J/22 Worlds Preview (New Orleans, LA)- As one of their first major regattas to be hosted in the new club facilities post-Hurricane Katrina, Southern Yacht Club is planning a memorable event for J/22 World's sailors, both on and off-the-water. For starters, Allstate Sugar Bowl has traditionally been a strong supporter of sailing in the New Orleans area, sponsoring the annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Regatta for college sailors. Their support of the J/22 Worlds is very significant and symbolic, the "re-birth" of world-class events hosted by one of the most gracious clubs to host events in the American "South". Off the water, the regatta promises an experience that only New Orleans can deliver. The entertainment starts Tuesday, October 11 with a competitors’ meeting and reception at Southern Yacht Club with hors d’oeuvres featuring local seafood and other tastes of New Orleans. Wednesday, October 12 will feature a French Quarter party for participants, scheduled at the famous Tropical Isle Bar’s balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. There is nothing like a "Tropical Isle Hand Grenade". Before racing starts on Thursday morning, the famous Café Du Monde will serve "café au alit" and "beignets" to all competitors to get the regatta going in a traditional New Orleans style. That evening, Southern Yacht Club will host a seafood party on the lawn of the club featuring south Louisiana’s finest offerings of shrimp, jambalaya and other tasty examples of local cuisine. The French creole influence is unmistakable, and delicious!
On the water, October on Lake Pontchartrain generally offers excellent sailing conditions, with warm temperatures and breezes that can range from 5-25 knots. Because Lake Pontchartrain is very shallow, averaging 14 feet deep, north winds with a 25-mile fetch can kick up a short, steep chop that challenges the best sailors. With sixty-six boats from the Cayman Island, Canada, Germany and the USA, the fleet looks to be as competitive as it's been in years. In fact, several notable World Champion and Olympian sailors are well-represented in the stellar field of sailors. For starters, Soling and Star World Champion John Dane is sailing with a family crew! And, another local sailor, Dwight and Beau LeBlanc- former Star and 12 Meter America's Cup veterans- are sailing as a team. Renowned Annapolis J/22 sailor Albie Terhune has a strong team attending. Local "Norleans" star Benz Faget is fielding a strong crew. Class stalwart and past President, Galen Freeman, from Brentwood, TN, promises he won't hit anybody (although he may assert "senior moment rights" at appropriate opportunities! Travis Odenbach, fresh from winning the J/24 COC in Lake George, is hoping to not embarrass himself and finish in the top 3. Both Doyles, Kevin and Chris from upstate Kenmore, NY hope to be a factor amongst the leaders. Another J-class champ, Travis Weisleder- from Richmond, VA- may or may not have the horsepower to keep all these champions in check to grab the brass ring. The Hiller family gang from Annapolis (Todd and crew) are always a factor. Then, of course, you can't forget the fact that Terry Flynn from Houston, TX- past J/22 World Champion may have designs to ensure they're at the top of the leader-board, too! For more J/22 Worlds sailing information
J/Fest Winter Circuit(Ft Lauderdale, FL)- With fall sailing events progressing across America and Europe, tremendous interest is developing for a "J/Fest Winter Circuit" in Florida that encompasses J/111s, J/105s, J/109s and larger J's (J/120s, J/122s, J/124s, J/44s). To that end, a regatta schedule for J sailors that includes sailing once per month all winter includes the following dates and events:
1. Lauderdale- Key West- Jan 12-13- http://www.lyc.org (optional)
2. Quantum Key West Race Week- Jan 15-20- http://www.premiere-racing.com
3. J/Fest Ft Lauderdale- Feb 18-19- President's Day- http://www.bahiamarhotel.com/marina
4. J/Fest Ft Lauderdale- Mar 16-18- St Patrick's Day- http://www.bahiamarhotel.com/marina
5. Charleston Race Week- Apr 19-22- http://www.charlestonraceweek.com
So far, several J/111s, J/105s, J/120s and J/122s have expressed interest in a winter circuit based out of easy-to-access deep-water facilities in Fort Lauderdale- the Bahia Mar Marina and Hotel complex will be the base of operations for the regattas. A complete, professional "concierge service" has been developed to make it a "turn-key", affordable proposition for J owners from Chicago to Houston, Newport to Halifax and Annapolis to fully transport their boats, launch/ haul and have their boats "ready-to-sail" at each location- cleaned, polished, rigged, literally ready-to-race. Fly down with the crew, hop aboard and off you go, "no muss, no fuss"! Daily awards will be given for each event as well as overall and at the end of the J/Fest Winter Circuit, awards will be given for best three of five results at the conclusion of Charleston Race Week. For more information on the J/Fest Winter Circuit including "all-in budgets and costs", please contact J/Boats at Ph. +1-401-846-8410 or email- info@jboats.com. Or, call you local J/Dealer for more information.
