Off Watch: Covid Blues

Herb McCormick, Cruising World's Executive Editor, and active J/24 Thursday night Fleet #50 racer in Newport, RI, had covered this year's St. Maarten Heineken Regatta back in March. J/News Editor Stu Johnstone spoke with Herb a few times at the famous evening concerts; Stu was sailing with friends on the J/105 SOLSTICE, owned/ skippered by Jordan Mindich from Long Island, NY. Here is Herb's retrospective view following our "lockdown life" in Newport, RI since March:

"Looking back, a visit to St. Maarten to cover the Heineken Regatta in early March now seems like a surreal experience in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

There are several things I have in common with our distinguished regular columnist, one Capt. Gary M. “Fatty” Goodlander. We’re both lifelong nautical scribes; have published thousands of magazine articles, and several marine books; and have a deep, abiding love for sailing. But, for the purposes of this little essay, I’ll point to one other experience Fatty and I have shared: We’ve both served as the press officer of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

There are a lot of fantastic perks to a career in sailing journalism— I’d venture to say that Fatty’s and my collective passport entries over the years are far more extensive and unusual than the average bear’s. But getting rich, alas, is most certainly not one of them. Which is why side gigs— such as books, freelance work, or working for regattas— are very welcome tasks indeed. And, that brings me to my most recent visit to St. Maarten, late this past winter, for the 40th edition of that crazy, wonderful event (it was actually my second swing to the island in recent months.)

Looking back, I think it’s safe to say that the Heineken Regatta— which drew sailors from Europe, Russia, the US, Australia, South Africa and many Caribbean islands, competing on nearly 150 yachts, and which took place from March 5th to 8th— was likely the last international sailing event to take place before the planet basically closed for business later that month due to the onset of the novel coronavirus. It’s hard to believe, just that short time ago, that few of us had any clue that before long we’d all be donning Jesse James-type bandannas for the ever-infrequent dashes to the supermarket.

Was it a surreal experience? In retrospect, indeed. But at the time, there was no real sense that we were all clueless spring breakers, or that we were pushing some irresponsible envelope to have a bit of fun at the world’s expense before it all went sideways. Who knew that all our lives would soon be governed by some bizarre concept known as “social distancing?” Life on the island, in the bars and restaurants— and yes, out on the racecourses— carried forth very much as usual. On the day that the regatta started, the first positive case of COVID-19 on the island was still nearly two weeks away. Of course, once that happened, St. Maarten quickly went on lockdown, and before the month was over, the international airport was basically closed to passengers. The wagons had been circled.

Meanwhile, in harbors and marinas the world over, the basic premise that governs the joy of owning and sailing a cruising boat— pure, unfettered freedom to go whenever and wherever we wish— had also come to a screeching halt. Plans were put on hold. With no real endgame in sight, there was no timetable to even plan when we could make a plan.

Full. Stop.

I wrapped up my duties on the last night of the regatta and was on a plane hours later, with a stop in Newark before my second flight back to New England. The usually busy airport was a ghost town. I washed my hands, had a beer, and washed my hands again. Then I flew home, suddenly aware of how things had already changed.

About a week later, I felt terrible. I’m generally a pretty healthy dude (touch wood), but I went down hard. There was no testing available in Rhode Island at that point, and I might never know for sure if I had the virus. After a long week, I got better, but at the time, I sure as hell knew I wasn’t in St. Maarten anymore, figuratively or literally.

I was sitting in my kitchen at some point during my illness, whatever the hell it was, listening to WMVY radio from Martha’s Vineyard, usually a bastion of good-time James Taylor tunes and the like. Over the years, the sunny station had provided the soundtrack on my boat for many a pleasant summer cruise. But, for the second or third time over the course of a few hours, they were spinning R.E.M.‘s “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine).” And, I thought about who I’d hung out with in St. Maarten; and the bar I’d leaned on in Newark; and my poor daughter down the hall (whose highly anticipated senior year of college had just been zapped), who I might be infecting with my stuff.

And, I did not feel fine.

Of course, we’ve all got our stories about this mess...that’s mine. But I’ll conclude this little lament with a sunnier thought. Smooth sailing lies ahead. Stay safe, mates."  Thanks for this contribution from Cruising World- Herb McCormick

Jammin’ J/22 Jamaica Celebrates Aloha-style!

(Montego Bay, Jamaica)- Business as usual! With no promotion and word of mouth only, all the boats were taken very early in 2017 by visiting teams who have been to Jamaica and done this regatta before. Proof this nearly 30 year-old event has great staying power, more than can be said for some of our older crowd.....

International representation came from CAYMAN ISLANDS again with three teams including defending Champion Bruce Johnson, Suvi with her Vikings and past Commodore Mike Farrington. Representing CANADA was second time competitor Michelle Cimon and from the USA, longtime Montego Bay YC friend Mike Weber.

