J/70 Med Cup Announcement!

(Monte Carlo, Monaco)- The Italian, French and Monegasque J/70 Classes are thrilled to announce the J/70 Med Cup, in its second season, will start in October in Sanremo, Italy. With thirty-seven entries to date, the six-event series will have podium awards for each leg, plus an overall series podium for the best 4 results.

Notably, the 2022 J/70 Europeans and J/70 Worlds will be hold in Hyères and in Monaco, so racing the J/70 Med Cup is a fantastic way to get to know these locations.

A bonus for all J/70 owners is that logistics are greatly simplified for the participants. J/70s can be left in Sanremo and in Monaco if teams are racing for the full Monaco Winter Series. The driving distance from Sanremo to Hyères is of about 200 km, mostly on highway, from Sanremo to Monaco about 50 km and about 150 from Monaco to Hyères.

Here is the J/70 Med Cup schedule for 2020 and 2021: 

• Oct 23-25- Yacht Club Sanremo (Sanremo - Italy)
• Nov 6-8- COYCH (Hyères - France)
• Nov 13-15- Yacht Club Sanremo (Sanremo - Italy)
• Dec 10-13- Yacht Club de Monaco (Monaco)
• Feb 4-7- Yacht Club de Monaco (Monaco)
• May 13-16- I.Y.C.H. (Hyères - France)

For any other information, feel free to contact the J/70 Med Cup organizer- email- info@j70medcup.org
Follow the J/70 Med Cup on Facebook hereAdd to Flipboard Magazine.

J/121 CRESCENT IV Report from Japan

 

J/121 CRESCENT IV blasting upwind on the Sea of Japan.

* "Like many of the world’s most splendid sailing areas, such as Narragansett Bay and Waikiki, Japan’s very own Sagami Bay, just south of Tokyo, has been without sails and sailors for months; staying socially distant, and abiding by the rules.


Nevertheless, I’m now happy to say that sailing in Sagami Bay is finally back! Hayama Marina Yacht Club has restarted its fortnightly summer club races, given the rules and regulations set forth by our national and local governments.


After restarting the sailing season July 12th, our J/121 CRESCENT IV dutifully performed as committee boat at this first race and happily watched eighteen other boats enjoy a strong sea breeze. Then, on August 8th, the time was finally at hand for CRESCENT IV to compete. That morning, we had a fairly nice wind and succeeded in making a top finish in race #1 for our first club race!

Wherever you may be in this windy world, I hope and believe that all J/Boats advocates will enjoy a nice summer sea breeze!" Thanks to Aki Hirai's report, the owner of the J/121 CRESCENT IV

Annapolis NOOD Regatta Preview

(Annapolis, MD)- This coming weekend will be the first Sailing World NOOD Regatta to be run in 2020, as all of the previous events were canceled due to the pandemic. No question, there are hundreds of passionate enthusiastic J/Sailors migrating their way to Annapolis, MD for this eponymous event. There are big turn-outs for the J/One-design classes that were invited to the regatta- J/22s, J/24s, J/70s, J/80s, J/30s, J/35s, and J/105s. Sixty J/Crews are sailing in the overall fleet of seventy-eight boats- WOW- that's 77.0% of the fleet are J's!

The J/30s have a fantastic fleet of eight boats from all over Chesapeake Bay. The usual suspects of fun-loving leading boats are in attendance; including Dan Watson's AVITA, Jim McGinnis's BLITZ, Bruce Irvin's SHAMROCK, and Doug & Amy Stryker's TOTALED MAYHEM.

The half-dozen J/24 class has its usual cast of characters. Some familiar faces include Sam McGuire's BLOW'VIATE, Pat Fitzgerald's RUSH HOUR, and Kent Bartlett’s SPACEMAN SPIFF.

Similarly, the half-dozen J/22 fleet has some competitive teams in the mix.  Those boats include Jeff Todd's famous HOT TODDY and Zander King's RYTHMIC PUMPING.

The quartet of J/35s are sure to see some hot action in this class that has been experiencing a renaissance. Those teams include Jim Sagerholm's AUNT JEAN, Roger Lant's ABIENTOT, Jim McNeely's MAGGIE, and Mike Wood's VALHALLA.

By far the biggest class in the regatta is sixteen-boat J/105 class.  Turning out for their first major event since last year are most of the elite on the Chesapeake Bay; including Andrew Kennedy's BAT IV, John Kircher's CHESSIE, Cedric Lewis & Fredrik Salvesen's MIRAGE, Don Santa's SANTAS REIGN DEAR, and Kristen Robinson's VELVET HAMMER.

The eleven-boat J/70 fleet has mostly all locals from the Bay area, but they are joined by John Heaton's Chicago crew on EMPEIRIA. Putting the heat on Heaton's crew will be Peter Firey's PHOENIX, Marty McKenna's RARITY, and Henry Filter's WILD CHILD.

Having a strong showing is the nine-boat J/80 fleet. A number of top local teams will be featured on the leaderboard, such as Alex Kraus's COOL J, Mike Hobson's MELTEMI, Will & Marie Crump & Tom Klok's R80 (World Champions they are), and Ramzi Bannura's STACKED DECK.  For more Annapolis NOOD Regatta sailing informationAdd to Flipboard Magazine.

J/125 Brokerage Special- HOT BOAT!

J/Net Brokerage Specials! Check out our exciting new site for lovingly-owned J/Boats from around the world.

1999 J/125 "Can't Touch This" is one of the best equipped J/125's in the world and has been continually upgraded. Her last two owners have maintained her in impeccable condition. This boat has won every major offshore event on the west coast, including the Rolex Big Boat Series three-times and the Transpac Race.

