Thursday, February 16, 2012

J/22 Midwinters Preview

J22 one-design sailboats- sailing on Galveston Bay-Houston-Texas (Houston, TX)- Next weekend, the Houston Yacht Club and J/22 Fleet 6 will be hosting the 2012 J/22 Midwinter Championship Regatta from February 23-26.  With thirty-four boats registered so far, the sailing promises to be closely fought amongst some of the top teams attending, many of them coming from the local Texas fleets.

The Annapolis contingent will be well represented by some top women teams, including Sandy Adzick from Haverford, PA and Kathy Parks from Annapolis, MD on SUNDOG.  In addition, Al Terhune sailing DAZZLER from Arnold, MD will hold up the guys side of the equation for "Naptown" sailors.

The Texas gang rides hard and fast and with two World and North American Champions in their midst, it will be tough to beat these gringos.  Too close to call this horse race, but you have Terry Flynn sailing TEJAS from Houston, TX and Scott Young from Austin, TX ready to joust when the flags drop.

The Rochester Mafia has always had a strong group of teams sailing J/22s over time.  They will be well represented by Travis Odenbach sailing INSTIGATOR from Webster, NY and Chris Doyle teamed up with Will Harris from Kenmore, NY.  Either team can be considered top contenders.

Lone wolf and very capable competitor from Ohio is Nick Turney on FREE ENERGY from Lakewood YC in Lakewood.  Returning for some more "22 Love" is past J/22 Class President Galen Freeman on HOT RUDDERED BUM from Brentwood, TN.  Should be a fun event with this firepower amongst the top of the fleet.  For more J/22 Midwinters sailing information