Short & Sweet J/Fest San Francisco

(San Francisco, CA)- On April 16 and 17, the St. Francis Yacht Club welcomed hundreds of sailors to San Francisco Bay for J/Fest, an annual regatta that featured J/24s, J/70s, J/105s, J/111s and J/120s. After a two-hour postponement on Saturday, the breeze filled in and competitors enjoyed two fantastic races. “We had Chamber-of-Commerce conditions,” said regatta chairman Norman Davant. “I have never seen water that clear come into the Bay. You could see the bottom from the Yacht Club.” With the tide flooding, boats stayed in the favored current along the Cityfront, making for great viewing from shore. All five fleets got in two races in 12-15 knots.

Sunday also began with no wind and flat calm water. The Sailing Instructions dictated that no races were to start after 1530, so when the breeze had still not filled in by 1330, the Executive Race Committee called the regatta. At the Awards Ceremony, there was still only a hint of a northerly.

Thus, it was a short regatta, but it was a sweet regatta. “The Js came out en masse,” said Davant. The J/70 fleet was particularly active, and also hosted a clinic on Friday afternoon. “These guys are revving up for J/70 Worlds, which will be hosted by StFYC this September, so we’re starting to see some out-of-towners come in to get a feel for the Bay,” said Davant.

Peter Cameron swept the J/70 fleet with two bullets on PRIME NUMBER while second place was shared by Frank Slootman on LITTLE HAND (2-5) and Justin Kromelow on LOOSE LUCY (3-4).  Rounding out the top five Tracy & Christy Usher’s CHRISTINE ROBIN in fourth, just one point from a three-way tie for second place and in fifth was Chris Kostanecki’s JENNIFER.

The J/24s enjoyed close racing as well.  The big EVIL OCTOPUS sailed by Jasper Van Vliet from Richmond YC took the top spot with a 2-1 followed by Darren Cumming’s DOWNTOWN UPROAR with a 1-3.  Third was Val Lulevich’s SHUT UP & DRIVE, fourth Randall Rasicot’s FLIGHT and fifth Paul van Ravenswaay’s FERAL ROOSTER.

It was the mighty big BAD DOG in the J/111s that won class with double bullets, led by their fearless leader Richard Swanson.  With deux deuces, it was Nesrin Basoz’s SWIFT NESS in second, followed by Gorkem Ozcelebi’s DOUBLE DIGIT in third place.

There were some rapid ascents and descents in the J/120 class.  Surviving their game of chutes & ladders was David Halliwill’s PEREGRINE to take a 2-1 and the win.  Barry Lewis’ CHANCE nabbed a 1-3 to seal the deal for the silver while Stevie Madeira’s magnificently green (like Maine forest colors) MR MAGOO settled for the bronze.

While most fleets saw some boats predominate, that was not the case for the extremely competitive J/105 class.  Here’s Phil Laby’s J/105 class report (with contributions by Toné Chin and Pat Benedict).

“We had a strong fleet showing of twenty-five J/105's, the best this year and especially good for a mid-season event.  With strong midday ebb transitioning into early flood later in the day, and with light breezes predicted, a premium could be expected on good starts, working the currents, and finding lanes for breeze.

Saturday’s start was postponed several hours and the fleet watched from the St. Francis Yacht Club (largely in summer attire) as the Lightship Race drifted through their starts, struggled to avoid obstructions, and made due with a light easterly wind or otherwise were induced by the strong ebb out the gate.  At about noon a westerly finally appeared building to around 10-15 knots for the rest of the day.

In the first race, stronger ebb out in the bay favored several boats starting at the committee boat and who tacked immediately to port.  Arbitrage nailed the start at the committee and tacked out first, followed by Advantage3, then Jabberwocky, Godot, and Wonder with the rest of the fleet following suit.  The ebb made for a fast beat and Godot's strategy called for an earlier tack shy of the lay line to avoid the possibility of over-standing.  However, those that continued farther (Arbitrage and Advantage3) gained additional lengths by the weather mark.  The fleet tightened while heading downwind along the beach for tide relief.  Godot sailed below a group on starboard and jibed shy of the beach, finding more wind off shore and moved into 4th. After one more loop, featuring a jibing dual between leaders Arbitrage and Advantage3, the latter got its bow out at the finish line to earn the bullet. Wonder found the boat side favored to finish just ahead of Godot for the 3rd spot.

Simon Bell, tactician aboard Advantage3, had this to say of the exciting finish in race one: "Being overlapped with Arbitrage at the finish line… with both spinnakers pulling, the crew really pumped up, and winning less than 2 seconds ahead will be unforgettable!"

