J/CUP and the SmartTune advantage on a J/122E

 

* J/CUP and the SmartTune advantage on a J/122E
Winning four races in the J-Cup IRC 1 Class series and going into the final day with half a point lead, the J/122E JUNO sealed their victory 5.5 points clear, showing great consistency over the regatta. 

Cyclops Marine had the opportunity to catch up with skipper Toff Daniels and his mainsheet trimmer Keiron Hill to ask how SmartTune helped in their dominant win.  A jubilant Toff cut straight to the point, “it is a big step forward in trimming a race boat.”

On the mainsheet, Keiron emphasized the reassuring influence of the wireless load sensor. “The forestay load data was a really useful second check for my trimming. Looking at the main leech, I would sanity check what I was feeling with the forestay load.” 

Referring to the loads, Keiron went into more detail: “we tended to set up for the lulls upwind, with forestay around 2.1 tons. In the solid pressure, we would go to 2.5/2.6 tons using the backstay and mainsheet tension. If I got to 2.7 tons, it was too much and we really flattened out the main. It was great having the headstay number to help with this, then we looked at jib cars to de-power.”

On further discussion, Kieron pointed out one of the challenges with race boats is the balance of achieving max forestay load without over compressing and bending the mast and starving the mainsail out. “Having marks on your backstay is not enough as your mainsheet load is such a factor in inducing load on the rig, too. The whole rig is working as a dynamic structure and it is essential to have accurate data as to the impact of the loadings.” 

He went on to talk about having accessible data, “without a load sensor [SmartTune], you are just guessing. We love the product as we know it is accurate and we don’t have to mess about with wiring or calibration… it’s just wind on to the existing headstay toggles and go! It's that simple, truly a no-brainer.”

For J/122 and J/122E owners, here are the basic fast tuning numbers:

• Base forestay settings on the dock = 800kg (0.8T)
• Upwind max power (9-12 kts), hard leeches on mainsail for max power– forestay 2.1T (2,100kg). This is where they transitioned from J1 to J2 jibs.
• Upwind overpowered 13–18 kts– forestay up to 2.5/ 2.6T using combination of backstay and mainsheet. Once at 2.7T, it was too much mast compression and the main flattened out too much. At that point, above 18 kts it was time to switch to the J3 jib.

In a typical year, the J/122E JUNO would have a full program of both Solent inshore and RORC offshore races. However, this was the first Landsail Tyres J-Cup they've attended. JUNO took home their class win and the "Best Newcomer Trophy".  Sailing photo credits- Paul Wyeth  Learn more about the Cyclops Marine SmartTune here.  Learn more about the beautiful offshore racer/cruiser J/122E here.

Spectacular Finale @ Landsail Tyres J-Cup Regatta

 

(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- By invitation of Key Yachting, the 2020 Landsail Tyres J-Cup celebrated the 21st birthday of the annual regatta exclusively for J/Boats. While the regatta was somewhat different this year, the spirit of the J/Family was as strong as ever. Hosted for the first time by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the regatta was a huge success. Fifty J's with over 200 crew enjoying great racing, plus safe and secure social functions at the RORC Clubhouse in Cowes.
 
The regatta featured two National Championships. Tony & Sally Mack’s McFLY retained the J/111 National Championship and was also awarded the J-Cup. Simon Perry’s JIRAFFE won the 2020 J/109 UK National Championship. In the J/70 Class, Paul Ward’s EAT SLEEP J REPEAT was the winner for the second year in a row. IRC One was won by Christopher Daniels’ J/122 JUNO. In IRC Two, Nick Munday’s J/97 INDULJENCE was the victor.
 
Tony & Sally Mack's J/111 McFLY - J-Cup winners and J/111 UK National Champion (Paul Wyeth)

At the final prize giving ceremony, Tony & Sally Mack and team McFly got the biggest cheer of the party. This was McFLY’s fourth championship win but the first time to win the J-Cup. The final day’s racing was far from easy; Chris Jones & Louise Makin’s JOURNEYMAKER II, won the last two races. Finishing in third place, Paul Griffith’s JAGERBOMB, beat McFLY in the penultimate race. 