She has a brand new carbon rudder, new carbon sails, and updated Awlgrip silver-metallic paint job on the topsides. She has both a buoy-race inventory and an offshore inventory. The boat has gone thru a long list of upgrades as well as a serious "carbon diet". Carbon hand rails, carbon hatch boards, carbon steps, carbon padeyes with Spectra loops, a custom carbon step for offshore driving and Equiplight titanium shackles throughout. The boat has the new rudder design by Alan Johnstone along with all offshore safety gear. The boat is ready to go offshore today.

Hull & deck was built with TPI's patented SCRIMP vacuum resin infusion molding process. Hull has carbon fiber biaxial - unidirectional inner skin, biaxial Kevlar - E-glass hybrid outer skin and thermo-formed CoreCell linear structural foam core drilled for West System epoxy resin.

Deck has carbon - E glass - CoreCell - vinylester laminate with gelcoat finish. Hull & deck laminates meet ABS offshore yacht standards and is also CE Mark Certified for Europe. Truly an amazing offshore racing yacht for the most discerning performance sailor. These J/125s rarely come on to the brokerage market and this particular boat is in pristine "as new" condition.  Learn more about this fabulous J/125 here.

Conanicut YC Round The Island Announcement!

(Jamestown, RI)- In a summer of social distancing, getting out on the water has been a release for many local sailors. Conanicut Yacht Club's Annual Around-the-Island Race on Sunday, September 6th aims to continue to be that respite. The 93rd edition, held annually on the Sunday of Labor Day Weekend, may look a little different this year, but will still be a celebration of the New England summer sailing season winding down.

Typically attracting around one hundred boats, competitors start at 11:00 AM in separated divisions, then circumnavigate the 21.0nm course around Conanicut Island. Usually, this is followed by the popular post-race party and awards ceremony at the club. However, the latest pandemic guidelines haven’t allowed the club to do that part of the day's activities.

"We are proud and grateful for how flexible and patient the sailing community has been this summer," says CYC ATI Race Chairman, Alan Baines. "We delayed opening registration until we knew more about how we could operate safely for everyone and, of course, decided to not host a post-racing party. However, as regulations are always changing, we do ask for your continued cooperation. So, please keep an eye out for any late special instructions or changes over the coming weeks."

Despite the cancellations or modifications of other local regattas, many race boats have still been sailing as much as possible. They have adapted to the "new normal" by following the safety recommendations from the State of Rhode Island by limiting crew or just sailing with family. Face masks or neck gaiters have become a part of the sailors' gear bag as much as the lifejacket, hat, and sunglasses.

Conanicut Yacht Club welcomes any monohull sailing yachts 22 to 80 feet with a 2020 PHRF-NB certificate to register; the closing date for entries is September 2nd.   For more CYC Round the Island sailing and registration information

Pandemonium Regatta Preview

(Tiburon, CA)- Corinthian Yacht Club will host the Pandemonium Regatta, a one-day double-handed event for one-design boats on Sunday, August 30th, 2020.  There will be recognition for the overall winner as well as mixed-gender teams. Invited classes include J/24, J/70, J/88, and J/105's.

According to Bruce Stone, who will be competing with his J/105 Arbitrage, “Our objective in working with Corinthian Yacht Club is to offer chances to build experience with a training partner, and if we have great turn-out, we’ll go for longer lengths a month from now. In this iteration, there will be a long course of around 25 miles for J/105s and J/88s, a medium course for Express 27s and J/70s, and a shorter course for smaller boats like Knar’s, Cal 20’s, J/22s and J/24s. 

The start will be off of the west end of Angel Island and a route going just north of the Richmond Bridge, then a challenging beat to Pt. Bonita, outside the Golden Gate Bridge, and an exciting spinnaker run to the finish at Corinthian YC in Raccoon Straits.”  For more CYC Pandemonium Regatta sailing and registration informationAdd to Flipboard Magazine.

J/Cup U.K. Regatta Announcement

(Cowes, England)- The 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup has attracted nearly 40 teams so far, for the 21st birthday of the regatta exclusive to the J/Boats family. Organized by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, by invitation of Key Yachting, eight races are scheduled in The Solent over three days (September 3rd to 5th, 2020). The 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup is a celebration of racing designed for all J/Boats, no matter the level of experience or ability.

The organizers have been hard at work to maintain safety of all involved, both ashore and afloat. All Competitors will be welcome at the RORC Cowes clubhouse during the event with daily social events, which will be restricted in number. The complimentary berthing at Cowes Yacht Haven is proving very popular.

The 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup will feature one-design racing for at least three classes and IRC Racing Classes for mixed fleets. There will be both windward leeward courses and round the cans racing.


Seven different J/Boat designs are set to race with results decided by IRC time correction. This allows fair racing for J/Boats not racing in one-design classes. Nine teams are currently entered under IRC, including the 2018 J-Cup winner J/112E Davanti Tyres, skippered by Chaz Ivill.


Eleven J/70 teams from all over the UK have entered, including Paul Ward’s reigning J/70 Open World Champion; Eat, Sleep, J Repeat. Last year’s Cowes Week winner, Jolt steered by Tilly Harrison and Charles Thompson’s Primo Cup winner Brutus, will also be in action.


Eight J/109s have entered including proven winners and all of last year’s podium. John Smart’s Jukebox is defending J/109 National Champion and will face stiff competition from last year’s runner up, Simon Perry’s Jiraffe. Third last year was the 2017 J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish.


The J/111 Class will be out in force with nine teams entered including last year’s winner and J/111 National Champion Tony Mack’s McFly. The 2018 J/111 National Champion will also be racing, Chris Jones and Louise Makin's Journeymaker II.

The most coveted award at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup is the J-Cup itself, which will be awarded at the Prize Giving Dinner on Saturday 5th September.   For more J/Cup U.K. sailing and registration informationAdd to Flipboard Magazine.

Throw-Down in MoTown!

