J/133 PATRIOT Sailing Again Down Under

We received an update from J/133 owner of PATRIOT from Sydney, Australia- Jason Close:

"We have had little sailing since Sydney- Hobart due to our state Victoria’s unbelievably harsh restrictions due to Covid 19 (which we are still in lockdown after 6 months!)

We did manage to race in the Sail Peninsula regatta in February and won the overall measurement rating division out of 21 entrants (which included a new J/121, which we had some great racing with). This was a good result for us after our solid Hobart campaign.

Here are photos of us on the water in the passing Tasman Island and entering Storm Bay in the final stages of the Sydney Hobart Race. The other photo is our team shot on the dock at Hobart.

We are yet to make immediate future racing plans due to our restrictions, but hopefully, we can finalize things in the upcoming weeks, fingers crossed!" (Editor's Note- we mistakenly attributed Jason's PATRIOT class win in the 2019 Sydney Hobart to another colleague's J/133. Apologies to all). :)

J/88 JIYUU Winning Hobart Offshore Double Series

(Hobart, Tasmania)- The J/88 JIYUU, owned by Peter & Karen Davis, have been sailing their boat in the Hobart Doublehanded series on the Derwent River.  This past weekend, they had an opportunity to sail a 12.0nm race up and down the river in the always tactically demanding conditions on the river- there are some big hills (mountains & cliffs!) that cause amazing cat’s-paws and tornado-like puffs to whirl down the river!  Here is Peter’s report on their most recent adventures:

“We had a great day on the river today. Karen and I have entered JIYUU in the Doublehanded Long Race Series and today was the first race.

Finally, we had a lovely sunny day with a light sea breeze that started at 5 knots and gradually built to about 12 knots- perfect for a short-handed J/88!

The race was a windward and return down the Derwent, finishing through the famous Sydney-Hobart finish line with our new A2 spinnaker on display.

We ended up 2nd across the line boat-for-boat!  In fact, we were only 11 seconds behind the Marten 49 "Tilt" after 3 hours of racing!  Incredible!  As a result, we finished 1st on AMS, and 5th on PHS (the smaller boats ran up behind us with the freshening sea breeze).

This picture was taken by one of Matthew's friends who was the crew on Tilt as we crossed gybes just before the finish line!  Needless to say, they were amazed at our overall performance! Cheers, Peter”  For more J/88 family speedster sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

J/88 Razzes Offshore Fleet In Taz!

(Hobart, Tasmania)- Australia’s southern-most J/88 has been competing in the Combined Clubs Long Race series out of Hobart, Tasmania, and has recently claimed its first corrected time victory against much larger boats. The Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, the Derwent Sailing Squadron and the Bellerive Yacht Club conduct the long race series jointly, with races typically being 30-50 nautical miles in length. There are 28 yachts competing in the mixed fleet, including a Reichel Pugh 66, Marten 49 and Sydney 47.

New J/88 owners Peter and Karen Davis have raced JIYUU in the first 3 races of the season, and have scored results of 9, 3 and 1 on AMS corrected time. The first race down the Dentrecasteaux Channel was a real test for their first outing, with winds reaching 50 knots on the beat back up the river.

“We saw 18 knots on the speedo whilst running down the river under A2,” said Peter, “but unfortunately broached just before the leeward mark which took the edge off the day”.

The second race was a more manageable affair, and a building sea breeze saw the J/88 run up the river under (new) A2 to catch a number of larger boats.

The third race was the highlight, with a lot of spinnaker work, and a delightful sunny day with light winds.

“We found the J/88 kept moving in the lighter breezes, and accelerated rapidly under kite when the breeze came in,” said Peter.  The J/88 finished 12th on line honours, and first overall on corrected time.  For more J/88 sailboat information

J/122 Sailing Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race

(Sydney, Australia)- In less than 39 days, ninety-seven boats from Australia, New Zealand, USA, UK, Sweden, Germany, China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea will be lining up in Sydney Harbour for the 2016 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race.  The YouTube video sailing preview can be found here.