At the final prize giving, Key Yachting’s Hannah Le Prevost commented. “It was fantastic to see the J/111s racing again and well done to McFLY for a terrific performance. Tony and Sally Mack have been coming to the regatta for many years always with a fantastic spirit. Marie-Claude Heys (MD, Key Yachting) and I, have no hesitation in awarding the J-Cup to McFLY.”


McFLY leads the J/111 Class. (Paul Wyeth)

“One mistake and you pay for it in the J/111 Class,” commented Tony Mack. “Credit to all of the competitors, the racing was fantastic!” Sally Mack added: “The J-Cup is like a family get together; we really enjoy the friendship. It is a special occasion and really lovely to win the J-Cup.”


Simon Perry's J/109 JIRAFFE (Paul Wyeth)
 
Simon Perry’s JIRAFFE won the J/109 UK National Championship for the first time. Racing on board JIRAFFE were four members of the Perry family, and the rest of the crew are godfathers to the children and family friends. The 2019 national champion, John Smart’s JUKEBOX, was runner-up this year. David Richard’s JUMPING JELLYFISH came within a whisker of winning the championship with victory in the last race but finished third for the regatta.


2020 J/109 UK National Champion - Simon Perry's JIRAFFE. (Paul Wyeth)

“JUKEBOX had a big lead going into the final day’s racing, so we decided to go out and enjoy ourselves by sailing well and see what would happen,” commented Simon Perry. “We won the first race of the day, caught up JUKEBOX on the scoreboard, and we realized we could do it. We were 30cm ahead of JUKEBOX at the finish of the last race. It was literally that close.”


Paul Ward's J/70 EAT SLEEP J REPEAT. (Paul Wyeth)
 
Paul Ward’s J/70 EAT SLEEP J REPEAT is the reigning J/70 World Champion and the top crew of Scott, Cumbley and Trindade have come a long, long way together. However, they had to be at the top of their game to win the class. New to the J/70 is Nick Phillips’ TEAM CHAOTIC, and the young team from Parkstone YC put in a stellar performance in a RTYC charter boat to take runner-up in the 21-boat fleet. Charles Thompson’s BRUTUS managed two bullets in the series and was a close third.


J/70 fleet of 21 boats at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup (Paul Wyeth)

“To have 21 teams out racing was just superb,” smiled Paul Ward. “I have to say that the race management and shoreside organization by the RORC was first class, and that is so important. Well done especially to CHAOTIC and BRUTUS who gave us a run for our money in every race. EAT SLEEP J REPEAT are looking forward to some great racing at the J/70 UK Nationals next weekend.”


Christopher Daniel's J/122 JUNO. (Paul Wyeth)
 
Christopher Daniel’s J/122 JUNO won the ten-strong big boat class in IRC One. Going into the final day of racing, JUNO was just half a point ahead of Chaz Ivill’s J/112 DAVANTI TYRES. JUNO finished the regatta in style winning the last two races to clinch the class. DAVANTI TYRES was second with Mike & Sarah Wallis’ J/122 JAHMALI in third. Competition in IRC One was first class; DAVANTI TYRES, JAHMALI and TIGIRS and J-DREAM are all past winners of the J-Cup. This was JUNO’s first J-Cup regatta and their impressive performance also earned JUNO the North Sails Trophy for Best Newcomer. 

"JUNO normally has quite a full program of racing, but this year with all the cancelled regattas, we finally made it to the J-Cup. We are glad that we did, and we will definitely be back," commented Christopher Daniel. "Three days is a perfect length for the regatta and it was great to get boat-on-boat with other asymmetric designs. The race management and shoreside was extremely well organized with great communications, we thoroughly enjoyed the event."