Rumble in the Jungle- J/35 Style!
(Detroit, MI)- We had eight J/35's competing on August 15th and 16th. It was as good as it gets. At the end of the day on Saturday there was a bowline knot, for you rookies that is a three-way tie for first. Mr. Bill's Wild Ride 1st and 3rd, Snipe was 2nd and 2nd, and Dean's List was 3rd and 1st. The last race was called because of no wind.

There was a delay on Sunday do to a thunder storm. James Baker and his committee team told us all to standby that the storm will be over and he and his team at NSSC were all in to race more. Thank you NSSC for your dedication to being the real deal.

With that being said; Sunday Mr. Bill's Wild Ride was 1st and 2nd. Snipe was 2nd and 1st. Dean's List was 3rd and 3rd.

The THIRD RACE WAS THE BEST. In the final 7-tenths of a mile there were three lead changes. Dennis Meagher nosed out Mr. Bill by 1.5 feet and beat Dean's List by 10 seconds. Congratulations to all the sailors!

The party at NSSC and the awards were outstanding. We had Jake burgers cooked on the J/35 grill, and plenty of Guinness as we all talked about J/35 sailboat racing.

I heard there are several people with their big toes poking at the J/35 world. I will write you a hall pass! Please join in
you will happy you made the right decision. Do not buy yourself short, our renaissance is happening.

North Star Sail Club is the premier yacht club in Michigan. Their dedication to racing and putting out the effort to never be bogged down in politics is great. NSSC has the ability to keep 'the main thing the main thing'. Keep up your fine work!  For more North Star Sail Club information.

Pandemonium Regatta Announcement

(Tiburon, CA)- Corinthian Yacht Club will host the Pandemonium Regatta, a one-day double-handed event for one-design boats on Sunday, August 30th, 2020.  There will be recognition for the overall winner as well as mixed-gender teams. Invited classes include J/24, J/70, J/88, and J/105's.

According to Bruce Stone, who will be competing with his J/105 Arbitrage, “Our objective in working with Corinthian Yacht Club is to offer chances to build experience with a training partner, and if we have great turn-out, we’ll go for longer lengths a month from now. In this iteration, there will be a long course of around 25 miles for J/105s and J/88s, a medium course for Express 27s and J/70s, and a shorter course for smaller boats like Knarrs, Cal 20’s, J/22s and J/24s. 

The start will be off of the west end of Angel Island and a route going just north of the Richmond Bridge, then a challenging beat to Pt. Bonita, outside the Golden Gate Bridge, and an exciting spinnaker run to the finish at Corinthian YC in Raccoon Straits.” Sailing photo credits- Pressure-drop.us.  For more CYC Pandemonium Regatta sailing and registration informationAdd to Flipboard Magazine.

(Newport, RI)– A total of 65 boats started the 2020 Ida Lewis Distance Race on Saturday, August 15 in a building northeasterly that dished out 20-22 knots of breeze (and a few knock-down gusts) throughout most of the day and into the evening and overnight.

By the time racing had finished for two offshore classes (IRC and PHRF Doublehanded) and three inshore classes (PHRF Aloha, PHRF Coronet and PHRF Cruising Spinnaker), 16 boats had retired. However, plenty of teams were left to beam about their accomplishments, each one crossing the finish line in Newport Harbor, near where they started, and receiving – no matter what the hour – a congratulatory bottle of Zardetto Prosecco delivered to them on the water by Ida Lewis Yacht Club volunteers.

“The conditions were incredible,” said Ron O’Hanley, skipper of the custom canting-keeler Privateer. “On races like this, you just have to make sure nothing goes wrong. You have to make sure your tacks and jibes and spinnaker take-downs go right.” 

O’Hanley said he found the inshore course to be different than any other that has been typically held in the Bay and feels it allowed a lot of people to sail who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to, especially those who had to sail with fewer crew in order to stay with those in their social bubbles.


“Everyone’s idea of distance racing is different. For our crew, we’re used to 100-mile races, but for others ten miles is as much as they’ve done. I give the Ida Lewis Yacht Club and its Race Committee so much credit for adding formats to ensure COVID safety and draw more participants into distance racing. I recognize that it’s complicated for the Race Committee to run so many different courses, but Ida Lewis has always sought ways to make distance racing more inclusive, and 2020 was yet another high-water mark.”

The 17-boat Doublehanded Class, which sailed the 153 nm “Block Island Course”, saw a J/105 taking second, only three minutes behind Ken Read's Alchemist on PHRF corrected time. Sailing a 29-year-old design against the latest modern offshore boats promoted by big French, subsidized, companies, the J/105 proved it is still a very powerful, fast, steady, offshore boat for shorthanded sailing.  The duo on the J/105 YOUNG AMERICAN was 28-year-old Serena Vilage and teammate Peter Becker, entered by American YC's Young American Sailing Association in Rye, NY. Notably, this J/105 team also took the silver for the PHRF Doublehanded Mixed Crew division.

In the inshore PHRF Spin Aloha class, Bill Kneller's J/109 VENTO SOLARE managed to take the bronze on the podium in the blustery conditions. A fellow J/109, Bill Sutton's LEADING EDGE placed fifth.

In the PHRF Spin Coronet Class, Bob Manchester's J/133 VAMOOSE sailed fast to take fourth place, just 45 seconds shy of taking the bronze!  Sailing photo credits- Stephen Cloutier. For more Ida Lewis YC Distance Race information

J/Fest Chicago Announcement

(Chicago, IL)- Despite all odds against it happening, the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club is looking forward to host Chicago's first fully-autonomous one-design keelboat regatta- J/Fest Chicago!

The event is planned to take place August 29th to 30th, sailing out of Montrose Harbor, with racing taking place on the gorgeous azure blue waters of Lake Michigan. One-design classes that are invited include J/24, J/70, J/88, J/105, J/109, and J/111.

