For four weekends in a row in late fall, the conditions transitioned to something different every weekend before winter takes hold. There were 26 boats registered for the Fall Series, 9 of which were J/35s. Congratulations to Bill Wildner (#1) and his crew on MR BILL'S WILD RIDE.
All of the J35s were very evenly matched and leads changed often. Bill is a six-time J/35 National Champion, second place went to Dennis Meagher's SNIPE, and in third was Ed Bayer's FALCON. Ed is also a J/35 National Champion four times!
There is a renaissance happening with the J/35 class. We will have twelve J/35s racing in the Fall Series in 2021, and maybe more. The Covid put a wrench in the works this year. Racing in fresh water really helps preserve everything on the boat. The sails keep their integrity because of the lack of salt. A big thank you to the sailors who came in from out of State to participate. Fresh water racing on the Great Lakes in Michigan cannot be bettered. Lake St. Claire is not a Great Lake. Lake St. Claire is 420 square miles of fun sailing. For you ocean sailors take a look on a map, you will be impressed.
The J/35 is one of the most iconic boats ever designed. The J/35 is more iconic to sailors than a '63' 'split window' Corvette is to car buffs. The J/35 class in Michigan continues to grow and our fleet is having a lot of fun, great, spirited sailing amongst our teams.
After 37 years the J/35 is still a rocket offshore, whether racing handicap or one-design. North Star has attracted over 30 new sailors in the last two years and introduced them to the J/35's. The J/35 sailors at North Star Sail Club would love to show their thanks and appreciation to Rod and Bob Johnstone for their classic.