Nick Munday’s J/97 INDULJENCE. (Paul Wyeth)
 
Nick Munday’s J/97 INDULJENCE scored a string of five bullets and two second places to win IRC Two, Nick was sailing with a crew including son Adam Munday, from regatta sponsor Ocean Rope. David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J’RONIMO was second, David is a veteran of the J-Cup as depicted by his J-Cup 2000 t-shirt, which still fits! Making their debut regatta was Lawrence Barnett’s J/97 JACKAROO, and a great performance lifted the team to third in class.


Nick Munday’s J/97 INDULJENCE. (Paul Wyeth)

“It was just fantastic to get out racing, it is something we really enjoy, and a lot of credit should go to Key Yachting for getting the regatta on,” commented INDULJENCE’s Adam Munday. “The competition was good especially with J’RONIMO, and it took us a little time to get going, as we do not race as much these days. As regatta sponsor Ocean Rope, many of the J/Boats are customers, and personally we were absolutely blown away by the generosity of all the sponsors. In particular, B&G donating a superb chart plotter. All of the prizes were well thought out; items that sailors really want.” commented Munday.


Ian Poynton's POWDER MONKEY winner of the Nipper Trophy. (Paul Wyeth)

While the racing champions receive great applause from their competitors, the Landsail Tyres J-Cup, also acknowledges great spirit and friendship. The Nipper Trophy is awarded to someone who acted in the spirit of the event. This year’s winner was Ian Poynton racing J/70 POWDER MONKEY. Faced with reducing his crew to accommodate Covid-19 restrictions for the regatta, Ian chose to charter another boat as a solution, which was named POWDER MONKEY JOBSEEKERS, and crewed by university graduates, looking for employment in these difficult times. Well done to Ian Poynton!

The 22nd edition of the regatta will be organized by the Royal Southern Yacht Club by invitation of Key Yachting, 24-26 June 2021. There is a prize for the first entry! Sailing photo credits- Paul Wyeth  For more J-CUP United Kingdom sailing information.

Gorgeous Landsail Tyres J-Cup UK Regatta!

 

(Cowes, England)- Fifty J/Boats have entered the Landsail Tyres J-Cup and the sizable fleet had a thrilling start to the three-day regatta with a fresh south-westerly breeze gusting over 25 knots. The RORC Race Team, led by PRO Stuart Childerley, completed one race for all classes before the tide changed, stirring up an already agitated Solent. Class winners on the opening day were Gavin Howe’s J/88 Tigris, David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J’Ronimo, Tony & Sally Mack’s J/111 McFly, Simon Perry’s J/109 Jiraffe and Paul Ward’s J/70 Eat, Sleep, J, Repeat.

In IRC One, three former J-Cup winners filled the podium for the first race of the regatta. Gavin Howe’s J/88 Tigris won by just 22 seconds on corrected time from David & Kirsty Apthorp’s J/88 J-Dream. Chaz Ivill’s J/112E Davanti Tyres was third.

“I am delighted with the team’s performance today,” commented Gavin Howe. “The race was very competitive. In the conditions we decided not to hoist are spinnaker on the downwind leg and J-Dream decided to go for it and passed us. However, Tigris fought back to win, which was delightful.”

In IRC Two, David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J’Ronimo reveled in the conditions to take line honours and the race win after time correction by nearly three minutes. Nick Munday’s J/97 Induljence was second and Becky Walford’s J/92 Brenda’s J was third.

Volvo Ocean Race sailor Libby Greenhalgh is navigator and tactician for her father driving J’Ronimo. “We went for an early reef on J’Ronimo and sailed the course that suited our boat rather than following the fleet,” she commented. “Our overall strategy was to minimize tacks and race in flat water, rather than use the tide.”

In the J/111 Class, Tony & Sally Mack’s McFly opened their defense of the J/111 UK National Championship with a solid performance taking the race win. Chris Jones’ Journeymaker II was second and Tim Tolcher’s Raging Bull 2 was third.

In the J/109 Class, also their UK National Championship, Simon Perry’s Jiraffe was today’s race winner. Mike & Susie Yates’ Jago was second and David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish was third.