The world-famous Jammin’ J/22 Jamaica Regatta is hosted by the incredibly gracious members of Montego Bay YC.  You cannot beat the setting- warm weather, trade winds of 15-20 kts, sunny, and the nicest people you can imagine, sailing on a one-design fleet of J/22s.

This year saw the introduction of a chance to improve and learn. Mike Marshall, former J/22 World Champion and North Sails guru, came down to the friendly confines of Mo’Bay and coached for the weekend, enabling some transformations to occur on the race course! Amazing what a little coaching can do!!

Jamaica J/22 Jamin International Regatta
This annual regatta is an open invitation to the global sailing community to bring a crew to Jamaica, race someone else’s boat (with no rental fee), get home hosted (at no cost) and get the ultimate high on a great race track for a very modest entry fee. The perfect regatta for these tough economic times; something to look forward to during the dark winter months of our northern neighbors.

Race Days
100% of the eleven J/22s in Jamaica made it to the starting line; thanks to owners and racers from Kingston and Montego Bay, and Steven Cooke and PJ Gibson for their help preparing them and transporting them!

Day 1- Drifting Long Island Sound Style- What?
The imminent arrival of a strong northerly front presented the first challenge to the race committee in setting a course; given that the northeast trades blow all day every day, there is no consideration of any course outside of 060 to 090 degrees. Therefore, 260 degrees was a challenge, with breezes varying from 1 to 5 knots- not exactly the Caribbean-like “blowing dogs off chains” conditions with 18-25+ kt breezes. Great kudo’s to the Race Committee, as four successful races were run including a downwind start in race three (a.k.a. an insanely chaotic starting line).

Day 2- Ginormously Huge Swells
A concerned call from the Montego Bay YC Dockmaster regarding the early, absolutely enormous swell that was sweeping into the bay from the northwest, and well ahead of the front, forced the committee to decide to cancel the day’s racing.  With the huge swell breaking on the reefs surround the race course, no wind and heavy rain expected, it was unfortunately for the best- in retrospect, a very wise and prudent move!

Hawaiian Party-  It was a night to remember!
Saturday evening has become the famous regatta tradition at Bryan and Lyn’s beautiful house at Great River Private.  There is always a “theme party” for it and everyone goes out of their way to dress appropriately for the occasion.  This year, it was a funky full-on “Pacific meets the Caribbean session”, with a rocking DJ and awesome decoration. As usual, the bar was flowing and the food was amazing. There was a delicious smorgasbord of food donated by Mo’Bay members and the visitors enjoyed every delicious bite. The highlight of the evening was “Bobbette”, the personal guest of Commodore Nigel, who also featured at prize-giving the next day.  For more Jammin J/22 Jamaica Regatta sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Jammin’ J/22 Jamaica Nationals

(Kingston and Montego Bay, Jamaica)- The Caribbean J/22 fleet continues to have fun on their somewhat antique classic J/22s that have survived the test of time and too many hurricanes to mention.  The largest fleets reside in the Cayman Islands and on Jamaica.

In recent years, those two fleets get together and invite sailors from all over the world to come down and sail the gorgeous aquamarine blue waters of the Caribbean off Montego Bay, Jamaica- a great place to sail on the northern side of the island, a place famous for dozens of fabulous resorts.  The event is called the Jammin’ J/22 Jamaica Regatta and is hosted by the very welcoming Montego Bay YC.  You cannot beat the setting- warm weather, trade winds of 15-20 kts, sunny, and the nicest people you can imagine, sailing in a one-design fleet of J/22s.

The format is designed to encourage foreign sailors (to Jamaica) to visit as duets or entire crews of 3-4 people.  Of the fifteen-odd boats on the island, three are reserved for Kingston teams and three reserved for Mo’Bay teams- that selection is based on qualifiers.

The first qualifier was held in Kingston on the eastern end of the island.  The harbor is notorious for producing steady 20-30 kt winds daily from the east and sailing in flat water, literally!  The conditions are idyllic for anyone that loves the big breeze, gorgeous Caribbean weather, and beautiful views of 7,000 ft tall mountain peaks covered in a verdant green forest- mostly coffee!  Like its counterparts in San Francisco Bay or Lago di Garda in Italy, the combination of big mountains and long valleys literally “suck” the wind off the water and produce amazingly consistent breezes.  In the case of Kingston, it beats them all- with sunny days, 80 F, no fog, clear as a bell, and winds that can hit 25-35 kts steady, gusting higher.

As you can imagine, growing up in those conditions, Kingston sailors are a bit jaded when it comes to breeze.  They have been known to wait until 2pm or so at the Kingston YC situated at the head of the harbor in perfectly flat water for the wind to build to gear-busting conditions.  Then, after being fortified with a few Red Stripes or chasers of Appleton Estate Reserve rum, off they go, hoist the main, hoist the chute and take off in a screaming plane to the far side of the harbor about 4 miles away downwind!  There are a few videos documenting all this craziness.

