J/35 JAEGER Wins Overall
(Oakville, Ontario, Canada)- The 23rd running of the Lake Ontario 300
Challenge was an exciting 300nm race with plenty of good winds
challenging the teams around the track. Said one competitor, "rounding
Main Duck Island was great fun in the six foot waves which was followed
by an uphill beat in 18-20 knots of wind and big waves to the turning
mark at Ford Shoals. Heading westward in the light wind going it was all
about maximum VMG/ VMC down track. In the IRC Divisions, it was a remarkable competition amongst the fast 35 foot J's, just like their compatriots in the Chicago-Mackinac Race. In this case, in IRC FC2, it was the J/109 PHOENIX sailed by Sheila Smith that not only won class but was 4th in fleet. 3rd in class was the J/109 BLUE STREAK sailed by Bob Eckersley, gaining 5th in fleet. Fourth was the J/109 LIVELY sailed by Murray Gainer. A great performance by the 109 crews!
Their 35 foot colleagues in IRC FC3 sailed equally as well, not only taking the top two spots but also taking top spot in fleet. After a tough race, it was the J/35 JAEGER sailed by Leszek Siek that took first in class and first in fleet. Second in class was the J/35 CRIME SCENE skippered by Stephen Trevitt, achieving 8th in fleet overall!
PHRF FC1 also saw more 35 foot J's sail well. In this case it was yet another J/35, SHORTHANDED sailed by Michael Pietz, that took second place followed in 4th by the J/111 LAKE EFFECT raced by Bob Hesse's crew from Youngstown YC in New York. For more Lake Ontario 300 sailing information
