Wednesday, May 7, 2014

AYC Spring Series Starts Strongly

J/44s sailing one-design on Long Island Sound (Rye, New York)- Counting their blessings that the weather forecast would hold and produce suitable winds, the seventy-eight boats participating in the American YC Spring Series were not disappointed.  After two days and six races, the various fleets couldn’t have been more pleased with the performance of AYC’s excellent RC work.

In IRC world, the IRC 2 class saw three J/122s and a J/133 vying for class honors.  A familiar name was at the top of the heap after the weekend, the J/122 WINGS was lying in second, just one point out of first.  Next in line amongst the J/122s is John Pearson’s RED SKY.

The J/44 One-Designs saw a remarkably strong performance from Jeff Willis and gang aboard CHALLENGE IV.  It’s rare to see one boat dominate the 44s since all boats are so close in performance.  Jeff’s wizards are counting a 1-3-1-2-2-4 for 9 net pts after the drop race counted.  They’re currently holding a six point lead over Don & Dick Rave’s RESOLUTE.  In turn, RESOLUTE is in a tie-breaker with Bill Ketcham’s MAXINE and both of them are just one point above that wily fox Jim Bishop and the GOLD DIGGER boys.

As anticipated, the J/109s were going to have an amazing battle just to get onto the podium due to the fact so many good teams are participating.  At this stage, Adrian Begley’s MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN is leading with just seven pts.  Four points behind them tied at 11 pts each are Bob Schwartz on NORDLYS and Jonathan Rechtschaffer skippering EMOTICON.  Then, only 4 pts back from them is Steve Chronert’s ZUMA.

The J/105s also share a similar scenario with the 44s and 109s.  They have a clear leader in the form of CONUNDRUM (Harald Edegran & Jeremy Henderson) who’ve managed to score three 1sts and two 2nds for just 7 pts net.  Trailing them in a tie-breaker at 14 pts each are Carl Olsson on MORNING GLORY and Paul Beaudin on LOULOU.

The largest fleet is also the youngest and also marks its debut in the AYC Spring Series!  With fifteen boats registered, the J/70s saw spirited competition across the board.  Currently leading is class newcomer David Murphy sailing COOKIE MONSTER to an amazing five 1sts in a row!  Just behind them is John Brim’s RIMETTE only five pts back.  Lying third is Scott Furnary on NONAME YET.  Dave Florence in BUZZZ is 4th and Carrie & Ed Austin sailing CHINOOK are sitting in 5th.

Next weekend may see an entire flip-flop in these standings, especially in the one-design classes.  A change in the weather, a new moon blooming, Mars ascending over Venus, just about anything can influence the karma of the leading teams.  Check the standings after next weekend here, could be an eye-opener!  For more American YC Spring Series sailing information