Here is the sailing video highlights of a Kingston Harbor hurricane speed record attempt (thanks to the J/22 GERONIMO)

And, here is one of their friends sailing and racing in the Cayman Islands.

This past weekend, sailing in decent, though not crazy, winds, the Jamaican J/22 Nationals were held.  The event served as the qualifier for the Kingston teams to sail the Jammin’ event, too.  Winning the event with straight firsts was Richard & Jackie Hamilton’s RENEGADE, an all Mo’Bay crew that included another J/22 owner- Mike Morse.  Taking second and third, respectively, were the top two Kingston boats, “Cookie’s” GERONIMO and Gibson’s TSUNAMI.

The following weekend, the Montego Bay YC held their qualifiers for local boats for the Jammin’ event.  According to Mike Morse, steering his own boat AYAHSO, “we just barely made qualification for Jammin this past weekend.  We were actually tied points with Richard (RENEGADE), but he took the tie-breaker.  So, we ended up third.  Thank goodness, three spots were available for local crews.  The weather has been peculiar recently, with lots of mini-fronts coming down the Caribbean from the east, so goodness knows what the weather will be in another week!”

Reflecting that perspective was Richard Hamilton on RENEGADE, “conditions were east to southeast at 1 to 4 knots!  Thankfully, there is very little current in Montego Bay; otherwise, we would have been going sideways out to sea!  Congratulations to Peter Harper on ZIPPER for winning our qualifier.”

More news next week in the Jammin’ J/22 Jamaica preview of who’s who and wot’s happenin’!  For more Montego Bay YC J/22 sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Commodore Wins J/22 Commodore's Cup!?

(Cayman Islands)- JUST LEAVIN’, the J/22 sponsored by Yellow Pages, took first place for the third year in a row for the J/22 Commodore's Cup.  At the helm was Commodore Mike Farrington and crew consisting of Matt Diaz and Ralph Harvey.

If you recall, earlier in the Caribbean winter sailing season, Farrington was the winner of the Montego Bay YC’s J/22 Jammin’ Jamaica event.  Farrington and crew are on a roll and may be headed for the big time in the 2016 J/22 Worlds this coming August in Kingston, Ontario’s CORK Regatta!

The Commodore's Cocktail party was well attended, where the 50th anniversary celebration for the club was announced.    For more J/22 Cayman Islands sailing information

Cayman’ers Jump Jammin' Jamaica Regatta!

(Montego Bay, Jamaica)- Mike Farrington and the Cayman Island Sailing Club team (3rd in the South African J/22 Worlds) returned to the regatta with a vengeance after a four year hiatus.  Nearly winning every race in the two day series, Farrington’s Cayman crew sailed TAKE 5 nearly flawlessly to win the Jamaica Jammin J/22 Regatta with a commanding lead over the rest of the eleven boat fleet that came from Canada, USA (Newport), Cayman Islands, Montego Bay and Kingston.

Blessed with the usual tradewinds blowing from the east, the Montego Bay YC’s PRO team (led by Richard Hamilton) managed to run the complete set of seven races over the two days.  Saturday’s racing saw the trades kick in around 1100 hrs with a partly sunny day and temperatures hovering in the mid-80s.  Due to the random black cloud streaming across the course area, the resultant 30-45 degree wind shifts played havoc with the tactics.

The first race would become a repeat of what was going to happen for the balance of the weekend.  The top two boats in the race jumped out to a substantial lead on the first leg.  At the top mark, NINA rounded first, sailed by the Newport USA team of Stuart & Julia Johnstone (sailing with Jamaican father & son crew of Stephen & Krystian Dear).  But, not soon after, the TAKE 5 Cayman crew led by Farrington demonstrated superior downwind speed and took the lead around the bottom mark, ultimately taking the win.  For the next three races on Saturday, similar scenarios would play out but with Farrington’s TAKE 5 crew proving unbeatable with a 1-2-3-1 scoreline to lead the day with 7 pts.  Sitting in second on the day, just one point behind, was the Johnstone & Dear crew on NINA with a 2-1-1-4 record for 8 pts.  Third on the day was another Cayman Island team, Bruce Johnson’s crew on AWESOME posting a 4-6-2-2 for 14 pts. 

Saturday evening has become something of a tradition for the Jamaica Jammin Regatta.  The hosts for the “Western Round-up” were Bryan and Lynn Langford.  In addition to the “potluck” dinner of all kinds of Jamaican delicacies, the Langford’s surprised the crowd of nearly eighty people with the local Western cowboy singer version of “Billy Bob”.  Not often one sees a well-tanned Jamaican singer belting out Western classics on his guitar swell into the wee-hours of the evening.  Dancing shoes, or what was left of them, were summarily tossed into the pool as throngs of sailors spun and danced around the enormous veranda in front of the house.  How good was the partay??  Quite good.  Most sailors apparently made it home in good shape, a few cars didn’t.  But, that’s a story for another day.