One of the competing yachts is the J/122 JACKPOT, skippered by Adrian van Bellen. Their team has been practicing a lot as a work-up to what is famous for being one of the world’s toughest yacht races anywhere. For the past 71 years, the Rolex Sydney Hobart has become an icon of Australia's summer sport, ranking in public interest with such national events as the Melbourne Cup horse race, the Australian Open tennis and the cricket tests between Australia and England. No regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage than does the start on Sydney Harbour.

The weather can be benign or treacherous.  In most cases, it is the later.  Like the two current round-the-world record attempts with 130 ft trimarans (one a singlehander, one a fully-crewed team) and the leading boats in the Vendee Globe Race, experienced sailors are well-aware of how quickly forecasts can change in the southern latitudes, particularly in the infamous Bass Straits, the relatively shallow body of water between the southeastern tip of Australia and the northernmost point of Tasmania.  It’s where the southerly flowing Australian current rolling at 2 to 4 kts often meets strong west to southwest winds in the 15-25 kts range, sometimes in the 40-60 kts range!  To say the least, seas can be steep and nasty with the wind on the nose!  A winning combination for a fast, well-sailed J/122, like van Bellen’s experienced crew on JACKPOT.  More news around Christmas-time!  For more Rolex Sydney to Hobart Race sailing information

Australia's J/111 JOUST Update

(Melbourne, Australia)- From way, way Down Under, it’s clear our comrades-in-arms racing J’s all over eastern and western Australia, Tasmania as well as Auckland, New Zealand are having a wonderful time rolling from spring-time sailing into summer-time sailing conditions.  No more winter gales!

Racing in Port Phillip Bay from Melbourne is the J/111 JOUST.  Sailed by Sandringham YC member Rod Warren and crew, they continue to gather pickle dishes and random silverware for their trophy cupboards.  However, according to Mike, a crew on JOUST, apparently “Mum wishes we would win some pickling jars for our jam or, better yet, a bathtub beer-making kit for the crew!”  He goes on to say that, “we just wanted to let you know that on the other side of the world, the weather is perfect for keelboat racing!  Over 16 knots in a very shifty breeze here, but it’s warm, too! Rip off the foulies and come join us, there are two J/111's at Sandringham Yacht Club havin a rollickin’ good time and havin a go at each other!”  Cheers, Mike Harrison

Cronulla J/24 Short Course Is The Bomb!

(Sydney, Australia)- “Hello all J/24 sailors near and far.  Ever been to Sydney, Australia?  If not, then you need to come down and join us for the extremely famous Macquart Marine Cronulla J/24 Short Course Regatta!

Starting 3 years ago, the Cronulla Sailing Club became the retirement home for a number of J/24 yachts in Australia. We thought, let's get these great boats out and racing; focusing on participation and not just regular J/24 class “sausage racing”.  When we mean ‘short course’, they really are short courses— and different kinds, too!

Now, three years on, our fleet is still growing.  Moreover, some newer boats are arriving and some of our boats are making the journey to other states for regattas.  For example, many of our teams at Cronulla sailed the Vic States that saw 27 boats competing, a record for some years!

Our regatta is from the 6th to 8th of June at the Cronulla Sailing Club, Sydney Australia.  We invite anyone with a pulse to join us Down Under in our cozy little corner of the world!”  Thanks to Mick Reynolds, CSC Regatta organizer (email- j24aus1646@gmail.com).  For more Cronulla J/24 Short Course Regatta sailing information

Sydney-Hobart Winner Had J/24 Secret Weapon!

(Hobart, Tasmania)- Congratulations to Rolex Sydney-Hobart Winner VICTOIRE and her skipper/owner Darryl Hodgkinson.  Darryl had a “secret weapon” on-board-- tactician and strategist Sean Kirkjian from the local Sydney Harbour J/24 fleet.  Sean has been known in J/24 World sailing circles for decades; he’s a long-time winner at a National level sailing J/24s in Australia.  Sean recently placed 2nd in the J/24 Australian NSW State Championships (see http://www.j24.com.au/).  Next up for him is the Australian J/24 Nationals this coming weekend hosted by Royal Prince Edward YC in Sydney Harbour!