J/Sailing News
The Sun Never Sets on J's Sailing Worldwide
The first weekend in October marks what is called "Columbus Day" in America. The very basis of this holiday has been debated for some time as to who actually "discovered" America. Perhaps what many historians forget is that, in fact, there were Native Americans already living all over North America before anyone ever showed up by boat in the first place, they walked for goodness sakes! Across a "land bridge' from modern day Russia to Alaska. Before that, they started their multi-century trek from DNA ancestors in Africa (e.g. "Adam & Eve") and headed "east" to find better fame and fortune, or in their case, survival. Commemorating that day and weekend for decades has been the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, MD (yes, the infamous "Nap-town" on the Chesapeake Bay), home of America's giant US Naval Academy, and amongst other things is also the capitol of the state of Maryland. How appropriate. Over the course of the past week, the namesake of the ship for the ancient Portuguese navigator, Cristoforo Colombo, was the "Santa Maria"-- also the name for a women's match-racing regatta called the "Santa Maria Cup". While not exactly 16th century technology, the women sail International J/22s that challenge them on all points of sail, unlike Christopher's version that excelled downwind, only, in displacement mode. Speaking of "the America's", the J/24s sailed a near record fleet in their annual Woodstock-like pilgrimage to Lake George's Changing of the Colors Regatta-- to find out WHY you need to go, read-on below. Furthermore, the enormous J/80 International Class also had a very competitive J/80 North American's at Larchmont Yacht Club's facilities with some Texans demonstrating some serious "MoJo". Then, quite literally next door, a number of "big J's" were zipping around the race-track known as Long Island Sound showing their transoms to the rest of the fleet. Down Under, a few J sailors are showing everyone how it's done both East And West in the Big Oz-- J/122 off Perth and J/111 off Sydney-- they've got them coming and going in a push-me-pull-you situation. Amazing. And, to ensure no one's forgotten them, the J/24s down in Oz just had their NSW Champs, missing the ex-convicts from Taz!Read on! The J/Community and Cruising section below continue to enjoy the Caribbean and the South Pacific, staying warm while others are trying to stay warm up north. Check them out! More importantly, if you have more J/Regatta News, please email it or upload onto our J/Boats Facebook page! Below are the summaries.
Regatta & Show Schedules:
Oct 1—7- China Club Match Challenge- Wuyuan Bay, Xiamen, ChinaOct 6-10- Annapolis Sailboat Show (J/111, J/108)- Annapolis, MD- http://www.usboat.com
Oct 9-15- J/22 Worlds- Southern YC, New Orleans, LA- http://www.j22worlds.com/
Oct 13-16th- Harvest Moon Regatta- Houston, TX
Oct 14- Greenport Ocean Race- Greenport, Long Island, NY- http://www.greenportoceanrace.org/
Oct 14-16- J/80 China Fall Regatta- LiuZhou, GuangXi, China - http://www.cnmcr.com/
Oct 29-30- J/Fest Southwest- Houston, TX
Oct 29- Nov 6- Hamburg Boat Show (J/108, J/80)- Hamburg, Germany- http://www.hanseboot.de
Nov 4-7- Xiamen Boat Show (J/80)- Wuyuan Bay, Xiamen, China
Nov 11-19- J/24 Worlds- Buenos Aires, Argentina- http://www.j24worlds2011.org.ar/
For additional J/Regatta and Event dates in your region, please refer to the on-line J/Sailing Calendar.