Paul Ward’s Eat, Sleep, J, Repeat won a high-speed encounter in the J/70 Class. Nick Phillips racing RTYC Charter boat Chaotic, only racing in a J/70 for the second time, was runner up. Tim Collins racing EV Experts was third.

The daily prize givings were held at the RORC Clubhouse. Dividing the fleet for social distancing, the J Boat family enjoyed complimentary pasta and a bottle beer and applauded today’s prize winners. Racing continues tomorrow, Friday 4th September, with lighter winds forecast for the Landsail Tyres J-Cup.

Key Yachting and the Royal Ocean Racing Club have been hard at work to maintain safety of all involved, both ashore and afloat. The sailing instructions include details of COVID-19 procedures. There is also a no spinnaker/gennaker wind limit designed to work with reduced crew numbers. All Competitors are welcome at the RORC Cowes clubhouse during the event.
 
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.   Sailing photo credits- Paul Wyeth   For more J/Cup UK Regatta sailing informationAdd to Flipboard Magazine.

Landsail Tyres J-Cup UK Update

(Cowes, England)- Fifty J/Boats have entered the Landsail Tyres J-Cup and the sizable fleet had a thrilling start to the three-day regatta with a fresh south-westerly breeze gusting over 25 knots. The RORC Race Team, led by PRO Stuart Childerley, completed one race for all classes before the tide changed, stirring up an already agitated Solent. Class winners on the opening day were Gavin Howe’s J/88 Tigris, David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J’Ronimo, Tony & Sally Mack’s J/111 McFly, Simon Perry’s J/109 Jiraffe and Paul Ward’s J/70 Eat, Sleep, J, Repeat.


In IRC One, three former J-Cup winners filled the podium for the first race of the regatta. Gavin Howe’s J/88 Tigris won by just 22 seconds on corrected time from David & Kirsty Apthorp’s J/88 J-Dream. Chaz Ivill’s J/112E Davanti Tyres was third.

“I am delighted with the team’s performance today,” commented Gavin Howe. “The race was very competitive. In the conditions we decided not to hoist are spinnaker on the downwind leg and J-Dream decided to go for it and passed us. However, Tigris fought back to win, which was delightful.”

In IRC Two, David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J’Ronimo reveled in the conditions to take line honours and the race win after time correction by nearly three minutes. Nick Munday’s J/97 Induljence was second and Becky Walford’s J/92 Brenda’s J was third.

Volvo Ocean Race sailor Libby Greenhalgh is navigator and tactician for her father driving J’Ronimo. “We went for an early reef on J’Ronimo and sailed the course that suited our boat rather than following the fleet,” she commented. “Our overall strategy was to minimize tacks and race in flat water, rather than use the tide.”


In the J/111 Class, Tony & Sally Mack’s McFly opened their defense of the J/111 UK National Championship with a solid performance taking the race win. Chris Jones’ Journeymaker II was second and Tim Tolcher’s Raging Bull 2 was third.

In the J/109 Class, also their UK National Championship, Simon Perry’s Jiraffe was today’s race winner. Mike & Susie Yates’ Jago was second and David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish was third.

Paul Ward’s Eat, Sleep, J, Repeat won a high-speed encounter in the J/70 Class. Nick Phillips racing RTYC Charter boat Chaotic, only racing in a J/70 for the second time, was runner up. Tim Collins racing EV Experts was third.


The daily prize givings were held at the RORC Clubhouse. Dividing the fleet for social distancing, the J Boat family enjoyed complimentary pasta and a bottle beer and applauded today’s prize winners. Racing continues tomorrow, Friday 4th September, with lighter winds forecast for the Landsail Tyres J-Cup.

Key Yachting and the Royal Ocean Racing Club have been hard at work to maintain safety of all involved, both ashore and afloat. The sailing instructions include details of COVID-19 procedures. There is also a no spinnaker/gennaker wind limit designed to work with reduced crew numbers. All Competitors are welcome at the RORC Cowes clubhouse during the event.

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.   Sailing photo credits- Paul Wyeth  For more J/Cup UK Regatta sailing information Add 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.

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.