Thanks to regatta sponsors/ supporters such as MarkSetBot (the fully autonomous mark setting miracle), Stearns Boating, Evolution Sails, Skyway Yacht Works, and SAIL 22.com.  For more J/Fest Chicago sailing and registration information
  Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Swedish J/70 Sailing League Season Premiere

(Ornskoldsvik, Sweden)- The series of four competitions sailed on the fleet of 12 J/70's that were to start this past spring has been reduced to two competition weekends, where the first will be decided in Örnsköldsvik from August 14th to 16th.

Sweden's best racing clubs are vying for the championship title in the two competitions on the program this year, as the Corona Pandemic put an end to sporting events this spring. The first round will thus be decided in first weekend and the final will be sailed in Västerås from September 4th to 6th. Västerås will thus be the host during the final weekend, just like last year. There will then be a qualifier for the Allsvenskan 2021 in Marstrand 3-4 October.

This year's Allsvenskan consists of eighteen clubs. Last year, the favorites at KSSS won and they aim for the same gold again this year.

"This year, it will be harder because the favorite team will be decided in only two competitions. One of our strengths has always been that we have been able to deliver at a high level over a longer series of four competitions. I think several of the other clubs with fewer sailors will have a certain advantage, but we like when it gets tough. Our goal is always to be in the absolute top, and it is important for us to secure a place in next year's Sailing Champions League. For the first event, we are sending a really sharp crew with Björn Hansen at the helm. So, there is no doubt that we want to be part of the fight at the top," says Niklas Edler who is captain for the KSSS Allsvenskan team (the Royal Swedish Yacht Club).


During three days of competition, the ambition is run 45 races, which means 15 races per club team. The races are judged directly on the water, so first to the finish wins. The short races mean that small mistakes can be expensive and sometimes chances can pay off. This often means that it is extremely challenging sailing.

Each crew must consist of one person of each sex and at least one sailor under 25 years of age. It is the clubs - not the individual sailors - who decide who will eventually win the gold.

How did it turn out for the teams this past weekend? GKSS won the first part of the Allsvenskan Segling competition.

GKSS was in a class of its own. Inside the harbor in Örnsköldsvik, the Gothenburgers sailed stably and in the 16 races they sailed, they were on the podium 15 times; and they won ten of them! Wow, basically a total "white-wash" of the competition.

"We grew as a team through the weekend and learned a lot from each other. Because everyone sails skiff and 49er on a daily basis, we spoke the same language on board even though we are new to the boat," says Marcus Anjemark from GKSS. "It has been a fantastic long weekend in Örnsköldsvik with perfect weather and varying winds. We enjoyed and look forward to more regattas here in Ö-vik. Extra fun that it was such an outstanding live broadcast that further strengthened the event."

After three days of sailing in an Örnsköldsvik that offered fantastic sailing weather, it was GKSS with Carl P Sylvan (helmsman), Marcus Anjemark, Oscar Andersson and Elin Sevedag who won the first part of the Allsvenskan. The key to the victory was probably that there were two jointly trained crews on board.

It was only in Friday's light winds that GKSS did not dominate. But when the wind increased on Saturday and also on Sunday, when it was steady at 5-8 m/s and up to 10 m/s in the villages, GKSS dominance also increased.

The team sailed incredibly stably and took home nine first places in the series where a full 15 rounds could be completed. Before the finale, where the six best teams competed for double points, only the reigning Allsvenskan champions from KSSS, with Björn Hansen at the helm, could threaten the Gothenburgers. But, then KSSS needed to beat GKSS by four places just to win...almost an impossibility.

But, KSSS missed the start and GKSS was able to sail to the finish line as the winner in the finale and complete the win. Third was the newcomer Runmarö Yacht Club.

"We have had a fantastic event with world class on everything and very good jobs from officials, organizers and sailors. It has been exciting, tight and very sporty sailing. I am happy with everything," said the regatta manager Claes Lundin. "It has been extra fun to follow the prestigious meeting between GKSS and KSSS. Maybe KSSS and Björn Hansen are better tactically, but this weekend GKSS was sharper and not least they had better boat speed.  For more Swedish J/70 Sailing League informationAdd to Flipboard Magazine.

Danish J/70 Sailing League Season Premiere

(Aarhus, Denmark)- The K.A.S. team took the victory in the 1st division after only 5 flights, where the last one ended up being shoot-out. Aarhus International Sailing Center and Sailing Aarhus were hosts and were represented with volunteers from Kaløvig this past weekend.

The wind teased and challenged sailors and, of course, probably made a lot of people simply crazy! Saturday morning started as planned with skipper meeting and welcome to all 1st division clubs. Then followed a postponement. However, approximately 15 minutes later, the wind came creeping in across the lake. Three flights were sailed in the light wind. Sunday started calmly and with a postponement. The wind built up calmly, and by noon the sailors were sent out. The wind was surprisingly good, but died after two quick flights, and the regatta ended up being canceled for the day due to a complete "glass out" on the water.

Last weekend's event winner from the 2nd division (Youngsters ONE)- skipper Rasmus Lumbye from Sønderborg Yacht Club- had planned a close duel between the well-known teams from Frederikhavn and KDY for this year's first 1st division event. In addition, there was a mixed crew from K.A.S. that from the start stood out and took the lead. K.A.S. had not moved to the top of the leaderboard before but sailed convincingly all weekend.

K.A.S. took the competition victory by a single point over the Sønderborg "kids"! The SYC kids fought hard all weekend through the very light winds. The decision was made in a close 1:1 duel in 5 races. There is no question the SYC youth team has promising future ahead of them.

Team SEF from Svendborg Sund Sejlklub finished just 4 points behind in 3rd place, a point ahead of KDY in 4th place. Team SEF started a bit sluggish, but sailed well after that, and ended up in 3rd place after some strong performances.