LE TIGRE Snags J/80 NAs(Larchmont, NY)- Over the past weekend, Larchmont YC hosted twenty-seven teams from across the country sailing a highly competitive fleet over an eleven race series. The sailors were not at all prepared to either be "schooled" or trounced by a bunch of guys from Texas. Nevertheless, they were treated to a spectacle of great racing by one of the class's premiere ambassadors, Glenn Darden and Reese Hillard from Fort Worth Boat Club. The LE TIGRE Team put on a clinic for how one should get it done over the three day event. After five 1sts and three 2nds in the first nine races, Glenn and Reese stepped off the gas pedal and gave the fleet a breather, winning the regatta by 11 points.
Sailing just off the pace was a trio of three boats caught up in a real dog-fight for second to fourth overall. Not until the last few races did the smoke start to clear and the standings get jumbled yet again. The contenders at this point were the teams of Kerry Klingler on USA 352, Bruno Pasquinelli on TIAMO and Les Beckwith on FKA. By winning the last two races and getting five 2nds, Les Beckwith on FKA secured second on a tie-breaker with Kerry Klingler's team. Getting the short end of that stick on the last day was Bruno's TIAMO gang, having to settle for a fourth. In fifth was Kristen Robinson's team on ANGRY CHAMELEON, clearly having elevated their game quite significantly, getting five top 5 finishes and finishing just out of the top three. Go Kristen! Sailing photo credits- Howie McMichael For more J/80 North American Championship sailing information
Rolex Superstar "Anna" Wins Santa Maria Cup(Annapolis, MD)- Anna Tunnicliffe (Team Maclaren USA and Rolex Super-Girl of the Year) took four exciting flights to win the 21st Santa Maria Cup. Second place went to Julie Bossard (France) and third place to Becca Dellenbaugh (USA). There were consistently strong winds on the final day of the Championship accompanied by choppy water. In the third flight of the final, Elodie Fauve of Team Bossard fell overboard and quickly recovered but with the strong winds it meant a chilling finish. Team Ferris-Choat (Canada) finished fourth, Team Baylis (USA) was fifth, Team Lehtinen (Finland) was sixth, Team Ruhlman (USA) was seventh and Team Silve (Argentina) was eighth.
The racing in the Santa Maria Cup women's match racing championship was a great success for the Quarter-Finals; all races scheduled were completed. With light and shifty winds, in the early races downwind legs were a challenge, but the breeze began to build, clocking in at 11 knots by 1130. With the steady breeze, the matches stayed close. There were a few breakdowns during the day, including a torn kite, and the women had the added obstacle of dodging debris in the water, still ample from the heavy rains of the past few weeks.The Quarter finals began with freshening breeze from a new direction, once the pins were reset there was a delay due to a repair on the one of the first boats scheduled for the QF. PRO Mark Murphy, moved the first race of the QF to the fourth. Dellenbaugh, Tunnicliffe, Bossard and Ferris-Choat were winners in the first flight.
The morning of third day of racing was plagued with light winds, causing several postponements. However, the breeze did fill in around 11:00, allowing the second flight of quarterfinal racing to begin, with Julie Bossard (FRA), Anna Tunnicliffe (USA), Becca Dellenbaugh (USA) and Sharon Ferris-Choat (CAN) grabbing the wins.
The light air continued into the third flight, but competition was still close, Tunnicliffe taking a penalty after fouling Silva at the leeward mark, leaving Silva with the win. A tiebreaker of the Tunnicliffe/Silva match followed as the quarterfinal winner needed 3 points to continue. Tunnicliffe won the tiebreaker and moved on to the semi-finals, along with Bossard, Dellenbaugh and Ferris-Choat.
In the first flight of the semi-finals, the racers continued the aggressive pace after a long day on the water. Bossard, Tunnicliffe took the wins, as did, Lehtinen and Baylis also grabbed the wins in the 5th to 8th place sail-off.
