including helm plotter, and a custom retractable teak swim platform.

She has a spectacular cherry interior with teak & holly sole and dark blue interior cushions. Teak & holly sole replaced in 2014; cherry trim refinished in 2014.

Sleeps 9: Pullman berth forward with en-suite head/shower; dinette with seating for 8, pilot berth outboard to port; U-shaped galley; nav station with plotter, instrument display and electrical panel; 2 aft staterooms w/double berths; aft head w/telephone shower

Air conditioning in all cabins & salon (Dometic, 2014/2019). Virtually perfect, your dream around the world cruiser. To learn more about this elegant and beautifully-equipped J/160 performance cruiser

* J/122 JOSS Report from Australia
JOSS is a J/122 launched in 2012 and has been a regular competitor in offshore events in Perth, Western Australia (WA) since she arrived from Papua, New Guinea in 2013.

Regular readers of J/News may remember JOSS cruised her inaugural voyage from Sydney to Papua, New Guinea where the owner was working, and then, onto Perth via Darwin (e.g. "north around the top of OZ"). Since arriving in the Perth racing scene, she has accumulated an enviable collection of silverware.

The Offshore Racing Spring/Summer Calendar in WA consists of 12 Ocean Racing WA (ORWA) official events and 3 club events (Royal Freshwater Bay Yacht Club and Fremantle Sailing Club). FSC also conducts a 4 race winter series.

J/122 JOSS winners in Australia

Ian, owner and skipper commented; “The more you sail, the more you hopefully improve, and JOSS typifies this statement.

We had a brilliant 2018/19 Offshore Season– Runner up in the Siska Trophy & Bluewater Div 1 IRC Series, and winning several IRC & YAH ORWA Series and 2 FSC IRC & YAH Series.

In 2019/20 ORWA changed the “Siska Trophy” criteria from being solely a Bluewater Combined Fleet IRC Series, to be all ORWA Races ie 12 Bluewater & Offshore IRC Races (Combined Fleets) - the “Winner” therefore crowned the “WA Offshore Champion Yacht”.

The 2019/20 Season has been simply “Amazing”. JOSS had a clean sweep of “ALL” ORWA Div 1 IRC Series in WA, in summary:

Winner of the coveted 33rd Siska Trophy – Overall Season Champion Yacht (Combined Fleets)

Bluewater Series – Winners Div 1 IRC & PHS
Offshore Series – Winners Div 1 IRC & PHS

43rd Farrawa Cup Series (RFBYC) – Winners (Combined fleet), Winners Div 1 IRC.

Success Cup Series (FSC) – Winners Div 1 IRC & PHS
Captain Stirling Cup Series (FSC) – Winners Div 1 & PHS

Valamdre Winter Cup Series (FSC) – Winners DIV 1 IRC.

The key to our success – an extremely well-prepared boat, core crew who have sailed together for several years, a willingness to sail every event in every condition, aiming for consistent results throughout the season and sailing a really competitive IRC rated “J/Boat”.

Finally, the sheer enjoyment and sense of achievement of being able to sail offshore.

We are extremely realistic as to the ever-improving quality of the yachts competing in WA, and of our chances in terms of repeating such unbelievable season results, the challenges are made somewhat easier when your name is already inscribed on the trophies.

Our goals in 2020/21 are to continue to be as competitive as possible, enjoy ourselves sailing offshore, and celebrate whoever wins next year!!"

WOW! What else can you say about their extraordinary performance over the past two years. We wish Ian and JOSS crew well in their pursuit of future offshore silverware! Sail fast and fair winds to our Down Under sailing mates!
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Wednesday, August 19, 2020

J/Newsletter- August 19th, 2020

Wednesday, August 12, 2020

J/Newsletter- August 12th, 2020

Wednesday, August 5, 2020

J/Newsletter- August 5th. 2020

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