With such a lively party the night before, it was not too surprising to see a few “dusty” sailors on the yacht club grounds the next morning stumbling down to their boats tied Mediterranean-style on the docks.  With an hour earlier start time, it was especially difficult for some boats to get rolling in the morning due to the lack of wind.  First off the docks were Farrington’s Cayman crew loaded with a case of Red Stripe beer, last off was the Johnstone/ Dear team on NINA.  Sunday’s racing started off in moderate winds and sunny skies with a much more northeasterly angle to the direction.  Many teams were hitting the corners hard- like so hard that you could not read sail numbers across the race course (and the JAM sail numbers are big!).  The windward mark rounding proved to be a repeat of the day before, with Johnstone and Farrington rounding overlapped at the first mark. with TAKE 5 winning the 5th race and NINA placing second.  The breeze increased dramatically over the course of the three races on the final day.  Farrington’s crew sailed well to close out the regatta with three bullets on the final day. The Johnstone/ Dear team on NINA closed out with a 2-2-3 to comfortably finish second.  Third overall was Johnson’s Cayman crew on AWESOME.

There was a tough battle that was brewing all weekend for the balance of the top five- a battle for local supremacy between the top Kingston and MoBay teams.  An unfortunate DNF in the third race slowed down Peter Harper’s ZIPPER crew from Montego Bay, however, they fought hard to get back into contention and closed out the regatta with a good set of races on Sunday.  Incredibly, there was a three-way tie for the number 3 spot for the day that included AWESOME, ZIPPER and Steve “Cookie” Cooke’s GERONIMO from Kingston.  The final outcome was that Cookie’s GERONIMO took the flag as top Jamaican boat in 4th overall followed by Harper’s ZIPPER in fifth place.

The Montego Bay YC wishes to thank all the competitors that traveled far and wide to come down and enjoy the Jammin Jamaica J/22 Regatta.  The western “jump-up” on Saturday was greatly appreciated by all and a huge “thanks” to Bryan and Lynn Langford for their extraordinary hospitality.  In addition, thanks to all the MoBay YC volunteers, including the extraordinary race management by PRO Richard Hamilton.  Finally, a big shout out to regatta sponsors Boomerang Tyres/Maxxis and Stocks & Securities Ltd for their support.  Sailing photo credits- Bunny Rose Photography

If you want to watch an entertaining video, take a look at the production by Krystian Dear and his younger brother Kai and Sarah Missir- very talented kids!  It’s an awesome Jammin Jamaica J/22 sailing video summary here.   For more Jammin Jamaica J/22 Regatta sailing information

J/22 Worlds Preview

(Deneysville, South Africa)- The J/22 World Championships are about to take place for the first time in class history in South Africa from April 26 to May 3rd. The South African J/22 class is hosting the event at the Vaal Dam situated in the Northern Free State Province. The Deneysville Aquatic Club, in the small village of Deneysville on the Free State side of the dam, will be the privileged co-host the social events. The regatta centre and base for the fleet will be at Manten Marina, also situated in the village of Deneysville. The amazing facilities at this marina will provide all the necessary amenities for docking of all participating J/22’s. All the clubs, bed and breakfast accommodations and residents have promised to make this a memorable event for the sailors, families and friends in the regatta.

The host club- Deneysville A.C.- renowned for its hospitality and is pulling out all the stops to co-host the event. The full-time catering facilities in the club house will provide the sailors plenty of food and beverage throughout the event. They also offer campsite accommodation to all the competitors on the club grounds. Alternatively, excellent camping facilities are also offered at Lake Deneysville Yacht Club with much larger camping space.

The weather forecast for both sailing and camping looks absolutely stunning!  Sunny skies, starry nights for an entire week with temperatures ranging into low 70s F in the daytime and high 40s at night.  Winds are forecast to range from 5-12 kts all week for SW-NW and from NE-SE quadrants. Check out the daily forecasts here- http://bit.ly/1nGiv7a

The turn-out for the event has been nothing if not enormous for this corner of the world- forty-one teams are sailing with representatives from all over South Africa, the Cayman Islands and Germany.  Many familiar names from the South African J/22 class are sailing, those who’ve been in the top five in past events like the provincial and national championships, such as LAUGH A MINUTE (John Bruckmann), MAJIC (Jessica Lenz), US’N’J (Graham Baker), AMTEC RACING (Marcello Marica and Amtec’s Mike Hayton), CELL C (Richard Weiderhold), SHAMBLES (Shellee Nel), ULLMAN SAILS (Craig Millar), and Donovan Kruger on HAKAHANA.