The Gay Lynn Trophy is given annually to the skipper of the top finishing Santa Maria Cup skipper in her first Santa Maria Cup. The 2011 winner is Becca Dellenbaugh. A second special Santa Maria Cup award is the Eleanor Ruth Wilcox Memorial Trophy for the Bowperson on the winning team. This award was given to Liz Bower Lewin, who dedicated her trophy to Team Maclaren and spoke too modestly of her role in the team’s victory.
At the Eastport Yacht Club's "Prize-giving and Farewell Party" tonight, Eastport YC Commodore, Rich Jackson, expressed deep appreciation for the contributions of volunteers, competitors and umpire in making this an exceptional Santa Maria Cup Championship. He also thanked the EYC Race Committee and all the Santa Maria Cup subcommittees for their hard work and generous support of women’s match racing.
Both Commodore Jackson and Regatta Chair, Susan Nahmias, thanked the sponsors of the 2011 Santa Maria Cup. These include BoatUS, SpinSheet, Go The Airport Shuttle, Eastport Yacht Club Foundation, Boatyard Bar & Grill, Heineken, Gosling’s Rum, Evolution Sails, Dean’s Yacht Repair, West Marine, Historic Annapolis Foundation, National Sailing Center & Hall of Fame and Hell Point Seafood. Each ticket for this event included a complimentary Gosling’s Dark n Stormy and Annapolis area restaurants and caterers donations supported the event through generous contributions of food. Sailing photo credits- Walter Cooper For more Santa Maria Cup sailing information
Western Oz J/122 LITHIUM Smokes Perth(Perth, Fremantle, Australia)- Graeme Monkhouse sailed his recently acquired J/122 LITHIUM in his first double-handed race. Graeme purchased LITHIUM after a long selection process. The objective was to find a boat which can be comfortably cruised with the family, be competitive on IRC, and have a turn of speed which keeps the excitement levels up. The J/122 ticks all the boxes. LITHIUM reduced its IRC rating from 1.086 with class sails to 1.058 with a furling number 4 jib and A5 spinnaker to suit double-handed sailing in the predominantly fresh Fremantle breezes. Good move. The "Fremantle Doctor", if you all recall, was the notorious wind that smoked many an America's Cup program in 1987 with steady 20-35 knot breezes!
The first offshore race of the Perth summer season saw record numbers compete in gentle, uncharacteristic 0–12 knot winds. The Double-handed race was a 25nm course off Fremantle. The race started in no wind before a south westerly change saw spinnakers hoisted to the day buoy. In 5 knots of breeze the fleet sailed close hauled 5nm before tacking for a 4nm reach into the shipping channel. LITHIUM set its Code Zero to great advantage and was doing over 8 knots in under 10 knots of breeze. A 6nm beat up to Garden Island saw the lead narrow and it was a close battle for first place at the rounding mark. However the 6.5nm square run down the channel saw LITHIUM drop back. A 2.3nm broad reach to the finish and LITHIUM crossed the line second and placed 2nd on IRC, a tantalizing 56 seconds off 1st place.
J/111 JAKE Dazzles East Oz(Sydney, Australia)- So far, so good. JAKE has now taken the lead in Sydney’s Division 1 Short Ocean Point Score Series. The second race of the SOPS was held last Saturday and the J/111 JAKE is cementing her position in this competitive fleet.
This was the J/111’s first windward/leeward race in light and variable conditions. The wind was only 8 to 10 knots from the south east so the light #1 jib and the class A2 running spinnaker were the order of the day. The winds were not strong enough for the J/111 to get up on the plane, however, we were able to run almost as square as the symmetric boats. On the last homeward run back toward Sydney Harbour Heads we were unfortunate enough to be on the wrong side of a wind shift which came in from the south and cost us some time. When inside Sydney Heads we made a mistake and dropped the spinnaker into the water which cost us another 2 minutes! Agh! Despite this, JAKE finished 2nd on IRC and is now leading Division 1 in the Sydney Short Ocean Pointscore Series. Ray and Sandra Entwistle are delighted with the new J/111, remarked Ray, "she is proving to be a highly versatile, remarkably competitive boat in all conditions. And, being the "baby-sized" boat in the fleet is proving no handicap."
