(Hamble, England)- With a stiff south westerly breeze and sparkling
sunshine, the J/111 European Championship went right to the wire with
the champion decided on the very last race. The J/111’s enjoyed
beautiful weather for their six race series hosted by the Royal Southern
YC on the River Hamble in the United Kingdom.Chris Jones' JOURNEYMAKER II scored two bullets to lead the class after the first day of racing, but three straight bullets from Martin Dent's JELVIS, on the second day, secured the European Championship for the Scottish skipper’s young team. Third was Paul Griffith’s JAGERBOMB.
"This was yet another weekend of very close racing ... All the boats were sailing well, every mark rounding we were in company, and if you made a mistake you would let somebody through: yes it’s competitive, but there is a fantastic spirit in the fleet. there’s healthy rivalry and banter in equal proportion between the teams. We are now looking forward to the Pre-Worlds, Worlds and then straight into Cowes Week- - 14 days of continuous J/111 sailing!! It just doesn’t get any better than that!"
During the same weekend, the Royal Southern YC was hosting their Joseph Perrier Champagne Summer Regatta. The J/80 MOCKINGJAY scored a win and a second to lead the fleet on countback in the Sportsboat Class. “Two days of great sailing, rewarded with a magnum of Joseph Perrier, so I am not complaining,” smiled MockingJay's Chris Body.
In IRC 1, Mike Wallis' J/122 JAHMALI was always pushing hard and scored a podium place in every race to take second place.
In IRC Two, Simon Perry's J/109 JIRAFFE scored their first ever regatta win! Team JIRAFFE shouted with joy as they crossed the line.
In IRC Three, Andy Howe & Annie Kelly's dream season continued with yet another win with their J/97 BLACKJACK II. Last year the couple won the Barbados Tourism Marketing prize of flights and a holiday on the Caribbean island, and their performance this year certainly puts the team in the frame once more for the magnificent prize.
In the J/70 Class Alan Higgs' ESF ENERGY won by a single point from Jack Davies' YETI. Meanwhile, Patrick Liardet’s COSMIC took home the bronze.
Royal Southern Commodore, Chris Mansfield officiated at the Prize Giving, which was well attended in the Upper Bar at the Royal Southern Yacht Club. The Commodore introduced Martin Gammon, Joseph Perrier Champagne UK Director who presented winners with generous prizes of Joseph Perrier champagne. For more J/111 Europeans sailing information
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