For the second race, the starting line was set significantly port side or pin favored to attract some starters from just ganging up at the race committee and heading out into the remaining ebb.  Godot decided to set up a third back from the pin end for a position to quickly tack after the start.  A header occurred during the final moments allowing for an easy execution of this tack at the gun.  Recounted Toné Chin on the bow of Godot, “With my keen eyes, I waved the skipper to go full speed… this allowed us to take fully take advantage of the skewed line.  At the gun, we flopped over to port and managed to clear the whole fleet.”  A drag race ensued with 007, the pin boat off the line that also crossed on port, to the right corner of the course.  Towards the top of the course 007 crossed close ahead of Godot several times.  The early flood had already begun at the mark and Godot managed to arrive first, closely followed by 007, both several lengths ahead of the next boat.  Godot led the rest of the way, playing the shifting current and wind at the top of the next beat that offered the fleet enabling passing opportunities.  At the finish line, Godot was followed by Roxanne, Jam Session, Advantage3, and Blackhawk.

Sunday’s racing was canceled with the absence of breeze. In the end, Godot scored the win followed by Advantage3 in a tie breaker, both with 5 points.  The next three spots were filled by Roxanne, Arbitrage, and Blackhawk, respectively, in a three-way tie breaker with 12 points each.

The skipper of Advantage 3, Pat Benedict, acknowledged outstanding crew work as integral to his success. At one leeward gate rounding, he was amazed that his team was “able to jibe, pull out the jib, do a leeward take down, and round the mark within 4 boat lengths of the starboard buoy.”

The skipper of Godot, Phil Laby, reflected, ‘There was some amazing work done by the foredeck team of Patrick Haywood (pit), Matt Skafel (mast), and Toné (bowman extraordinaire).  The trimmers of Drew Cannon (spinnaker) and Will Lowe (main) also did well.  This crew have been racing together for only five days, so we're happy with the results so far.’”

What the regatta may have lacked in breeze, it made up for in entertainment. The Saturday night regatta party was great fun and included dinner, a live band, free-flowing Mount Gay and a massive raffle for sailing swag.  Sailing photo credits-  Chris Ray Photo  and  Erik Simonson   For more J/Fest San Francisco sailing information

Antigua Sailing Week Preview

(English Harbour, Antigua)- Antigua Sailing Week started in 1968 when a group of friends got together to hold a regatta.  A number of the friends were hoteliers and part of their objective in creating the regatta was to extend the winter season by getting people to stay in Antigua a little longer – or to come specifically to participate in the event that would in turn extend the end of the current season.

Therefore, in 1968, the Antigua Hotel Association sponsored the very first Antigua Sailing Week that was held from the 8th through the 15th of June with participating boats from the United States, Canada and the Caribbean.  Festivities included a three-day ‘Lord Nelson Regatta’ with sailing yachts of up to 135-feet in length, power boat races, deep-sea fishing and Sunfish sailing contests.  There was also a two-day race among Antigua’s workboat fishermen whose boats had been freshly painted in bold Caribbean colors specifically for the event.

The Antiguan Government and Antigua Sailing Week Committee went to great lengths to welcome visitors and ensure they had a good time.  For those not on the water but looking for a way to be part of the action, there were beach and verandah parties from which the events could be observed.  Then, there was the truly infamous final awards party taking place in Nelson’s Dockyard with the Lord Nelson Costume Ball held on Saturday, June 15, 1968.

The inaugural Antigua Sailing Week was such a huge success that it was repeated for the following 47 years. The dates eventually changed and it became tradition for Antigua Sailing Week to officially begin on the last Sunday in April every year.

Recognized as one of the best sailing locations in the world, Antigua is bracing itself for an influx of sailors and yachts from at least 22 two different countries. The largest number of yachts by country will be Great Britain joined by crews from Antigua, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Russia, St. Maarten, South Africa, Sweden, Trinidad and the United States of America. Over 1,000 sailors will be making the journey to the mecca of Caribbean sailing for a week of superb racing and fantastic parties.

A full week of racing starts on Sunday, April 24 and concludes Friday, April 29. Racing takes place around laid marks and point-to-point courses in the world famous sailing grounds off the south coast of Antigua. Daily prize givings are held at the Presidente Beer Garden at Antigua Yacht Club, which provide great opportunities for sailors to meet other teams. The Final Awards Presentation and after party is held in the historic surroundings of Nelson’s Dockyard. Wednesday, 27 April is the Presidente Lay Day Beach Party with fun and games on Pigeon Beach.