The DRAGON Wins AYC Fall(Rye, NY)- For the 59 J's sailing in a fleet of 90 boats (60% of the fleet), it was a challenging two weekends of sailing. No wind, floods, massive shifts. Perfect conditions with sun crystal clear skies. OK. Just another fall day on Long Island Sound in classic mid-October weather. Granted that, it was still good sailing for all competitors.
In the IRC 3 Division, the J/133 ANTIDOTE sailed by Ron Richman nearly pulled off a win in their class with a strong 3-1 finish in the last two races to finish second by just two points. Tom Carroll's J/133 SIREN SONG won two races to hang in for fourth in class. And, George Petrides/ Leo Vasiliev's J/120 AVRA took seventh in division.
The J/122 One-Design class had a solid turnout with six boats. This time, it was "the DRAGON" showing their forked-tail to the rest of the fleet. Andrew Weiss and team on CHRISTOPHER DRAGON took three firsts to secure their lead on this competitive class by four points. Their erstwhile nemesis, the triumvirate of Bruno/ Boyle/ Callahan sailed to a solid second place with three seconds for nine points. Third was a good showing by Barry Gold on SUNDARI, winning two races, but not being consistent enough with three 4ths to miss first by five points.
J/44s had another strong fleet of eight boats participate for some excellent racing. By way of example, past class J/44 Champion Jim Bishop's team on GOLD DIGGER could only manage a sixth in this amazingly competitive class. Winners were Don and Rick Rave on RESOLUTE, winning two races to win by three pts. Second was Len Sitar's VAMP, third Bill Ketcham's MAXINE, fourth Jeff Willis' CHALLENGE IV and fifth Phil Gutin's BEAGLE.
In the IRC 35 Division, Rick Lyall's J/109 STORM sailed a tough series to lose out 2nd by one point. Fifth was John and Tony Esposito's J/29 HUSTLER. Behind them were Mike Sleightholme's J/109 APSARA and Jack Forehand's J/109 STRATEGERY.
The J/105 one-designs, with fourteen boats and largest fleet in the AYC Fall Series (again), there was a surprise winner. In the end, it was George and Alex Wilbanks REVELATION winning by a landslide with a 1-1-8-2-1-2 record for 7 pts (inc toss). Second were J/105 champs Joerg Esdorn and Duncan Hennes on KINCSEM and third was Kevin Grainger on GUMPTION 3. Refreshing to see were newcomers on the leader-board, fourth was Sean and Susan Doyle on KESTREL and fifth Josh Burack on PEREGRINA, a great showing for both teams! For more AYC Fall Series sailing information
PACEMAKER Wins J/24 NSWs(Gosford, NSW, Australia)- What a weekend!? Five boats from Victoria making the huge effort to come to Gosford, New South Wales for the J/24 NSW Championship! Four boats from Pacific Sailing School with instructors skippering and students, some very new to the sport on board, making it to Gosford, NSW! Amazing!! Terry Wise skippering BANDIT! Shocking!! Some of the old die-hard fleet returning for more hot racing! Just can't stay away from that hot, hot, hot one-design called the J/24. 24 what? The over-the-hill gang rides again and initiates a few new swabs for crew along the way. Love it! You can recruit new crew from ANYWHERE-- free food, free beer, free sailing, you just can't lose on that proposition.
Saturday gave the teams assembled from across the vast expanse of Oz blue skies and a light breeze oscillating up to 50 degrees at times--- hmmm, difficult for most!! Sunday was another story altogether-- torrential rain for the first race, coupled with a breeze most reckon was up to 35knots at times. Tough conditions that saw just 8 of the original 15 boats race the final race of the day as one by one we saw J’s heading back towards the club!!