Hodgkinson, a plastic surgeon from Sydney, bought VICTOIRE as a birthday present to himself and told his wife his goal was a two-year plan to win the Rolex Sydney Hobart Race -- he fast tracked the timeline, succeeding on his first try. This was Hodgkinson’s third go at the race, having competed in 2010 and 2011.

Elated with the win, Hodgkinson said, “This is the culmination of a great campaign, it’s a personal victory and one I share with all sailors who did the race. I feel somewhat humbled to have won.”

The exuberant skipper was quick to praise his mostly amateur crew and put the win down to meticulous planning and preparation. He praised tactician and strategist Sean Kirkjian – a 17-time race veteran – and said, “He’s a wizard, who is just playing ‘ocean chess’ all the time”.  As well he touted Danny McConville (who prepared the boat), Patrick Eadie (the navigator) and their “weather guy” from Perth, Australia.  A great story about how they managed to pull off a surprise win against all the “big boys” which included five Maxi 100’s and two winning Volvo 70’s on the start line with all professional crews.

J/70 @ Sanctuary Cove Show

(Sanctuary Cove, Australia)- This coming weekend, the J/70 will debut at the 25th Anniversary Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show from May 23rd to 26th. Located on the gorgeous "Gold Coast" of Queensland in eastern Australia (just south of Brisbane), be sure to take a hike with your family and friends to enjoy the fabulous beaches, islands and learn more about how the J/70 can be your next trailer-sailer for your "mates, kids and the ladies".

In fact, speaking of the ladies, the show features "Women on Water- High Tea on the High Seas" on Saturday and Sunday!  Ladies, leave the men at the Boat Show and embark on one of two special cruises full of fun and frivolity! Hosted by Channel 7 personalities, Kimberley Busteed and Liz Cantor, enjoy two hours cruising, complimentary bubbles, a light lunch, pampering sessions, on-board entertainment, prizes and gifts! "WoW Seminars" for the women also include "How to Furnish you boat" hosted by BoatStyle, "Basics of Sailing" hosted by Sunshine Sailing Australia, and "Look Your Best on Your Boat" hosted by Hypoxi Body Botique.  Sorry guys, none of this is for you.

In fact, the perfect W.O.W. sailboat is the J/70 trailerable speedster!  Easy-to-sail even in 20+ kts breeze racing, a frolic for the ladies for a bubbly champagne evening sunset sail.  Like this gorgeous, fashionable woman seen here winning silverware sailing her J/70!

Please be sure to contact J/Dealer Yachtspot at "info@yachtspot.com.au" or telephone- +61-2-9449-4976 for a demo sail or appointment at the show!   For more J/70 and Sanctuary Cove Boat Show information

J/35 Smokin' Down Derwent

(Hobart, Tasmania)- A powerful, hot and smokey northerly wind, bringing heatwave conditions to Hobart, sent the fleet 'smokin' down the Derwent in today's final pre-Christmas Combined Clubs harbour racing series.

The temperature in Hobart peaked at 33 degrees, the north to north-westerly wind averaged 25 knots, gusting to more than 30 knots and more as it funnelled down the river below the Tasman Bridge.

The wooden mast of the 77 year old Derwent class yacht Gnome broke under the pressure and the gusty wind saw some spectacular broaches under spinnaker, including the Farr 40 and a large sportboat that was forced to retire after a mid-river broach as she planed downwind.  The strong breeze contributed to some last day changes in the final point scores for the Combined Clubs pre-Christmas harbour series.

Group 1 ended with three different winners of each of the three handicap categories after two final windward/leeward races today.  Nevertheless, the solid, fast J/35 MEM, skippered by Paul Boutchard, finished with a 2nd and a 4th to win the PHS category with a record of 1-8-1-1-3-3-2-2-4-2 for a net 15 points, ahead of Don Calvert's Castro 40, Intrigue, on 22 points and Darren Clark's Farr 1104, Invincible, on 28 points.  The wins by Paul Bouthard’s J/35 under PHS handicaps was the stand-out performance in the handicap divisions.

The J/35 MEM will always be remembered as the yacht owned by then Sydney-based yachtsman, John Quinn, from which he was tossed overboard when huge waves engulfed the boat in the Tasman Sea during the 1993 Sydney Hobart Race.