The German J/22 Class is well represented with one of their top teams, Svend Hartog sailing TRICKY DICKY.  And, the top Cayman Islands team, Mike & Simon Farrington, will be racing TWO STROKE.  While all these teams are certainly familiar faces to many in the J/22 S.A. world, there are certain to be some spoilers in the crowd who rise to the occasion and walk off with a pile of silverware.   For more J/22 World Championship sailing information

Eight Bells- Steve Black- Sailing the Caribbean Forever

(Charleston, SC)- Steve Black, founder of the Caribbean 1500 rally, long-time friend of the J/Family (he and Bob J sailed a J/35 together to win the New England Solo/ Twin Offshore Race one year), died March 17, 2014 following a long personal battle against cancer. He was 71 years of age.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Black moved to Michigan where he ran an educational publishing company. He started sailing recreationally in his mid-30s in regattas hosted by the Grand Haven Sailing Club. Black learned the sport from single-handers and has always preferred this aspect of sailing.

Over the years, Black has made three single-handed transatlantic voyages. In the Legend Cup, he set a multi-hull record time of 15 days aboard his Newick 40′ trimaran. Black’s third single-handed transatlantic voyage was in 1992 in the Europe I, where he sailed his 40′ IOR racer, Caribbean.

Black also undertook volunteer tasks such as founding the Lake Michigan Single-handed Society, where he ran the races and conducted seminars to educate interested sailors. This led to the end of his 15-year publishing career and a three-year stint as executive director of the US Sailing in Newport, Rhode Island.

“I retired from US Sailing in 1988, but I didn’t retire from sailing,” Steve said in a 2010 interview. His next endeavor was to manage the Sailing World NOOD (National Offshore One-Design) Regattas in four regions around the country.

However, his biggest legacy will be the Caribbean 1500 Cruising Rally, which first set sail in 1990, with a fleet of 50 cruising boats sailing from Newport, Rhode Island and Norfolk, Virginia to Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands.

The impetus for the rally started when Steve saw that cruising sailors outnumbered offshore racing sailors, but there were virtually no organized events for cruisers. The Caribbean 1500 Rally offered the chance to sail in company, combined with preparatory seminars taught by sailing experts, an SSB radio safety net at sea, and of course a great deal of fun and socializing. Always leading from the front, Steve sailed with the rally, helping to inspire and trouble-shoot the fleet at sea.

J/30’s Sweep Cayman Islands 12 Mile Banks Race

(Georgetown, Cayman Islands)- Unusually calm conditions saw a half-dozen boats on the start line for the annual “12 Mile Banks and Back Race” to produce some very exciting racing and close finishes. The light easterly winds saw boats fly their spinnakers all the way to the banks before heading back to shore with a tricky beat ending at Sunset House. As the boats headed home, the lead changed four times as wind shifts and the offshore currents turned the race into a tactical contest.

Race Committee and onlookers enjoyed an exciting sunset finish as the four leading boats finished the 29 mile race within 12 minutes of each other! Having overshot the mark at the Banks to slip into fourth place, the J/30 CHEERS skippered by Pete Bridge, sailed a brilliant windward leg to win the coveted Harbour House Marina trophy. Rob Hutchison’s J/30 SHANTI had led the race for a while but had to make do with second place.

The race back to North Sound on Sunday was a slower affair as boats struggled against the current and light headwinds around North West Point. The J/30 CHEERS continued their new-found form by winning that race, too!

Cayman Islands Sailing Club’s Rob Hutchison was pleased with the standard of racing. “Well done to all the crews finishing both races, the first time for a while.  We hope to see even more of the cruiser fleet out for the Round the Island Race over the Easter Weekend this year!  It marks the 50th anniversary of the top cruising/ offshore event in the Cayman Islands.”   For more Cayman Islands Sailing Club 12 Mile Banks Race sailing information

Mount Gay Round Barbados Sailing Series

 
J/24s Lovin’ It, J/105 Surfs It!
(Bridgetown, Barbados) – Billed as “Barbados’ Ultimate Sailing Challenge”, the new format Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series was deemed a huge success; it incorporated a series of coastal races as well as the iconic Mount Gay Round Barbados Race, and a final 300-mile sprint to Antigua to tie-up with the Superyacht Cup.

Organized by the Barbados Cruising Club in association with the Barbados Tourism Authority and Mount Gay, this annual event (January 15-24), played its part in kick-starting the Caribbean racing season, and looks set to become an annual favourite.

With nearly 50 boats from all around the world (Great Britain, USA, Canada and New Zealand plus a strong Caribbean contingent from BVI, St Lucia, Antigua, Barbados) close competition prevailed throughout the week.