RORC Summer Series- Part II Preview

(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- The second of the Royal Ocean Racing Club's Summer Series will be taking place this weekend for pandemic "escapees"! Just kidding, of course. But, for those who have been lucky enough to get out on the water, the feeling of freedom and happiness is inescapable! 

The first warning signal is scheduled 09:20 BST on Saturday, 15th August off the famous Royal Yacht Squadron starting line.  An iconic starting line as any in the world.

“With a very changeable weather forecast, the RORC Race Committee will be waiting for as long as possible to determine the course,” commented RORC Deputy Racing Manager, Tim Thubron. “It is likely that the fleet will be starting to the west from the Squadron Line and racing in the area of Poole Bay with the potential of sending the fleet south into the English Channel. The RORC will be keeping all competitors informed of any decision on the course for the race.”

A number of J/Teams are looking forward to a weekend on the water.  In the IRC 1 Class, we find Mike O’Donnell's J/121 DARKWOOD with his team of multiple XOD Captain's Cup winners onboard.

Then, in the IRC 2 Class, Chris Daniel's J/122E JUNO, the RORC 2019 Performance 50 Champion, will be facing an eclectic mix of boats.

Sam Cooper's J/88 TIGRIS will have his hands full sailing against thirteen-boats in IRC 3 Class, the largest in the event. His colleagues include two J/109s- Chris Burleigh's JYBE TALKIN' and Joppe Schepers & Jasper Heilkens' JOMALIJA.

In the six-boat IRC 4 Class is Jerry Freeman's well-known J/105 JULIETTE.

Finally, in the IRC 2H Doublehanded class is the Scheppers/ Heikens J/109 JOMALIJA and Freeman's J/105 JULIETTE. Both scoring in two different classes.

In summary: permitted crew can be up to a maximum of 6 people from any household or two-thirds of a boat’s IRC crew number, whichever is the least. Competitors are also reminded of the United Kingdom government guidance on social distancing and other Covid-19 measures. For more RORC Summer Series information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

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A J/122 is a superlative boat, a true race-winning horse that also allows you to cruise as a family. Carbon mast, carbon boom and a huge inventory of NORTH SAILS sails in very good condition. Version 3 with double cabins and a bathroom. Consult us the complete list of equipment. Nautamarine- we are the exclusive distributors for Spain of the J/Boats.  Learn more about this J/122 here.

Round Isle of Wight Race Preview

(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- The Royal Ocean Racing Club has over 100 entries for "Race the Wight", scheduled to start on Saturday, 1st August. All entry fees will be donated to the NHS Trust and the Scaramouche Sailing Trust. Race the Wight will be the first of a four-race RORC mini-series during August and September.

“As a charity, we rely on donations and grants. Every pound we receive goes towards getting more students from different backgrounds sailing,” commented Jon Holt, Scaramouche Sailing Trust. “Our next big goal is to be on the start line of the Rolex Fastnet Race 2021. We are grateful for the ongoing support from RORC and proud to be named as one of the charities for the race.” The Greig City Academy will have upwards of a dozen students on different boats for the race.

IRC Classes for the 60.0 nm race around the Isle of Wight are still to be confirmed. However, early entries indicate a fleet full of champions with any number of potential victors.


Thirty-two J/Crews are entered in the race, looking forward to their picturesque circumnavigation of the Isle of Wight. Sailing in the thirteen-boat IRC 1 Class is Mike O’Donnell’s J/121 DARKWOOD; they won last year’s RORC Channel Race and will be competing with a crew of five.

“With water ballast and a sail configuration designed for short-handed sailing, we are actually sailing with our optimum crew, even with the restrictions,” commented Michael O’Donnell.  “The race around the Isle of Wight, starting at the Royal Yacht Squadron, is possibly the most iconic in the world - we just can’t wait to get out there.”

In the twenty-three boat IRC 2 Class are a duo of J/122s and quartet of J/111s. The J/111 teams include Chris Jones' JOURNEYMAKER II, Simon Banford's KESTREL, Tim Tolcher's RAGING BULL, and Simon Grier-Jones' SNOW LEOPARD. The 122's sailing are Clive Miles' JANGLE and Andy Theobald's R&W.

