(Cronulla, Australia)- As this is going to press, the competitors at the WetTech Rigging Cronulla J/24 Short Course Regatta will be either lowering boats into the water, cleaning out all the accumulated junk from a summer of club racing, or simply catching up with old friends and acquaintances made in previous years.

The Cronulla J/24 Fleet has seen a surge in interest and over the past 3 years has resurrected a regatta to support the J/24 Class and to promote participation in sailing for all who wish to be involved.

Twelve boats have entered with an expected final number on the start line tomorrow of some 15, possibly more, J/24 one design boats.

The Cronulla Fleet is lead by the forever young, David McKay with his race boat Stockcar plus his personnel fleet of 2 other J24’s. Hot on his heels will be Barry Ryan with Pinot, Clinton Hood in Vertigo and Steve O'rourke in CiniO’bryne, last years scratch winner with Steve Quigley on the tiller.

Visiting boats include Hugo Ottaway with Bruschetta IV from Victoria, John Crawford, NSW Class President with Innamincka and David West on Ace both from Sydney Harbour, all getting some insider knowledge on the Cronulla venue host of the November NSW Championships and the Australian Titles in January 2017.

The racing is sure to be close with a windward/leeward course of no more than 800 metres. Conducted in the waters of Bate Bay or the confines of the Port Hacking Estuary should strong winds come into play.

The Regatta is proudly supported by Wet Tech Rigging, Macquart Marine, Quantum Sails, Cronulla Marina, Afloat Magazine, Spot a Yacht Photography and AUSSEA Sailing School.

All results will be posted on the Cronulla Sailing Club website at www.cronullasc.com and the Cronulla Sailing Club J24 Facebook page. Standby for a full race report next week.