Gosford Sailing Club did a helluva job, tip a few "tinnies" to the GSC PRO and RC and "lovelies" helping out. Gosford gave us the intended four races each day – an achievement in itself given the appalling conditions Sunday brought! "Pure adrenalin", "survival mode", "what, this is why we go racing" were phrases that were bandied around back at the club afterwards. We believe one member of KAOTIC might have also mentioned "wet"-- and that wasn’t the rain! Ha, Ha, Ha. Lovely, those boys.The results say it all. A very competitive fleet. Five of the race wins going to current VIC Champion David Suda on PACEMAKER, while Sean Kirkjian on SAILPAC, current National champion, took out the other 3 firsts! They were strongly contended by many of the other boats though and competition couldn’t have been closer at times! Behind these two teams, lying third was Chris Lee on VORTEX, fourth Hugh Ottoway on BRUSCHETTA VI and fifth Brendan Lee on BY THE LEE!
Said Paula about the racing, "I am proud to be part of this fleet. And, mostly very proud to get through a State Championships and see not one red flag and not one prang!! Well done everyone and thanks! Also, a big thank you to Gosford Sailing Club for hosting a great regatta yet again, and also to our sponsor, UVEX for providing great prizes once more." For more J/24 NSW Australia Championships sailing information
WATERLINES Loves J/24 COC's(Lake George, NY)- With registration closed out at seventy boats, it was certain to be yet another epic adventure for ANY J/24 team showing up for that extraordinary experience known as the Changing of the Colors Regatta. Sailed on Lake George, NY in the upper Adirondack Mountains, one cannot simply imagine a more picturesque place to sail in the world (except, perhaps our dear friends on Lago di Garda, Italy (or Lago Maggiore) or any of the Swiss/ Austrian lakes or even that famous lake at nose-bleed level in Lake Dillon, CO or in Argentina's Andes Mountains!). Ok, we understand, it's bloody gorgeous and you should make it a point to put on your bucket list of sailing events ALL J/24 events that take place in "high elevations", none of which you'd ever want to miss because the charm of them are the people, the location and the crazy sailing! Wouldn't you just love 90 degree shifts from 5 kts to 25 kts!
Notwithstanding the highly entertaining value of sailing in such venues (remember, one beer a mile up is worth three on the ground!), the sailing can be fun and extremely competitive. While the folks in Lake George worried about "tempests in a teapot" (or their "tea", God forbid) as Hurricane Irene passed by a bit too close, the party HAD to go ON! And, "ON" it was for the rabid band of revelers that made the annual "Woodstock-like migration" to Lake George (for you history buffs, Woodstock is not that far away from this place). The J/24 sailors were treated to yet another great event, the Lake George Club rolled out the "red carpet" and ensured the great sailing was complimented by great onshore festivities. Forewarned, in this case, was forearmed! "Dress for the 80's and get ready to party with "Rattail Jimmy" on Saturday night following dinner at the club!" That they did, with many crews paying the price the next day. An example of these characters here:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d772Rphpqdc
In the end, it looked like Travis Odenbach and crew continue "on a roll", demonstrating to many they could nearly win the party but still sail, too. After only three races (due to a less than cooperative weather forecast), Travis's crew on WATERLINES won by a squeaker, their 2-1-6 for 9 pts just besting Dave Van Cleef's 3-5-2 on CAROLINA GIRL. J/24 World Champion Tim Healy on 11th HOUR RACING sailed a dazzling/ not-so-dazzling 1-12-1 for 14 pts to snag third. Following this crowd was the re-emergence of J/24 veteran Kirk Reynolds (like Tony Parker on BANGOR PACKET) sailing OKIE BOATING in fourth just two points back with 16 pts and fifth was John Whynacht from Canada (top foreigner) sailing STICKY FINGERS. For more J/24 Changing of Colors sailing results.
J/Community
What friends, alumni and crew of J/Boats are doing worldwide
* Meet world-famous Velux 5 Winner Brad Van Liew in Annapolis- For "wannabe" offshore racers and cruisers (or, those who wish to be much more successful)- head to Annapolis! There, you can meet another famous Johnstone cousin, Brad Van Liew, and discuss his Caribbean Offshore Winter Experience for a select few sailors that may wish to join him (read "Sasha's" experience in last week's J/Newsletter). With his win, Van Liew became the first American to officially complete three solo races around the globe. Van Liew will take questions and sign autographs following his presentations on Friday and Saturday- he will be at the Quantum Sails booth next to J/Boats.