One of the strongest classes was the J/24 with 10 boats racing neck and neck throughout the series. Big winds and big seas really put crews through their paces but the impressive standard of sailing, made it extremely spectator-friendly.

Competitors couldn’t have hoped for better conditions for the opening day of the regatta. A warm east-north-east breeze reaching 28kts at times made for an exciting day for all with the potential of plenty of thrills and spills to keep crews on their toes right from the start.

First off at 1000 was the 10-strong, and highly competitive J/24 fleet. Both races were close with the fleet enjoying some thrilling downwind racing along the west coast. Although the racing was neck and neck particularly at the front of the fleet, it was consistency that really paid off today with two local Barbadian teams – Impulse (Neil Burke) and Banks Esperanza (Ian Mayer) – who had the slight edge with two firsts and two seconds respectively, leaving them in equal first place.

Mayer and team, all in their 30s, who have been racing Banks Esperanza successfully over the last five years including finishing second at the 2013 J/24 national championship, said today’s racing couldn’t have been better: “We led both races but Impulse sailed well too. It seems that consistency is going to be important so that is what we as a team are going to work on this week. It was very exciting in the breeze on the plane, under spinnaker. The courses were great too with the race committee setting a 50-minute opening race, then a two-hour race which worked well.”

Day two of the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series produced big winds and big waves, which made for spectacular sailing. The biggest excitement of the day was in the first race for J/24s when gusts up to 30kts hit racecourse causing half the fleet to fall like dominos. Thankfully there was no serious damage and most of the fleet was soon on track again to complete a second race in slightly less gusty conditions.

After the first short beat in Carlisle Bay in race one, the fleet sailed round Needhams Point on a two mile beat to a mark along the south coast. Initial leader Team Sugar Beach Attitude from St Lucia sailed a good couple of legs but on the shifty beat to Tapas, Banks Esperanza (Ian Mayers and team) sailed well, improving their position from sixth to first at the windward mark.


Swift mark roundings and kite hoists saw the fleet head off on a sleigh ride downwind in the constantly building breeze. Team Banks Esperanza continued to sail well and took advantage of their position in clear air at the front of the fleet while behind, fun and games were in full flow with boats broaching all over the course.

Fortunately for one of the J/24s that broached, Yearwood and company aboard DIE HARD ISLAND WATER WORLD, made it back ashore and the entire crew all went back sailing the next day, none the worse for wear & tear.  “We were doing 13 knots of boat speed in over 25 kts of breeze, sailing by the lee towards the mark,” reported Yearwood about his J/24 experience. “There was another boat to leeward of us also sailing by the lee so we had to sail above the mark to avoid a collision. Consequently, we were forced to gybe and because I pointed up too high after the gybe we broached. She took ages to right because the spinnaker got tangled in the shroud.”

As for the sailors aboard other boats, Day Two's breezy conditions made for some spectacular racing conditions. “We had excellent conditions and we sailed well as a team,” said Peter Lewis, skipper of the J/105 WHISTLER. “We touched about 14 knots of boat speed in 25 knots of wind so our spinnaker runs added excitement to an already great day.”

Sailing conditions on the third and final day of Coastal racing at the Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series was spot on once again with a good breeze, sparkling sunshine and courses set on the vibrant, turquoise waters of the south coast.

The J/24 fleet continued to produce some of the closest racing with plenty of swapping and changing of positions to keep the racing interesting throughout the day. Robert Povey and team on Hawkeye sailed a good first race and managed to beat Team Impulse across the line with, the consistently well-sailed Sugar Beach Attitude team from St Lucia, taking third place.

However, in the second and final race of the series, on a marathon of a leg along the south coast, it was overnight leaders Ian Mayers and team on Banks Esperanza who pulled ahead and led the fleet across the line at the finish, which was enough to secure an overall series win with 13pts. In second place overall was Neil Burke on Impulse, while Team Hawkeye had to settle for third. The Mount Gay-sponsored boat– BUNGA BUNGA– with Cyril Lecrenay at the helm started to improve their results as the series progressed and concluded with a final race win, which placed them in fourth overall.

Ian Mayers commenting on his overall: “We had a worrying long last run in the final race because of our broken boom. It failed just before the windward mark and it was a marathon of a run. However, we did it and held our position to the finish. The racing throughout the series was great and extremely competitive so we hope to encourage more J/24s from other islands next year. If we could have a charter fleet for the best sailors from American and Europe to use in the future, too, that would be amazing!”


After three days of intense Coastal racing in the new format Mount Gay Round Barbados Race Series, crews were happy to take time out and enjoy Mount Gay hospitality once again. This time is was in the form of a visit to the Mount Gay Rum Distillery for a spot of tasting, and a trip to the Barbados Polo Club for an exhibition match – the Mount Gay Surf & Turf Lay Day Polo Challenge. Competitors were able enjoy a fine colonial afternoon sitting under the terraces with tea and sandwiches while watching the fierce battles emerge on the pitch.