Quinn courageously dog-paddled for just short of six hours before being unbelievably heard by a crew member aboard the tanker, Ampol Sorel, before being picked up by fellow competitor, Atara, owned by John Storey. Atara’s crew did all the right things as they headed to Eden and Quinn was able to walk off the yacht unaided.

Quinn sold MEM and she now lives a more sedate life racing on the River Derwent. Quinn returned to ocean racing and the Sydney Hobart, despite his ordeal, but has now retired from the sport and lives of Hobart.

The Combined Clubs post-Christmas harbour series will start on Saturday, 12 January 2013.  Thanks for contribution from Peter Campbell.  For more Derwent Sailing Squadron sailing information

ANOTHER TOY Wins J/24 Tasmanians

(Hobart, Tasmania, Australia)- Held on Sunday 18th March and sailed in what many in the fleet refer to as “J Weather” the 2012 Tasmanian titles where hosted by the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania in that wonderful city called Hobart.  Five boats contested 4 out of the 5 scheduled races held in near perfect conditions on the River Derwent featuring bright sunshine and 5-10 knot winds.

Looking to defend their 2011 title, the crew of ANOTHER TOY where early favourites and proved to be well deserving of this status winning all 4 races to retain their title.  Owner Greg Rowlings and regatta helm Peter Pangas were pleased with their victory after campaigning the boat strongly all summer which also included winning the Royal Hobart Regatta Lipton Trophy, The Showdown Regatta and finishing equal first (second on count back) for the 2012 Crown Series Regatta.

Having sailed close to ANOTHER TOY all day, Peter Bingham’s STREET CAR finished in 2nd place, having finished 2nd in 3 of out 4 races. Craig Squires' DIVINE MADNESS was a constant performer and finished a well deserved 3rd place.

The newly renamed WHISTLER J (formally DRUMBEAT) was the surprise of the day picking up a second place in race 3 after a near perfect start that saw them lead the fleet approaching the top mark. Helm Jory Linscott, whose star studded crew had never sailed the J/24 before, looked very excited when crossing the line.

Newcomer to the class Martin Pieterse, sailing STORM PETREL with James Anderson at the helm rounded out the fleet and showed moments of speed and close racing, picking up two 4th spot finishes. A pleasing result for a boat and crew that only came together a week prior to the regatta.

The Tasmanian Association would like to thank the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania for hosting the regatta and their continued support for J/24 sailing in the state.  Thanks for the contribution from Jamie Lawrence and Greg Rowlings.    For more J/24 Tasmania (Australia) sailing information

J/24 Sailors Dominate 174th Royal Hobart Regatta

(Hobart, Tasmania)- The Royal Hobart Regatta is second only to Sydney's Australia Day Regatta in longevity, celebrating its 174th anniversary on a perfect late summer's day in the capital of the island State of Tasmania.

Regatta Day has been a public holiday since 1838 when the then Governor, Sir John Franklin, declared it a day of recreation and fun afloat and ashore for the citizens of the then small Hobart Town on the banks of the River Derwent.

Sir John and Lady Franklin led a sail past to the regatta grounds, still used today, and with a benevolent gesture, turned on free beer and food for the populace.

Tasmania's current Governor Mr Peter Underwood AC arrived by water, too, on the historic launch Egeria, but his Government House budget no longer runs to providing drinks and food for the citizens of this city of now some 250,000 people.

Apart the summer of the horrific bushfire of 1967, the Royal Hobart Regatta has been held continuously since 1838, not far behind the Australia Day Regatta which on 26 January this year celebrated 176 years of unbroken continuity.

This year's epochal event saw the 23-boat fleet in perfect sailing conditions, a constant 14-16 knot south-easterly sea-breeze, gusting to 19 knots.  The winner of the historic Lipton Trophy, decided on PHS handicaps, was the smallest boat in the fleet, Greg Rowling's J/24 ANOTHER TOY!  Congratulations to Greg and crew, yet another "David & Goliath" story to add to the J/24's long list of extraordinary achievements.  Thanks for the contribution of Peter Campbell.