The regatta has always attracted the big entries, and this year’s current list includes 28 competing yachts at 50 feet and over. The entry list is bristling with proven winners including 2016 St. Maarten Heineken Regatta winner EL OCASO, the J/122 sailed by Rick Wesslund’s team from Miami.  For Antigua, EL OCASO will be sailed by a hot crew from the United Kingdom- Chris Body’s team from Royal Southern YC on the Hamble.  Joining them in CSA Racing 5 division will be another J/122- Pamala Baldwin’s LIQUID from Jolly Harbour YC.  In addition, two other U.K. crews will be on the starting line; David Ballantyne’s J/133 JINGS! from the Royal Ocean Racing Club on the Isle of Wight and Andy Middleton’s J/120 PERFORMANCE YACHT RACING “SUNSET” from Cowes, I.O.W.

CSA Racing 6 division has a trio of J/Teams up against a dozen other contenders, Jonty Layfield’s new J/11S from Antigua YC, Robbie Ferron’s J/39 MICRON 99 OSSENFEFFER from St Maarten YC, and Joe Da Ponte’s J/44 ZAFU 444 from Vancouver Rowing Club in West Vancouver, BC.

A classic J/35 is sailing in CSA Racing 7 class, Remco van Dortmondt’s SUNBELT REALTY DASH from Willemstad, Curacao and in CSA Racing 8 will be the famous J/30 BLUE PETER sailed by Tanner Jones from Jolly Harbour YC on Antigua.  Sailing photo credit- Tim Wright/ Photoaction.com.  For more Antigua Sailing Week information

J/Boats Demo Day- May 21st!

(Newport, RI)- Please join us as we usher in the 2016 sailing season with a day of J sailing in scenic Newport, Rhode Island.  We’ll have several J models on display at Sail Newport’s Volvo Pier at Fort Adams State Park (free parking) from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.  We’ll then take to the water in the afternoon for hourly trial sails until 5:00 pm.

Try one boat or sign up to sail on several!  What a perfect opportunity to sail the J you’ve always wanted!  The current line-up of boats include:  J/70, J/88, J/97E, J/109, J/111, J/112E and J/133.

To sign up for a specific demo-time and model, please email (info@jboats.com) or call us (+1-401-846-8410)!

Warrior Sailing Team @ Charleston!

(Charleston, SC)- The Warrior Sailing Team participated in the J/22 class at Charleston Race Week.  Here’s a nice story from Grace Raynor at The Post & Courier newspaper in Charleston.

“Upon first glance, Ben Poucher knows it’s not obvious. Another sailor would physically have to peel his or her eyes off of the racing course ahead and actively look into the Warrior Sailing Team’s boat in order to fully see the difference.

Even then, Poucher said, there’s still a chance it’s not noticeable.

“We have two amputees and a blind guy and myself on a boat,” Poucher said. “So that would be four people, six legs and six eyes.”

Poucher is the director of Warrior Sailing, a program that first began in 2013 and was created to teach ill, injured or wounded military members — active or retired — about sailing. And on Sunday, the final day of Sperry Charleston Race Week, Poucher and three veterans finished third in their division, sailing a J/22.

Poucher, the coach, was joined by Scott Ford, David Caras and Sammy Lugo.

Ford, who served in the Navy for eight years, worked the mainsail. He’s been legally blind since 2005.

“I got a vaccine for Japanese encephalitis,” he said. “And had a reaction.”

Caras, an above-the-knee amputee, and Lugo, a below-the-knee amputee, were in charge of operating the jib and steering the boat, respectively. Caras flew in helicopters for the U.S. Coast Guard for more than two decades, while Lugo served in the U.S. Army for nearly nine years.

“I got injured in Iraq in 2007 — IED explosion,” Lugo said. “I’m a below amputee on the left and I have multiple fractures, so I have a bunch of hardware in my right knee and I had a patella replacement.”

The trio of veterans all realize they’re different physically, but with Poucher’s help, they’ve mastered the art of sailing in a manner that caters to each of their strengths.

The result is a well-oiled machine, where everyone has a specific job and each teammate is expected to help the others along the way.

Ford relies heavily on his hearing when he operates the main sail, as well as his lower half, which allows him to discern which way the boat is angled.

“The heel of the boat is critical in making the boat go straight forward as opposed to sliding sideways,” he said. “Hearing the waves, the sound of the waves on the sound of the boat (helps).”

Caras has figured out a way to hang on the sides and the rail of the boat for balance purposes, without falling overboard himself.

“I’m a lot more mobile now and comfortable with my balance,” he said.