For K.A.S., the victory was the ultimate culmination of a path they had been working on very hard for several years. K.A.S. has come from the bottom of the 2nd division to be able to be a competition winner in a few years. Charlotte Andersen, Head of Racing at K.A.S. commented, “in 2017 we made a decision to improve the quality of our KAP school and with the team CrewYou. We to look at their set-up and strategy. We entered with the very best sailors in Denmark, Jesper Radich and Rene Villefrance, and it is satisfying to see how our great work has borne fruit!”

From K.A.S. skipper Henrik Rask Sørensen, he commented that “the victory was fantastic despite the very difficult conditions on Aarhus Bay. The result is also thanks to the improved training conditions in K.A.S., which now led to a regatta victory!”  For more Danish J/70 Sailing League informationAdd to Flipboard Magazine.

SAILING Champions League Qualifier- Tutzing

(Tutzing, Germany)- From 20 to 23 August the season opener of the SAILING Champions League (SCL) 2020 will take place in Tutzing at Lake Starnberg – at the Deutscher Touring Yacht-Club. It is the first qualifier in Germany since the SCL was launched in 2014 and after holding events in St. Petersburg, Palma de Mallorca, Porto Cervo and St. Moritz. This year’s final will be held in Porto Cervo, Italy, from 15 to 18 October.

Twenty-four clubs from 12 nations are going to start the SAILING Champions League in Tutzing this Thursday. “The enthusiasm among the athletes and sailing fans to finally start racing again is great. We are delighted that we have succeeded in getting the first SCL event in Germany off the ground,” says Anke Lukosch, SCL Project Manager, looking forward to the event.

In addition to the top finishers of the national leagues from 2019, clubs were able to apply for a wildcard for this year's edition. Anke Lukosch explains the decision, “due to the current worldwide pandemic regulations and travel restrictions, some teams had to withdraw their participation at short notice. With the awarding of wildcards, clubs that could not qualify for the SCL directly now have the unique opportunity to compete with the best sailing clubs in Europe”.

The SCL Qualifier can be followed via Livestream on Saturday, 22 August, and Sunday, 23 August, from 12:00 PM (CEST) on Facebook, YouTube and sailing-championsleague.com.

After the first day of racing, the German clubs are leading. Despite light wind conditions, there was a lot going on the water and every meter was fought in the four races with the result of three penalties and one crash. The hosting club, the Deutscher Touring Yacht-Club, was able to make full use of its home advantage and sailed to first place in its race. The Norddeutsche Regatta Verein and the Segel- und Motorboot Club Überlingen, both also from Germany, are at the top of the table, too, and lead with equal points with the host. More news soon!  Sailing Photo credits- Lars Wehrmann  For more SAILING Champions League sailing information

Going beyond the weather app- Go to Weather University!

Chris Bedford is one of the most respected meteorologists in the sport of sailing. Through his company Sailwx.com he has worked in literally every grand prix sailing event – from the America’s Cup to the Olympics.

This year he has teamed up with 2x America’s Cup winning navigator, Peter Isler to create “Marine Weather University” – an online school designed to help sailors raise their weather IQ. Chris has designed a unique curriculum that helps sailors learn how to go beyond their weather app.

Scuttlebutt readers can get 10% off any MWU class or course with the coupon code SBUTTFAM at www.marineweatheru.com. The next MWU lecture (LOCAL & REGIONAL WINDS) will be presented as a live webinar on Tuesday, August 11 @ 8PM EDT before being posted online with all of MWU class.

Why go to school when Bob Dylan says, “You don’t need a weather man to know which way the wind blows“? Chris explains…

The flood of always changing data, observations, models, and circumstances make the task of weather prediction extraordinarily challenging. Personally, I feel that every forecast I make is obsolete the instant I send it out as there is always new information coming that will alter the forecast.

Every meteorologist has developed their own approach and process to making a forecast. But there are common aspects that every trained forecaster follows before they apply their own spin on the problem. The common process is scientifically based. The individualized portion is the “art” of weather prediction, and that is unique to a particular forecaster.

Meteorology is an established science. Conceptualized as a fluid, the atmosphere follows the laws of physics and chemistry. Chuck Doswell, a renowned severe weather meteorologist, refers to a good forecaster as one that can balance the “triad of components of a healthy science: 1) Theory, 2) Observation, and 3) Modeling.”

If your forecast process is comprised primarily of looking at a bunch of models (aka “what’s your favorite weather app?) and deciding which to believe, then you are a) not forecasting, and b) wasting your time.

Of the myriad of models available (and there are literally over a hundred you could look at to make a single forecast), how do you know which is the “correct” one or, as some people refer to it, “the model of the day.” The goal is to ADD VALUE over the model, and that can only be accomplished by analyzing data (observations and weather charts) and applying your understanding of meteorological theory. Models are a GUIDE in that process (In fact, meteorologists refer to models as “Guidance”).

Weather forecasting is not black and white. Adding value to a weather forecast doesn’t necessarily mean getting the lowest error score. You can have the lowest error score but make one wrong forecast at the wrong time and the impact on the user could be huge. For example, you could predict the maximum racing wind speed and be correct 9 out of 10 times (90%). But the only day you will care about is the one when you were wrong and, as a result, failed to include a race winning sail in your inventory.

The real emphasis is on providing actionable information for a user. Let me explain by example. Let us say the race committee has an established race wind speed limit of 25 knots, above which racing is canned. Predicting whether the wind will exceed 25 knots is key and quite frankly an easier “GO/NO GO” forecast than predicting the maximum wind speed for the day.

But for this particular case, you add value by identifying WHEN during the day that limit will be exceeded AND communicating it effectively. Will it be over 25 knots all day or can some of the day be salvaged for racing? If so, when will that be so that mark-set boats and race crews are not sitting on the water all day waiting or not going out at all only to see a perfectly race-able period missed?