The next day, the fleet was off again on the Round Barbados Race of 60nm.  No J/24s sailing, but Lewis’s WHISTLER took the 35 and Under Class honors with an elapsed time of 7:37:06. WHISTLER also took second in CSA Racing Class during the three-day regatta held earlier— not bad for a weekend’s work to grab two “pickle-dishes” for the trophy cabinet!  For more Mount Gay Rum Around Barbados Race and Series sailing information

ZIPPER Jams Jamaica Regatta In MoBay!

(Montego Bay, Jamaica)- The Jamaica Jammin’ Regatta sailed in the clubs J/22 one-design fleet has a wonderful history of great sailors and great sailing, all in the challenging waters of Montego Bay, Jamaica.  They’ve had sailors from all across the globe, including the UK, Cayman, Bahamas and, of course, Jamaican teams from Kingston and Montego Bay, participating in past regattas.

This annual regatta is an open invitation to the global sailing community to bring a crew to Jamaica, race someone else’s boat (at no cost), get home hosted (at no cost) and get the ultimate high on a great race track for a very modest entry fee.  The perfect regatta for these tough economic times: something to look forward to during the dark winter months of our northern neighbors.

After the largest turnout ever in 2012 with every J/22 in the country sailing, 2013 was always going to be tough get all the boats back.  A late cancellation from the Cayman youth sailing coaches meant that Mark Edmunds and his dedicated followers from Cayman waved the flag this year and eight boats entered the fray.  Bruce J, we missed you again! And, young Tracy from Canada – make sure next year you plan a little better!

The forecast for Friday was 22 gusting 28 knots. Actual wind was 5 to 18 knots and so easterly that the race committee had trouble getting a mark remotely square.  Saturday turned out to be more breeze than Friday with 14 to 18 and occasional gusts of 25 kts from the ENE.  There was no local knowledge that helped as it was a case of spot the puffs at the top of the course and make sure to sail them!

The gusts were strong enough to bury Geronimo’s mast for a couple of minutes and spill all 4 crew into the water followed by an immediate broach on the other side followed by an extended period of sideways drift towards the reef with the spinnaker run to the stops.  The skipper was given special recognition at prize giving (and graciously accepted!) for rescuing themselves and the boat with all hands on deck!

One-design yacht racing in Jamaica? It’s all about clean starts, protest free, fun racing in challenging conditions.  Nothing beats it.  At the prize-giving, each crew member on the first, second and third place boats received fabulous handmade Frank May trophies with a stained timber plaque and resin hulls.

Repeat winner was Peter Harper and team sailing their yacht ZIPPER from Montego Bay YC.  Displaying much better form and jumping one notch higher on the podium in this year’s event was Mark Edmunds sailing DEFENDER to the silver from Cayman Islands Sailing Club.  Leaping up the ladder this year was Bob Mallasch’s team on their mighty yacht AYAHSO from Montego Bay YC, taking the bronze overall!

Jammin’ is a regatta of volunteers and amateurs getting together to do something they love.  Boats are loaned for the use of visitors, home hosting is arranged for those that need and land-based entertainment sorted.  The regatta first started in 1989 as the Jam-Am Invitational when there were close ties with the US J/22 sailing fraternity.  The regatta was designed as an open invitation to the USA and designed with the emphasis on fun.

The regatta evolved into an international invitational open to entries from the entire planet.  Jammin’ is now held at the beginning of December ever year for any sailors who are willing to come and risk the warm tropical trade winds, sun and the blue waters of the Caribbean. The whole event revolves around having fun on and off the water.  The winner of the event by extension is a J/22 Global Champion and obviously a “Living Legend” as every year the entire world is invited to come and play!

“Thank you’s” are due to the following for making the event happen:

• Montego Bay Yacht Club, MBYC Management Committee, Judith, Heather and Davia, MBYC Dockmaster, David and assistant Anthony, and Robbie Joseph’s “Seahorse Grill”;
• Bryan and Lyn Langford for the use of the “Pursuit” as start boat – you guys are the best!  Bryan and Lynda Langford for the prize-giving venue – Landfall- this has become the best part of the weekend;
• Race committee volunteers Robin Delisser, Lyn Langford and Carole Small- we hope that the gift of abacus and Vienna Sausages will help in the counting of laps next year;
• Carole Small for organization of names and food for prize-giving;
• J/22 owner Frank May for lending his boat while he went back to the course;
• Frank May – handmade prizes and mark management; and
• Lyn Langford for all her silly prizes.

Last, but not least, we are extremely grateful for our Sponsors:

• Biggs BBQ restaurant and bar on the hip trip for the Jammin T Shirts;
• Slam Condoms – for those quieter moments on the course; and
• Draught beer, mon!  Of course, something no sailor could do without!

