(Westport, CT)- Like their J/24 colleagues, the J/30 sailors have been
around the track more than once for many teams. And, over time new
fresh faces have drunk the same Kool-Aid and realize the J/30 is still
one of the best cruiser-racers ever designed in the 28-32 foot
marketplace. That it was born back in 1979 is simply academic. It’s
still a “cool” boat that is a great “family” boat for many who simply
enjoy getting down near the waterfront to “simply mess about in boats”.
And, there’s no question they have one helluva lot of fun racing
one-design amongst one another.Amazingly, one of the larger J/30 North Americans took place this year, happily hosted by Cedar Point YC in Westport, CT. Thirteen boats showed up for some fun-in-the-sun on Long Island Sound this past weekend. Teams came from as far away as Michigan and Maryland; yes, that means trailering your J/30 racer-cruiser for hundreds of miles to be included in this exclusive fraternity!
The
teams were rewarded with great racing over the course of three days of
racing. Topping out the standings was Steve Buzbee’s BLUE MEANIE with
21 pts, a repeat from their previous year. However, they were
challenged by a trio of boats that kept them on their toes all weekend
long.In second just one point back was Bob Rutsch & Mike Costello’s BEPOP with 22 pts, winning the regatta until the 7th race when they accumulated their drop race- a 9th place.
Charles Stoddard’s crew on FALCON took third overall with 24 pts, despite winning the last race of the series. Fourth and fifth, respectively, were John McArthur’s SMILES and Carl Sherter’s FAT CITY.
Some highlights for the series? Well, to say there’s equality in the fleet means just about everyone has a chance at the top three in any race. However, a fleet analysis shows that the J/30 North Americans may be the ONLY class worldwide to have EVERY single boat in the regatta have a single-digit finish over eight races. Even Russ Atkinson’s WILDCAT that finished 13th (e.g. last), got a 2nd in Race 7 and Harrison Gill’s HELIUM in 9th place took a 1st place in Race 2!! Then, Bill Kneller’s RHAPSODY took a 3rd in Race 2 as well. That kind of race finish distribution always keeps teams coming back for more fun in the future!! Having a chance at the “brass ring” on any given day is a good thing. For more J/30 North Americans sailing information
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