So, as you are sitting down to review the weather before a race, think about your process. Have you reviewed the observations and analyzed the existing state of the atmosphere? Can you identify the processes at play (without models!) and understand their causes and potential outcomes based on meteorological theory?

What is/are the forecast problem(s) for the day? Do the models adequately and consistently reflect the initial state of the atmosphere? Am I respecting and adequately reflecting uncertainty in my forecast and adding value over, say, a model consensus forecast?   Learn more about Peter Isler and Chris Bedford's Marine Weather University here 

J/95 Brokerage beauty for sale!

* J/Net Brokerage Specials! Check out our exciting new site for lovingly-owned J/Boats from around the world.


This J/95 is a rare find, a nicely equipped fresh water used J/95. The boat has been sailed only on Lake Winnipesaukee, NH with its short seasons, and crystal-clear water. The boat has been very lightly used, is well equipped, and in perfect condition. The only way to find a J/95 in better condition, would be to find a new one. The boat has only been sailed 3 years, and never raced. This is a unique find.  For more information about this beautiful J/95 shoal-draft cruiser/ day sailor Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Chesapeake Bay Finishing Sailing Season Strongly!

(Annapolis, MD)- Due to careful adherence to state and local COVID-19 safety standards, the mid-Atlantic racing season on Chesapeake Bay got a late start in June, yet still attracted a strong turnout with over 30 entries competing in Annapolis Yacht Club’s Wednesday Night Series.

This was followed by the Annapolis YC Annual Regatta in mid-July, which in turn is being followed by the Annapolis Labor Day Regatta held on September 6, the AYC Fall Race to Solomons on September 26, the AYC Double-Handed Distance Race on October 3-4, and the AYC Fall Series held over October 17-18.

“We are running these races in a safe manner with no shoreside social events,” said organizer Dick Neville, “yet the interest seems strong as people want to get out and sail. We have been really pleased with the strong turnouts compared to past years.”

The Storm Trysail Club’s Annapolis Fall Regatta held over October 23-25 will be the culmination of a season of successful big-boat racing on Chesapeake Bay.


The Fall Regatta will once again use its popular three-day format of mixed inshore buoy races and short coastal distance races to appeal to those who enjoy proving a variety of skill sets in big boat racing: the quick action of precision boathandling and tactics found in buoy racing combined with a focus on strategy, navigation, and boat speed inherent to success in distance races.

Mastering both sets of skills is important in all ORC championships, so the winning team of each class in this event will be crowned the 2020 ORC East Coast Champion for that class.

Local sailor Ben Capuco has been pleased with the growing local acceptance and use of the ORC rating system. “We have a diverse fleet of boat types here, and with the measurements and rating options available from ORC we have demonstrated the race results are more accurate and fairer compared to use of other systems,” he said. “Using ORC also ensures any entries from out of our area will have fair and predictable ratings to come and compete.”   For more Annapolis Yacht Club regatta information

J/35s Racing on Lake Erie- Seeking More Team Members!!

"If you are a sailor and would like to be part of the great action going on at NSSC on the 15,16, of Aug., call me. There are J/35s going out to race stick against stick in Lake St. Clair. North Star is putting out the red carpet for us. We should have 9, or 10 J/35s going at it. Some of the J/35s are needing some talent. You are all familiar with the finest boat ever designed. Now is your time to grab the brass ring and join in. It will not get any better than this!

I am opening up an opportunity for some of you past J35 sailors. This type of racing is the most fun and competitive you will ever experience. Bill Vogan, winner of the Port Huron to Mackinaw in his J/35 MAJOR DETAIL, is signing up today.

Some of his crew is stuck in Canada. He will come down knowing that there will be plenty of crew with talent to help him win. Bill Wildner owner of Mr. BILL'S WILD RIDE and 6-time J/35 National Champion is going to have his hands full.


Dennis Meagher owner of SNIPE has been winning. This is Dennis's first year owning a J/35 and he loves it.

Tim and Amie Ross owners of BLACKHAWK just got their mast back from Canada after it got fixed. They will be looking for crew, they are always in the hunt.

Ed Bayer owner of FALCON is a 4-time National Champion and will need two crew people.

Jim Watts owner of GRIFFIN just finished the Slammer Cup in Tawas, Mi. he took 3rd over all. Jim will be interviewing for positions on his J/35. This is Jim's first year owning a J/35, but he has been racing since he was 7 years old.

Finally, four(!) other J/35 owners need crew- Robert Gordenker owner of TIME MACHINE, Sheri Dufresne owner of FIRE FLY, Cheryl Miller owner of DEAN'S LIST, Don Endres owner of RUMORS, some need your skills." 

For more information on sailing J/35s, please contact:
Dean Fitzpatrick
p: 248.528.8440
e: dean_fitzpatrick@msn.com Add to Flipboard Magazine.

RORC Two-Handed Race to Cherbourg Announcement

(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- Due to the fact that the RORC had to cancel the entire RORC Offshore Season Point Series due to the restrictions imposed by "pandemic rules", they have adopted some innovative and creating thinking to go sailing!

The RORC has announced that instead of the usual season ending Cherbourg Race, the RORC has confirmed the intention to run a two-handed race to Cherbourg! This race which will start on Friday, 4th September, is in line with current government regulation and has added significance in that the City of Cherbourg will host the finish of the Rolex Fastnet Race for the 2021 and 2023 editions.

RORC Racing Manager Chris Stone has been delighted with the number of teams who are participating in the summer series.

“We were pleased to have 133 boats in ‘Race the Wight’, the first race of our Summer Series and interest in the rest of the series is very strong. We decided to start the two-handed race to Cherbourg on the Friday to give the opportunity for those two-handed teams who are involved in the summer series to participate in the last race of the series which is scheduled for Sunday 6th September.”

The RORC Summer Series consists of three additional races on Saturday 15th August, Saturday 22nd August and Sunday 6th September.  For more information about the Royal Ocean Racing Club and the race program. Add to Flipboard Magazine.