For more Jamaica Jammin’ J/22 International sailing regatta information.

J/22 Governor's Cup Report

(Cayman Islands)- Her Excellency the Governor, Helen Kilpatrick, was at the Cayman Islands Sailing Club at the weekend to meet sailors before heading out onto North Sound to start the first race of the 23rd annual J/22 Governor’s Cup regatta. The two day regatta is the traditional start of the J/22 season and is always closely competed.

“I am not a sailor myself” said Mrs Kilpatrick, “but I have learned a lot today from Peta Adams and her Race Committee and am delighted to be part of it. It was especially pleasing to meet the youth sailors”.

The light winds were unusual for this event and added a different flavor to the racing as strategy became all important. Mike Farrington, who has won the last four Governor’s Cup regattas, was out in front early but did not enjoy the dominance that they have become used to. Simon Farrington, skippering “Sunshine” was close behind with his awesome Stingray spinnaker close on his brother’s stern serving as a warning that this year would not be a runaway event. Tomeaka McTaggart was also challenging hard and the Youth Team aboard “DMS”, who had very little spinnaker experience but were sailing well enough to mix it up with the best.

On the second day of racing the winds started out too light to race and after a two hour delay the fleet ventured out onto glassy seas. Race Committee had however got it right and the breeze picked up enough to run two more races. Pablo Bertran and the youth team showed they had learned quickly the mysteries of the big baggy sail and led for most of the first race being just beaten by one second at the finish line by Mark Edmunds. They were at it again in the second race showing no fear of their adult competitors but could not quite beat off Mike Farrington who finished comfortably in first place ahead of Simon and Tomeaka.

Commodore Farrington was quick to praise the youth team. “The light conditions favored the lighter crews and the youth took full advantage showing that under the coaching of Ralph Harvey they have really upped their sailing skills across the board. We hope they will now challenge us at every J22 event if they can find the time away from their Youth Olympic campaign”.  For more J/22 Cayman Islands Governor's Cup sailing information

J/22 Sailing Caymans- A Cracking Good Time Racing!

(George Town, Cayman Islands, Caribbean)- This year’s Race Cayman sailing regatta was another huge success. The annual event, now in its 5th year, featured three different categories of sailboats. The winds rarely disappoint in March and this year was no exception with strong winds and big waves on the Friday and Saturday. Sunday saw lighter conditions and the sun shining on the blue waters of North Sound producing the perfect conditions that attract our overseas sailors, many of whom return every year to take part in this event.

The J/22 International Invitational regatta, which has been run every year since 2006, attracted competitors from Germany, USA, Uruguay, South Africa, UK and the Bahamas who raced against the top three qualifying teams from Cayman. The racing was at times extremely tight and it was clear that the returning overseas teams had learned local knowledge from previous years.

The German team, skippered by Peter Karrie had clearly come to compete with their rival Mike Farrington whom they have met twice at the J/22 world championships and who has won Race Cayman for the past four years. Another returning skipper was Marc Fischer from the USA who drew the top boat in the draw and brought a strong team with him. After two days of racing, the final day dawned with Mike Farrington again commanding a good lead and Tomeaka McTaggart, another local sailor holding on to second place. The race for third place though was wide open with Germany, USA and South Africa all in with a good chance. It proved to be the Germans who took control sailing brilliantly to take two second places and claim third spot, one point ahead of the South African team.

Throughout the event, competitors were treated to some great social events, a hallmark feature of Race Cayman. Heineken and Jacques Scott were major sponsors putting on a sailing fiesta happy hour on Friday. The prize giving on Sunday was at George Town Yacht Club, a great venue for such an event.

As always there were many people involved in making the event a success, far too many to mention but special mention was afforded to Peta Adams who once again ran Race Committee alongside International judge Gilmour Manuel to a very high standard.   For more J/22 Race Cayman sailing information

J/22s Cayman Islands Regatta

(Cayman Islands)- As they have done over the past several years, the Cayman Islands Sailing Club have invited J/22 sailors from around the world to come down for some winter sailing on their gorgeous Caribbean aquamarine waters blessed with 10-20 kt trade winds each and every day you're there along with more sun-kissed, cloudless sailing than you can possibly imagine!  Teams from the United States, Bahamas, Jamaica, Germany, Netherlands have all participated in the past.

This year, Team Nefeli (GER 1328) will be starting in the Cayman Islands SC Winter Series on their borrowed boat.  They will be participating in the Race Cayman Regatta from March 15th to 17th, 2013.  The team is comprised of members from the Sailing Club Rheingau in Germany, including Peter Karrie, Falko Brown, Gina Hess and Chrissi Böhnke.
For more J/22 Race Cayman Regatta sailing information