The enormous forty-three boat IRC 3 Class includes some of the top J/Crews that race on the Solent. Two J/112E's are racing- Jim Chalmers' HAPPY DAIZE and Bruce Huber's XANABOO. Joining them are two J/88s- Alistair Ray's JUMUNU 5 and Gavin Howe & Sam Cooper's TIGRIS. Joining them is Jim Owen's J/99 JET. Then, eight J/109s are racing, that include notables like Simon Perry's JIRAFFE, Rob Cotterill's MOJO RISIN, Mike Yates JAGO, and Chris Burleigh's JYBE TALKIN. As the lowest rated boat, Tom Hayhoe and Natalie Jobling will be racing J/105 MOSTLY HARMLESS Two-Handed and both work for the NHS Trust.


Another enormous forty-three boat IRC 4 Class has Dave McGough's J/109 JUST SO, four J/105s (Mark Stevens JACANA, Bill Newton's JELLY BABY, Steve Roberts' JIN TONIC, and Jerry Freeman's JULIETTE). Joining them are Rachel Woods and Robert Hunt's J/97 JUMBLESAIL 2, Jack Banks' J/92 NIGHTJAR, Robert Salter's J/92 JACKDAW and two J/80s (Keith Willis' DARK & STORMY 2 and Ross Bowder's JUSTIFY).

Notably, the largest class is the IRC Doublehanded Class with forty-four boats!  Those teams include Jones' J/111 JOURNEYMAKER II, Miles' J/122 JANGLE, Frans van Cappelle's J/122E MOANA, Howes' J/88 TIGRIS, Joppe Scheppers & Jasper Heikens' J/109 JOMALIJA, Yates' J/109 JAGO, Hayhoe & Jobling's J/105 MOSTLY HARMLESS, Roberts' J/105 JIN TONIC, Freeman's J/105 JULIETTE, and Woods & Hunt's J/97 JUMBLESAIL 2.

In summary: permitted crew can be up to a maximum of 6 people from any household or two-thirds of a boat’s IRC crew number, whichever is the least. Competitors are also reminded of the government guidance on social distancing and other Covid-19 pandemic measures.  For more RORC sailing information, including online entry. Add to Flipboard Magazine.

How World Sailing & World Sport Needs to Adjust

(English Harbour, Antigua)- We know Pamala Baldwin through her sailing exploits, as the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) had awarded the Antigua-based skipper and her J/122 LIQUID team the CSA Traveler’s Trophy for the second year running.

Although the 2020 racing season was cut short due to the worldwide COVID-19 disease, Team LIQUID had already earned a class win in CSA 1 at Grenada Sailing Week, second in CSA 2 in the RORC Caribbean 600, and second in CSA 3 at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

However, it is her professional side which she shares in this update on how the coronavirus pandemic was impacting her region and the world:

"My business is recruiting for hospitality, super yachts, and professional race (sailing) crews. For hours every day, I speak with medical research professionals, hotel chain owners, private jet companies, regatta organizers, and economists.

Here’s the collective opinion of the disease’s impact; they all agree the pandemic is here to stay for years as no vaccine will work because COVID-19 keeps morphing. A nightmare!

Last week was a good example. As soon as outsiders arrived in Antigua, we went from zero cases to 69 (all from America)!!

It seems the only way to assure safety, and to move forward with sailing and racing, is to organize for all arrivals to be pre-tested BEFORE they travel. Nothing else will work. This is a huge undertaking, to be coordinated with airlines and the World Health Organization, and the ports which yachts are entering. Seems implausible, but most likely true.

So, something radical has to be in place. If arrivals enter our countries and are tested positive, they’ll not be able to enjoy anything, they’ll be quarantined, so the only solution is preemptive- a pre-flight or pre-passage test and quarantine until take-off."  Thanks for contribution from Scuttlebutt Sailing (http://sailingscuttlebutt.com).