* J/22 and J/24 disabled sailor, Nichole Rider from Laramie, Wyoming has a remarkable, heart-warming story to tell. One that all sailors and friends can learn from:Nicole Rider had always been fiercely competitive growing up, and had excelled in sports at a young age. Her sports were basketball, volleyball, softball, golf and track. Sailing was not among them, which was not that unusual for someone growing up in a small Wyoming community.
Her focus in college was basketball when in November 1995 a car accident took it all away. Her neck was broken, with doctors providing only an initial 50% chance of survival. But now nearly 16 years later, Rider not only survived the accident, she is competing again. In sailing.
Disabled sailor Nichole Rider, a member of the Clever Pig Sailing Team, discovered this sport in April of 2010 and since then has competed in an impressive number of regattas, making it a priority to spread the word about disabled sailing opportunities. Her passion, enthusiasm and commitment are truly amazing and a great inspiration to all. Here is an excerpt of an interview that is on the Clever Pig website:
* What role does sailing play into your life?
NICOLE RIDER: It is my life. I have found my passion in life in sailing! I have never felt the freedom and joy as I do on the water. I have been an athlete my whole life and I just found a new avenue to continue to be competitive. I love to race. Cruising is really not for me... when I am on the water I want to be racing another boat or going around marks!
* Has sailing changed your perspective on life?
NICOLE RIDER: Yes! A whole new world has been opened up to me, and the sense of "wholeness" I feel is incredible. It allows you to totally get out of yourself because when you are on the water you forget everything and are completely focused on the task at hand. The people I have met have been amazing and so supportive and it has rekindled the "Dare to Dream" spirit deep within me. Our only limits we have in life are the limits we put on ourselves. Since I have started sailing, it has only intensified my attitude and belief that I can do anything in life that I choose to do. Disabled or not... life is all a state of mind! Your attitude determines your altitude in life!
* Can sailing help overcome physical and emotional barriers?
NICOLE RIDER: Most definitely! Sailing is a great equalizer. Once you are in the boat we are all on level playing ground. The sense of freedom and satisfaction it gives only builds self-esteem and self-worth, which enhances our lives and only for the better. Complete interview: http://tinyurl.com/CleverPig-100311
The J Cruising Community
J Cruisers continue their adventures around the world, below are a selection of most excellent "blogs" written by their prolific publishers. Some terribly amusing anecdotes and pearls of wisdom are contained in their blogs. Read some! You'll love it.* The J/42 JARANA continues their epic voyage around the Pacific. Continue to read about Bill and Kathy Cuffel's big adventure cruising the South Pacific headed for New Zealand. Their blog is here: http://www.svjarana.blogspot.com/
* Prolific writers, Bill and Judy Stellin, sailed their J/42 JAYWALKER around the Mediterranean and Europe and back across the Atlantic for nearly three years. Their blogs/journals can be found at- http://blog.mailasail.com/jaywalker. The earlier journals have been compiled into two self published books which can be found at: http://www.blurb.com. Search for "SEATREK: A Passion for Sailing" by Bill Stellin or William Stellin." UPDATE- Just a short note to update from Bill- "Our cruise began in May of 2000 and ended in May of 2008, some 8 years later. I have just finished and published my third and final book covering the last three or so years including our double handed crossing in 16 days and one winter in the Caribbean. Like the others, "Sea Trek- A Passion for sailing- Book III," can be found at www.blurb.com. Thanks, Bill and Judy"
* John and Mary Driver are sailing their J/130 SHAZAM for extended cruising in the Atlantic basin. At this time, John and Mary finished their double-handed crossing of the Atlantic, landing in Portugal on their J/130 Shazam after completion of their ARC Rally. Read the latest news at http://www.sailblogs.com/member/shazam/.* Several J/160 owners are island hopping across the world's oceans, fulfilling life long dreams to cruise the Pacific islands, the Caribbean islands, the Indian Ocean and all points in between. Anyone for Cape Horn and penguins?? Read more about their adventures and escapades (like our J/109 GAIA, J/42s PAX and JAYWALKER and J/130 SHAZAM friends above).
