(Newport, RI)- In the two and a half years since being introduced, the J/70 has not only become one of the most popular and competitive classes in the world – with 700+ boats sailing in 20+ countries – it has been chosen Sailing World’s 2014 Boat of the Year and also been designated an International Class by ISAF (International Sailing Federation). With that kind of momentum, it is no surprise the class’ inaugural world championship – the 2014 J/70 World Championship presented by HELLY HANSEN – would see a stampede of entries for the September 8-13 competition. Adding to the luster of competing in the inaugural worlds is the fact that racing will take place on the fabled waters of Newport, Rhode Island, where it will be hosted by the venerable New York Yacht Club at Harbour Court. In fact, supporting host, Sail Newport and team, are also looking forward to welcoming many of the world’s best sailors for nearly a week of fantastic sailing, with renowned PRO Tom Duggan leading the on-water race management.
To say the fleet is “loaded” with talent would be a bit of an understatement. Considering that in the last year the J/70 has overtaken mainland Europe with fantastic sailing in various venues, that South America has undergone rapid development in just months, Scandinavia has taken off, UK teams find themselves already amongst the world’s best, and Canadian, Mexican, Russian and Australian teams are rapidly moving up the learning curve, it can be said the first Worlds for the J/70 will be an eye-opener for many in the sailing world.
As a point of reference, there are many J/22, J/24, J/70, J/80 European, North American & World Champions in the mix; then add in several Etchells 22, Melges 24 & 32 World Champions as well, plus top-ranked World Match Racing champions, America’s Cup champions as well as offshore champions from around the globe. As one notable sage purportedly said a few millennia ago, “we live in interesting times”— no class ever in the history of sailing has attracted such a strong cross-section of sailing teams from around the world.
While there are innumerable American teams worth mentioning, perhaps its best to start with the non-USA teams sailing in Newport with championship credentials in various classes. Amongst those top teams participating are surely Pieter Taselaar’s BLIKSEM from The Netherlands; Australia’s Tim Ryan on VAMOS; England’s Ian Atkins (BOATS.COM) & Simon Ling (Team RAFBF SPITFIRE); Brazil’s Mauricio Santa Cruz (BRUSCHETTA); Puerto Rico’s Marco Teixidor on CACHONDO; Canada’s Stu McCrea; Mexico’s Sean O’Keefe (DeCOLORES III), Diego Berho (DEMON) & Erik Brockmann (VINCITORE); Bermuda’s Chuck Millican (ELUSIVE); Chile’s Felipe Robles (FLECHA) & Juan Reid (WINDMADE); Norway’s Eivind Astrup (NORWEGIAN STEAM); Sweden’s Mikael Lindqvist (ROCAD RACING); Germany’s Juergen Waldheim (ROSAROTER PINGUIN); and Russia’s Andrey Samoylov.
Who are the top American teams? The favorite would have to be Tim Healy sailing HELLY HANSEN, fresh off twin J/70 Midwinter Championships (2013 & 2014) and the recent win at the J/70 North Americans in Rochester, NY (plus, he’s also a current J/24 World Champion). Nevertheless, many would throw a good dozen or more candidates into the mix, starting with past 2013 North American Champion Heather Gregg-Earl and Joe Bardenheier on MUSE; John Arendshorst’s 20/20 from Holland, MI; Jud Smith’s AFRICA from Marblehead, MA; Scott Deardorff’s CAKE from Santa Barbara, CA; Joel Ronning’s CATAPULT from Minneapolis, MN; Al Terhune’s DAZZLER from Annapolis, MD (current J/22 World Champ); Bob Hughes’ HEARTBREAKER from Macatawa Bay, MI; Trey Sheehan’s FLAT STANLEY Racing from Ohio; Rob Britts’ HOT MESS from St Petersburg, FL; Craig Tallman’s JAYA from King’s Harbor, CA; Jen & Ray Wulff’s JOINT CUSTODY from Annapolis, MD; Tim Molony’s JOUST from Southern YC; Jim Cunningham’s LIFTED from San Francisco YC; Kerry Klingler’s MENACE, from Cedar Point YC; Martie Kullman’s NEW WAVE from St Petersburg, FL; Bennet Greenwald’s PERSEVERANCE; Will Welles’ RASCAL; Peter Duncan’s REACH AROUND; John Brim’s RIMETTE; Brian Keane’s SAVASANA; John Aras’ SCHOOL’s OUT; Mark Ploch’s SUGAR DADDY; Peter McChesney’s TROUBLE; Dave Ullman’s US 32; and Henry Filter’s WILD CHILD.
Local favorites include Suzy Leech (Jamestown, Rhode Island). Leech, having gained an international reputation as a top competitor via Olympic and America’s Cup campaigns, is a former “bow chick” who has moved to the back of the boat. She will steer the only (as of press time) all-woman entry: JUNKANOO RACING.
“A few years ago, I lost my motivation to be on the bow,” said Leech citing the cold, wet and physicality of that critical team position. “I was looking for a boat that I could race in a competitive fleet, yet also be able to take out with my husband and 7-year-old daughter. The J/70 has turned out to be the perfect boat for me.”
Anticipating the top-level helms she will be up against, Leech is hoping to be in the top 20% of the fleet. She will race with champion dinghy sailor and match racer Elizabeth Kratzig of Miami, three-time Olympian Annemieke Bes of The Netherlands, and another experienced local, Newport’s Chafee Emory who was a member of the Melges 32 winning team at the 2014 Key West Race Week.
“We are again sailing with an all-female crew, as we did in Key West. That makes us significantly lighter (roughly 100 lbs.) than most other crews which could be a disadvantage if it blows over 15 knots as it can at this time of year. But I really enjoy sailing with my friends. I love the camaraderie, and it doesn't hurt that most of my friends have been, or are currently, coaches and are patiently improving my helming skills.”
Leech admits that the hardest thing to learn has been how to start in a big fleet. “You can't get coached in those few seconds; you have to really do it yourself because there is no time to wait for directions ... your hole will be gone. Only time in the boat and lots of starts will help make up for all my years not driving, but for now, I just try not to start on some great boat's hip.”
Leech also feels there is not a significant home-court advantage for local teams. “Newport is a very neutral venue, as long as you are sailing outside on Block Island Sound. There are a few general weather patterns that local knowledge may help with, but even those are not set in stone, and can often catch you unprepared if you rely on them and don't keep your head out of the boat. If we race up the Bay then tides become a major factor – and local knowledge could make the difference.”
In addition to the overall awards, there will also be trophies for the top family teams (the Legacy Award presented by Torqeedo) and for top woman skipper (the Helen Johnstone Memorial Trophy).
The J/70 World Championship committee is grateful for its support and sponsorships from HELLY HANSEN, North Sails, Harken, Marlow, Southern Spars, Triad Trailers, Newport Storm Brewing Company, Performance Sail Tool/ Seadek, and Torqeedo. Sailing photo credits- Onne Vanderwal. For more J/70 World Championship sailing information
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