SAILING Champions League New Schedule Announcement

(Kiel, Germany)- The SAILING Champions League (SCL) has shortened the SCL Series 2020 to one qualifier and the final due to the COVID-19 regulations and the worldwide travel restrictions. From 20 to 23 August, the only qualifier of the 2020 season, will take place in Tutzing, Germany. The final from 15 to 18 October in Porto Cervo, Italy, will be held as planned. The two planned qualifiers in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Mariehamn, Finland, are cancelled without replacement.

“We held on to the three qualifier dates for a long time in the hope that conditions would improve. As things stand at present, however, the worldwide travel possibilities are so limited that we now had to take appropriate steps,” says Anke Lukosch, Project Manager of SCL.


The winners of the national leagues from 2019 automatically qualify for the final in Porto Cervo at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda. In Tutzing on Lake Starnberg, as a guest of Deutscher Touring Yacht-Club, the second and third place finishers of each national league will have the chance to fight their way into the top 11 and thus get a ticket to the final.

“The shortened mode is certainly not an ideal scenario, but nevertheless, we're looking forward to welcoming the best clubs from a total of 19 nations to the final in Porto Cervo,” commented Lukosch. “We are grateful for the flexibility of all the sailors and the numerous clubs and their representatives who have worked with us over the last few weeks to plan and prepare every conceivable scenario”.

NOTE- Due to the exceptional situation in this year’s league sailing season, there are still starting places available – a unique chance to enter the competition of the world’s best sailing clubs. Interested sailing clubs irrespective of nationality can send their application now directly to- email- info@sailing-championsleague.com.  Sailing Photo credits: SCL/Sailing Energy  For more SAILING Champions League sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

J/32 Cruising Women Team Winning!

* The resurrection of 1996 J/32 Hull #1 - formally known as “Whistler” in all of the J/Boats brochures - has now completely taken place, according to her new owners- Ellen and Jeff Hunt of Pensacola Beach, FL.  They have been enjoying her and sharing her with their friends, young and old and women alike!


Recently, there now renamed boat called UH-OHHH! took first place in the "Race for the Roses", an all-women’s event to donate to local women's charities. Based on the huge smiles in this photo, it's clear they all had a great time and loved sailing such a comfortable sailboat! Add to Flipboard Magazine.

The Hook Race 2020- Death’s Door Challenge

(Racine, WI)- The “HOOK”, run the same weekend as the Chicago-Mackinac race, is the Racine Yacht Club’s premier yacht race and 2020 marks its 37th year. It was born from an idea kicked around by Club members who thought a distance contest concurrent with the Chicago-Mackinac race might be able to gain some traction. A race from Racine through “Death’s Door” at the top of the Door County peninsula to a port in Green Bay could be a simpler, lower cost alternative to the ‘Mac and would require less gear. A shorter race, it would allow skippers and crews who couldn’t make the ‘Mac to take less time off and still do a distance race. It would also serve as a way for folks to get their boats north for some cruising while having a little racing on the way. It combines strong competition with the navigational challenge of Death’s Door.

The first HOOK, named by a member who saw a picture of the course and thought it looked like a “hook”, was sailed in 1984 with twelve boats racing from Racine, Wisconsin, to Menominee, Michigan, finishing off Menominee’s marina and the M&M Yacht Club. The finish line at M&M is between a trailer on the marina seawall and a buoy just offshore. Total distance is some 189.0nm.


The "Hook" also has a reputation for serving up somewhat challenging, nasty weather at times.  This was one of those years, with two fronts passing over the race track before the fleet could finish. The storms left a trail of broken parts, broken boats, bruised egos, and broken spirits. 

With a limit of 100 boats to participate, storms led to significant attrition: 4 withdrew, 5 did not start, and 29 did not finish. Before we get into how some of the J/Crews performed in the race, it's well-worth reading the first-hand account of surviving getting washed overboard.


Sarah Pederson, who was swept off the J/111 SHMOKIN’ JOE five miles northeast of the shipping channel in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, describes her hair-raising experience offshore:

"This wasn’t the first time I had participated in “The HOOK” race. The race itself began in 1983, I have participated in 23+ races, and it wasn’t any different than the others I participated in. As in other years, we can’t control the weather and this year wasn’t any different.

The forecast for the weekend was 15-20 knots of winds from the South/Southwest and thunderstorms. To a sailor, that is ideal conditions to “fly” up the lake to our finish.

My sailing experience began early on. Sailing was our “family sport”. Our father introduced all six of us at an early age. I personally have been active in the sport of sailing for 55 years as a racer, instructor, presenter, and supporter of the sport. With my husband, over the past 32 years we have owned and raced boats carrying on the tradition by teaching his two sons how to sail and race.

So, what happened? There were two thunderstorms that we were tracking throughout the day on Saturday, July 18th. The fleet had already sailed through one off Milwaukee. We experienced some of it north of Milwaukee, off Fox Point as we sailed along the northern edge of the storm. From reports, other boats were not as lucky and experienced the full storm causing boats to report dismasting’s.

As we continued our trek north toward Death’s Door Passage off Gills Rock in Door County, Wisconsin we continued to track storm #2. This storm appeared to be stronger and didn’t seem as though it was dissipating throughout the day. We tracked it as it traveled across Lake Winnebago and made its way toward Lake Michigan.


As the track came closer, and we could now see the lightning associated with this storm, as a crew, we began to prepare for the storm. Our preparation included reducing our sail area by taking down the mainsail and raising the smallest jib available. We insured that all crew members above (4 crew members) and below deck (4 crew members) were wearing US Coast Guard approved life jackets, a safety harness, 6-foot tether, along with a strobe light, whistle, and sailing knife.