- SALACIA, the J/160 owned by Stephen and Cyndy Everett has an on-going blog describing some of their more amusing experiences (http://www.salacia1.blogspot.com).
- Bill and Susan Grun on the J/160 AVANTE are also sailing in the Pacific archipelago, read more about their great adventures on their blog (http://web.me.com/susangrun). Check out there recent travels- now past Fiji!
- Eric and Jenn on the J/160 MANDALAY also sailed the Pacific archipelago, read more on their blog at http://www.sailmandalay.com. Eric and Jenn are J/World alumni took MANDALAY up and down the West Coast (Mexico, CA)
, then to the South Pacific and New Zealand. MANDALAY is back in San Francisco now, and in the J/World fleet--she is available for skippered charters, private instruction, and corporate/executive groups.* The J/109 GAIA (seen right in the Java Sea) was sailed by Bob Riggle and Phyllis Macay around the world. In February 2011, their cruising adventures came to an abrupt, sad ending. As a tribute to them and their cruising friends worldwide, we hope their chronicles on their GAIA website remains a tribute to their warm-hearted spirits- read more about why many loved them dearly and will remain touched by their loving spirit forever- http://www.gaiaworldtour.net/
Featured Boats
J/42 Bluewater Offshore CruisersHill & Lowden have on offers two excellent examples of J/42s. One boat is called MAGIC, and is grey-blue. She is a standard J 42 (regular V-berth forward and a centerline drop-leaf table), with an all cherry interior and aluminum mast. The boat is loaded with electronic goodies and has many factory options.
The other boat is a J/42 L version called MARIAH. She is a white hull with carbon fiber mast, full cherry interior and fold-up table to the main bulkhead. She has both racing sails and cruising sails, multiple spinnakers and headsails. She has done some offshore racing to Halifax and Newport-Bermuda and has a long list of ORC Category III Offshore safety gear.
Both of these listings are in essentially “new” condition, having been stored indoors in heated sheds and maintained by Burr Bros in Marion, MA.
J/42 MAGIC:This J/42 has a great layout with two double sleeping cabins, two heads with showers. Main cabin has very large working galley. Exceptionally well-organized and equipped Navigation station with new Icom SSB, and new Icom VHT, older Garmin GPS/Chartplotter, Stereo CD with Bose speakers both below decks and waterproof speakers in cockpit. There are two deluxe settee berths in the main cabin plus a centerline dining table. Good storage in cubbies and bookshelves. Classic interior finish with white laminate bulkheads and solid varnished teak trim. Very bright and airy. New cushions including custom-made Temper-pedic memory foam mattresses in the two sleeping cabins. Electronics are top-of-the-line: new B&G Electronics; B&G Quadrant mounted Autopilot; New Raymarine C-80 big screen color GPS/Chartplotter/Radar mounted at steering pedestal. She also has a new Dodger w/ side bar handrails, New Furlex Roller furling system and New Engine-driven Sea Frost refrigeration. All new electrical & battery power system, over 350 Amps of storage capacity. Engine start battery, plus 3 house batteries. Microwave oven can be run off inverter at sea. Force 10 Propane stove and oven.
J/42-L MARIAH:This J/42 is equipped to sail offshore. The hull is white (good color for the tropics). She's a fast, solid cruiser, loaded to go offshore cruising. She has been well loved and cared for and has tons of upgraded, new (2007 to 2008) equipment. She has a liferaft and is loaded with all the electronic equipment needed. The North sail inventory (6 sails) is excellent for cruising, and includes storm sails and a Gennaker w/ snuffer. The mast is Carbon Fiber by Hall Spars and has a Tides Marine sail track for ease of raising the North mainsail. For simplified "gunkholing" and anchoring, there is a stainless steel bow roller, anchor mount and Lewmar Electric windlass with a working anchor (a 45 lb plow).
For more information, please call George Lowden or Rich Hill at cell# +1-617-678-8164 or email-hilllowden@comcast.net
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