Gorgeous J/122E For Sale in Scotland!

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This week we are featuring a gorgeous J/122E that is currently lying in Glasgow, Scotland. She is ready to hop aboard and enjoy a spectacular cruise of the northwestern archipelago off Scotland- thousands of islands and spectacular vistas. Then, sail her south to the Mediterranean for the winter in the Greek archipelago or a tour of the eastern Adriatic Sea! The perfect getaway offshore cruiser.

This J/122E is in brand new condition. She has a Carbon Mast, 7 North Sails, complete B&G H5000 Instrument system (autopilot, chart plotter), and a cold fridge.   Learn more about the J/122E here. Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Smart Tune/ Smart Link Update

(Southampton, England)- Cyclops Marine and the Smart Tune/ Smart Link range of products have continued to evolve since its introduction in 2018 by innovative J/Sailors with backgrounds in engineering from the famous colleges in England- Cambridge and Oxford. The wireless rig sensor replaces your current forestay/ shroud turnbuckle fittings. They have been fitted already on J/99s, J/109s, J/111s and J/122s across the United Kingdom, Europe, and North America.

Peter Gustafsson, owner of the famous J/111 BLUR.SE, explained his experiences with the Smart Tune fitting and Smart Link for his B&G instruments system.

"In August, we installed a Smart Tune to measure forestay tension. The initial impressions were great; installation was super simple and having the tension on the mast display made communication much easier.


After sailing the Rolex Middle Sea Race and also the Coastal Race in Malta (we had a very shifty upwind leg) we also had some data to work with. Above is the forestay tension (in kg) as a function of TWS (in knots). So, in 12 knots of wind, 1400 kg is a good starting point with the J2 jib on our J/111.

This is just the first iteration, and we need more data before this becomes a cheat-sheet in the cockpit. But, it felt great to be able to convert our experience, and prior references on the backstay, to hard numbers.  Also, communication with our crew/ trimmers worked very well, and it felt we could be more proactive with backstay tension when we have the numbers in view rather than flying blind behind us…"   Read more here.


Video of the Smart Tune and Smart Link system at work

In a recent development, Cyclops Marine is supporting Sir Ben Ainslie and INEOS TEAM UK in their bid to bring the America’s Cup back home to Great Britain (last time it was there was in 1851)! The INEOS TEAM will be using both Smart Tune and Smart Link state-of-the-art wireless load-sensing products.


“Cyclops is proud to have our expertise contribute to the British America’s Cup challenge”, explained Ian Howarth, Cyclops Marine’s CEO. “And, it's fantastic that INEOS TEAM UK chose to utilize our leading-edge technology to help them with their data requirements".  Read more here about INEOS TEAM UK data.

The NEW Sports Boat Smart Tune is due to be introduced to the market by June 2020, just in time to go sailing again! This new smaller size will be well-suited for J/22s, J/24s, J/70s, and J/80s. You can use them to "dial-in" repeatable, fast settings on your boat just using your mobile phone and the Smart Tune app.  Learn more about Smart Tune and Smart Link here Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Offshore Distance Racing "How-To" Series

Distance sailboat racing is a growing segment of sailing. Offering new and different challenges, distance races around the world have attracted sailors with various degrees of offshore experience.

In particular, offshore shorthanded and doublehanded sailing continues to grow participation the fastest across the USA and Europe.  Adding fuel to that fire was the recent announcement by World Sailing and the Olympics 2024 Committee that a new sailing medal competition will be held for a Doublehanded Mixed Offshore Keelboat Race during the Olympics 2024 in France.

The concept is a simple one, a male/female team sailing a 28-foot offshore sailboat start on the first day of the Olympic Games and sail for 40 to 60 hours over an approximate 250 to 300 nm offshore race course, starting and finishing off the Mediterranean port of Marseille, France. The entire experience will be televised globally and followed online via blogging and social media.

As noted above, US Sailing selected the J/88 class as the boat for the Chicago-Mackinac Race qualifying event for the 2020 World Doublehanded Mixed Offshore Championship being held in late summer/ early fall on the Mediterranean.