When the storm started to affect the boat, the wind began to increase dramatically. Even though we had reduced sail area we could feel the effects of the increase. Eventually, the wind hit us with a gust of 50+ knots. There were some on the race that reported 60-70 knot gusts. At the time of the gust, there was a wind shift causing the boat to auto-tack and round up leaving the crew now on the low side of the boat.

When this happened a wall of water came rushing down the deck picking me, and another crew member, off the deck. Because we were all wearing a safety harness and six-foot tether, the “theory” is we would have stayed with the boat and would have been “retrieved” by pulling on our tether.

This happened to the other crew member, but not to me. My tether snap shackle at the chest snapped open, for whatever reason, sending me into Lake Michigan in the middle of a thunderstorm, 50+ knot winds, 5-foot waves, 56º water, and 60º air temperature.

As I popped up, I could see the boat that I was just swept off in the distance, still pinned down. Almost immediately, I lost sight of the boat due to the conditions which caused limited visibility.

My first thought was I was grateful the water wasn’t as cold as I thought it would be. I had heard all week the Lake Michigan temperature was unseasonably high (70º) for that time of the year. Unfortunately, as it was explained to me after the incident, the water had a “turnover” from the waves, change in wind direction, and storms which dropped its temperature.

Because I did not have any time frame for the events of the night, I do not know what order I had done any of these actions. I turned on my strobe and pulled out my whistle that was on a lanyard around my neck. I blew my whistle several times, but then realized using the air to blow was challenging. I would use the whistle sparingly. I kicked off my sea boots and crossed my arms across my life jacket and held on.

At one point during the time in the water, I did see two boats in the distance – the J/111 with their spotlight panning the water for me, and the US Coast Guard with their red illuminated side panels. At that point, I felt as though they were moving away from me.

I was wearing a full lifejacket, not an inflatable, and my choice for a full lifejacket was a conscious one. I have said that I feel as though, in my situation, the full lifejacket saved my life.

The waves were measuring 5 feet at the time of the storm and I needed to float like a cork, to bob up and down. As the waves would crash over me, I would rotate my body so that I would take the wave from my back. I learned this early, when I had taken a few mouthfuls of water in my mouth and nose. I didn’t think that would be a good thing for an extended period. When I would rise onto the top of a wave, I would attempt to extend my strobe higher in the air for better visibility.

I chose to wear a regular lifejacket at night for the warmth and comfort factor. I have often said that I don’t think I would want to go overboard at night in an inflatable to reduce the chance for mechanical failure. I do wear an inflatable; I was wearing one during the day.

I realized to survive this; I would need to regulate my breathing. There was a lot of self-talk happening while in the water, the first thing I said to myself was “You know what to do, this doesn’t have to be the end.”

I will say that the self-talk throughout the hour being in the water wasn’t always so positive, but for the most part I had the skills to hang in there. I felt as though my ability to swim – what I have been calling water awareness- was a big part of being able to tread water for about an hour. I knew I had the skills to do this…

I had no idea how long I was in the water until the J/111 that I was sailing on heard my whistle and then saw my strobe. Luckily, the storm had started to move out making visibility greater. This assisted greatly in their ability to find me. The US Coast Guard was right behind them. As I understand, the Coast Guard search pattern is in a square, narrowing in on the last known location. They did their job to perfection.

Once aboard the J/111, I was transferred to the US Coast Guard vessel in a basket with the potential of hypothermia. With Emergency Medical Services waiting for me at the station, I was transferred and then taken to Door County Medical with a diagnosis of mild hypothermia. I didn’t have any other reported injuries, so my treatment consisted of a warming blanket and a bag of warm saline.

This story is about a lot of very skilled, experienced, and prepared sailors who handled an emergency with precision. It is about being prepared. Prepared for a storm, all equipment was accounted for before we even left the dock the morning before with the skipper/owner checking to make sure all crew had all the required safety equipment.

It is about knowing what to do in the water as well as on the boat. This story is about wearing a lifejacket. It doesn’t make any different what you choose to wear. I wouldn’t be alive without it.

This story is about how lucky I was to have the US Coast Guard so close to provide the needed support.

WEAR YOUR LIFE JACKET, ATTACH A WHISTLE TO IT, IF OUT AT NIGHT, HAVE A STROBE OR SOME OTHER DEVICE THAT WILL BE USED AS A VISUAL. ALL WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!"


As for the racing the event, virtually all over boats participating lived through a similar experience as Sarah while she was aboard. It was rough going and typical of Midwestern fronts that can unexpectedly intensify as they begin to pass over the lake.  In the J/111 Class, NO SURPRISE won followed by Kevin Saedi & Raman Yousefi's MOMENTUS.

In PHRF 2 Class, J/Crews fared well in the tempestuous conditions. Taking the silver was Bob Klairmont's J/160 SIROCCO, followed by Bob Christoph's J/121 LOKI taking the bronze, and Mike Stewart's J/122 LADY K grabbing fourth position.

The seven-boat J/109 class had tight racing despite the tough weather. Winning was the Douglas/ Maybach duo on COURAGEOUS, followed by Doug Evans' TIME OUT in second and the quartet of Miz/ Dreher/ Hatfield/ Neenan in third.

Winning the eleven-boat PHRF 4 class was Andy Graff's EXILE, followed by Mitch Weisman's J/35 FLYING SPHAGETTI MONSTER in fourth place, Mike Hettel's J/105 GLOBAL NOMADS in 6th, and Dale Brown's J/105 BLACK DIAMOND in 7th.

Winning the eleven-boat PHRF 5 class was Mark Wessel's J/92 RUNAWAY.

Finally, proving again that various J/Designs are tough offshore boats, winning the PHRF Doublehanded division was Ron Otto's J/110 TAKEDOWN 2! Congratulations to all for surviving and, indeed, excelling offshore when Mother Nature throws you a massive curveball!   Thanks for this contribution from Scuttlebutt Sailing Newsletter   For more Racine YC The Hook Race sailing information