J/70 owners chime in on some of their recent sailing experiences in the past few weeks across the country on the J/Anarchy forums:- "Seabird" from Portland, Oregon- "We have sailed hull #18 in Cascade Locks, Oregon (a.k.a. THE Gorge) the past few weeks. I've sailed the boat with my kids and the local pros and my view is that the boat is very versatile. I really could sail it alone with my 11 year old daughter in 10-15 kts of wind, and the next night go out with guys in more breeze (20-30 kts) and have fun both nights!
I spoke with Dan Kaseler (Quantum Seattle) who was on the boat at Whidbey Island Race Week and confirmed they went 1" longer than their forestay to get helm in light air at WIRW. We found (limited experience on the boat) that in the breeze we like 1" shorter than the "designed" length. This is a new boat and I'm sure some experience in one design will sort this out soon. Definitely feels closer to my Laser than my old J/80 on the helm at any length. :)
It's really a nicely built boat that's pretty quick and fun, yet less of a handful than a Melges 24 (which is a good thing for the target audience, myself included). Resale value will be good. Casual daysailing is possible. My kids actually think the interior is great!! Most importantly, my wife is not reluctant to sail the boat!! That's huge. I think they (J/Boats) are going to sell these to a wide range of sailors and develop a nice class long term. Lots to like here."
- "JustMike" from Seattle, Washington area commented, "Anyone coming up to Bellingham Yacht Club's PITCH Regatta on September 1st & 2nd?? I think it would be a great chance to put a couple of 70's on the line with slightly different rig set-ups and sails from different manufactures (I've got Quantum and I believe others are sailing with North)?
If not at the PITCH here is the short list of Regattas in Shilshole bay, that I will be racing hull #19 in over the next few months it would be great if we along with the other J/70s could meet up at one or more of these.
- Seattle YC's Stars and Bars - 09/15 - 09/16
- Corinthian YC's PSSC - 10/13 - 10/14
- Seattle YC's Grand Prix - 10/26 - 10/27
- Corinthian YC'S Turkey Bowl - 11/17 - 11/18
Also we will be out on Wednesday nights for Corinthian YC's fall series 09/05, 09/12! Please come join us!!"
- "TheRick" from Lewes, Delaware had this to say of their first long-distance race on a J/70 off New Jersey- "We entered the "Cape to Cape Cup" regatta this past weekend and sailed a J/70 22.5 nm in the Atlantic from Lewes to Cape May, NJ in 15-18 knot of breeze. Had a blast passing a few J/24's and really enjoyed the long downhill run to the finish line in 18 knots-- WOW, what a RIDE!!"
* J/70s were also Lovin' The Boatyard Bar & Grill Regatta for CRAB in Annapolis, Maryland!
The fantastic breeze (no hurricanes! no doldrums!) was the big story at
Saturday's Boatyard Bar & Grill Regatta for CRAB, a SpinSheet
favorite. Thanks to the Eastport YC for awesome race committee work and
volunteer efforts. Thanks to the Boatyard Bar & Grill for making
this cool event, which could very well be named the "Regatta That Rolls
with the Punches", happens every year.
Chris Groobey, proud new owner of a J/70
commented, "It was a fun, crazy pursuit race for charity but still
great day on the water. Crew was two US Naval Academy Midshipmen,
including Andrew Shea. Can’t really give you a good idea of results as
we helped with a MOB (man overboard) during the race (and got a handle
of Mt. Gay from the RC as a "thank you") but were doing well, even with a
114 rating. Wilbur Keyworth was out too and had a great day, we are
all loving the boat!" Sailing photo credits- Dan Phelps at SpinSheet Thanks for the contribution from friends at SpinSheet!