As part of an offshore team's preparation for the 2020 sailing season, here is a short three-part series with some essential tips-and-tricks for the novice distance racer and reminders for those salty offshore veterans. The Quantum Team teamed up with offshore expert Dave Gerber for these critical on-board processes and maneuvers:

• PART 1: Four simple on-board optimizations
• PART 2: Reefing your mainsail
• PART 3: Mastering Headsail Changes

Watch the helpful "how-to" instructional sailing videos here


Flip

J/122 Wins 100nm West Coaster!

(Perth, Western Australia)- The J/122 JOSS from Perth is starting the new season the way they finished the last – winning!  Last weekend’s race was 10.00nm West Coaster Ocean Race from Fremantle to Yanchep and return, the race was hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club (FSC).


100.0nm may not sound too bad, nor terribly challenging. However, with very light winds forecast, a very "un-Perth-like Freemantle Doctor", the race turned into an endurance contest. The race took 23hrs 55mins, which meant the focus was on endurance, concentration and keeping the boat moving.

Owner Ian Clyne commented, “JOSS had a long, at times frustrating, but very rewarding FSC West Coaster Ocean Race.  There were huge holes along the route, so the focus was to just keep moving. The J/122 keeps going even in 5 knots of wind, so we knew we were in with a chance, and were very happy with the result. Knowing the forecast was for light winds, we were conscious of crew weight, and kept the sail wardrobe to a minimum. The A1.5 kite is just a brilliant sail as well as the Code Zero.

The race started in North Fremantle and headed due west to pass to the south side of Rottnest Island. Then, we headed north to round a virtual turn mark at Yanchep, then a zig zag SE, North, SE back to Fremantle.

On the final leg, there was zero wind along the beaches and zero wind off Rottnest Island, but a small line of breeze in the center, so the crew took full advantage and tacked back and forth to keep within the narrow breeze band. JOSS finished a clear 37minutes ahead of the competition on IRC."

JOSS is currently leading the Blue Water season point score. Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Hamble Winter Series Weekend VI- Zephyrs and Streaks!

(Hamble, England)- The famous Hamble Winter Series continued on the Solent and Southampton Water, hosted by the Hamble River Sailing Club. The classes include IRC handicap as well as a one-design fleet of J/88s. This past weekend marked the sixth weekend of sailing in challenging fall weather conditions...only one race was sailed due to a very light, shifty, and streaky northerly breeze blowing offshore.

The battle in IRC 1 Class continues. Falling off the pace a bit in the trying conditions was Chaz Ivill’s J/112E DAVANTI TYRES, posting a 5th place to fall one point back from first place after two discards were counted. A major tactical blunder sent them down the mineshaft quickly, never able to fully recover in the short 1.5-hour race.

The IRC 2 class looks to be a runaway for Simon Perry's J/109 JIRAFFE, having never finished worse than 3rd place in the entire series to date. Currently, the JIRAFFE team are throwing out an amazing 2-3 to count just 8 pts in eight races- e.g. all firsts! Ten points behind them is Gavin Howe's J/88 TIGRIS with 18 pts net; feeling better about winning the 10th race of the series in the light stuff.  In fourth overall is Dirk van Beek's J/88 SABRIEL JR and in fifth place is Mike & Susie Yates' J/109 JAGO.

The famous Greenhalgh family boat, their J/92 J'RONIMO, is not likely to overcome their massive beginning of series deficit of three DNC's in a row to win IRC 3 Class like they have in the past. However, there is a reasonable mathematical chance they can, hopefully, hop on the podium in the bronze position as they are just 8 pts out of contention in a fleet that has proven to take nosedives on occasion.

Finally, in the J/88 class, Howe's TIGRIS is leading that grouping, followed by Van Beek's SABRIEL JR in second, and Richard Cooper's JONGLEUR in third place.   Shaun Rosters pictures can be found here.   Sailing photo credits- Paul Wyeth/ PWPictures.com   For more Hamble Winter Series sailing information
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