(New York, NY)- Continuing a New York City and J/105 tradition, J/105
Fleet 10 in conjunction with the Liberty YC hosted the 7th Annual
Manhattan Regatta in the amazing racing venue of New York Harbor. Nine
J/105’s fought it out in eight races over two days in courses set by PRO
Vicky Neiner between Lady Liberty and the Brooklyn shoreline- no
question, currents in the fabulous venue were the overwhelming tactical
consideration for the entire weekend! Doh! The Hudson River was
overloaded with all kind of rainwater run-off from various storms from
the past week or so, draining thousands of square miles of the mountain
ranges north of New York City. The regatta started with a light air first race in a course paralleling the Staten Island Ferry path where the wind shifted 180 degrees. At one point, spinnakers were simultaneously used in opposite directions!
After this slow start, a steady sea breeze kicked in from the south necessitating a course reset to the Brooklyn shore. Three races were then completed with tight competition, leaving area favorite Paul Beaudin’s LOULOU first with Ann and Gary Myer’s MAGIC and Mark van Schalkwyk’s CIRCE close behind. LOULOU is currently the area’s hot boat after winning the AYC’s Spring Regatta earlier in May.
Additionally, the Perth Amboy, NJ based boat ESCAPADE skippered by Al Rothschild won the single day PHRF division. At the end of the day, all competitors returned to the Liberty Landing Marina to enjoy the traditional BBQ aboard the Liberty Lightship under the Manhattan skyline.
Sunday featured a steady mid-teens Southeast breeze and bright sunshine. Another course was set up along the Brooklyn shoreline under the gaze of Lady Liberty. The competitors enjoyed four races with MAGIC constantly nipping at LOULOU’s heels in every race. Both split the bullets while MAGIC gained ground in races they did not win. An exhausted LOULOU survived the 8th race of the weekend to win their first place Lady Liberty trophy. MAGIV and CIRCE completed the podium positions.
We thank Liberty YC members Jim Chambers and Huhnsik Chung for generously providing their boats and time for RC. Also, we wish to “thank” our Fleet 10 officers David Spence and Paul Zajac for once again organizing a great spring event!! For more Manhattan J/105 Regatta sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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