Thursday, July 27, 2017

J’s Lovin’ Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge

J/111 sailing Screwpile Challenge (Solomons Island, MD)- The event is a popular one for J/sailors on Chesapeake Bay.  Organized down the Chesapeake Bay and run out of a local hotel, the event is welcomed as a wonderful summer reprieve to enjoy the Bay in about 100 degree heat each summer.  Many die-hards love this regatta; it is totally laid back, heat-coma induced, and a great time to catch up with friends that cannot escape the summer heat of the Chesapeake Bay in the middle of the summer.

J/70 JRay sailing ScrewpileDespite the often oppressive heat conditions, the sailing can be quite good.  While classically light in the mornings, the land does get much hotter than the 70 F temps of the Bay, so when you get a 30 F temp differential, you actually get local thermals across the famous oyster beds on the Bay!!  If a cool front rolls through from the Midwest, all the better!!

Taking part in PHRF A1 Class were two J/111s; Jim Whited’s BAD CAT (a past regatta winner) and also Jim Connelly’s SLUSH FUND.  At the end, Connelly’s SLUSH FUND won that match race and took third overall in the regatta.

Finally, in PHRF B class, Neal McKinney’s J/80 HOMEGROWN nearly took class honors over a bunch of crooked PHRF-rated boats called Tripp 26s.  Instead, having to settle for third place.  SPINSHEET Magazine is the official media sponsor- visit them here.   Spinsheet Photos here.   For more Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.