And Lugo serves as the eyes of the team, making sure it stays on course as he steers.

Ford said there’s a part of Warrior Sailing that reminds him of being back in the unit — the camaraderie, the teamwork and the sense of outspokenness are all present on the boat, just as they were when he served in the military. Political correctness goes out the door and other people’s feelings aren’t a factor when it’s race time.

“In the military, it’s really, ‘Who cares about your feelings?’” he said. “‘Let’s get the job done.’”

His hope is that those who see the Warrior Sailing team are inspired — realizing that a physical disability is something that can be conquered. The group has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

“My response to that is even though you have a disability, you can overcome it and you can be out on the water enjoying the air and adventurous experience of sailing,” Ford said. “We got knocked down three or four times this week and that was pretty incredible.”

Keeping Families Sailing Together!

(Charleston, SC)- A long-time J/24 Newport Fleet 50 sailor, Dan Dickison, provided some perspective on several teams that are participating in this year’s Charleston Race Week.  Here is his commentary:

“Not too long ago, sailing with family was the norm in this sport. On summer weekends, Dad or mom or both regularly dragged the youngsters out on the water in the family’s Flying Scot or Pearson Ensign or Santana 20. Eventually, the young ones took to the sport – and soon enough – they were taking over.

Witness Shannon Lockwood and her dad Bill, who are coming down to Charleston from New Jersey to sail in the J/80 Class. Shannon has been racing with her dad since she was in college, and the two of them have been campaigning their boat Shenanigans pretty consistently since 2008. (Longtime racers will recognize Bill’s name from his J/35 and Mumm 30 days on board Instigator. He’s been on the racing scene for roughly 40 years.)

Shannon, who grew up sailing, says that her mom and dad included all five Lockwood siblings on sailing vacations in the British Virgin Islands and local regattas around the New Jersey coast. As a racer, she cut her teeth in the junior program at Keyport Yacht Club racing Optis. After that, she went on to sail for collegiate powerhouse St. Mary’s College in Maryland. That’s about when the Lockwood’s bought their J/80.

“At Charleston,” says, Shannon, “I’ll be doing the driving with dad doing the mainsail trim. We also sail with regular crewmembers Jeff Todd, who handles trimming and tactics and Koralina McKenna who does the mast and bow.” So, what’s it like sailing with dad right next to you all the time? “He’s cool,” Shannon says. “My dad basically got me into this sport, and it’s really fun to be sharing it with him now.”

But the Lockwoods won’t be the only family team on the water in Charleston. In fact, more than a dozen entries in the regatta qualify for that description.

In the J/70 Class alone there are at least three family teams, including Bodo and Nick Von der Wense on board the family’s well-traveled Turbo Duck. There’s also husband and wife Leif and Laura Sigmond (top photo) on board Norboy out of Chicago, and father and son Dan and Gannon Troutman out of Gloucester, Virginia. Gannon, who is just 13, was the youngest helmsmen on the water at CRW last year, and the Troutman’s finished an impressive fourth in the 79-boat fleet.

Rob Ruhlman, steering, is joined by his daughter Maegan (far left) and his wife Abby (center) on board the family’s J/111 Spaceman Spiff (photo up top).

Perhaps the biggest family team at the event this year will be on board longtime one-design racer Rob Ruhlman’s J/111 Spaceman Spiff. Ruhlman, who sails out of Cleveland, Ohio, says he’ll have his son Ryan trimming the kites, his daughter Maegan trimming the headsails, and his wife Abby in the pit. And they’re very competitive.

The Ruhlmans tied for second at CRW last year, and finished second the last two years at Key West Race Week. None of that surprises Rob. He says the family works well together on board and has for several years. It’s one of his favorite things. Enough said.”

J/88 Sailing To Cuba Video!

(Havana, Cuba)- The J/88 MI:2, sailed by David Malkin from Annapolis, MD, participated in the Conch Republic Cup from Key West, FL to Havana, Cuba race this year.  They were fortunate to have Ashley Love of T2P.TV Sailing Productions on board to document the whole experience— all from onboard the J/88!  Said David, “what a fantastic offshore boat! Fast in any wind and sea conditions, and truly a roller-skate downwind- just flies down the waves with finger-tip touch on the helm!  Just love it!”  Watch this entertaining video of sailing the J/88 to Cuba!

Newport to Ensenada Race Preview

(Newport Beach, CA)- One of Southern California’s most popular offshore races is about to start this weekend from Newport Beach, CA.  The annual Newport to Ensenada Yacht Race is a 125nm race that has challenged SoCal sailors since 1948.  The race famously starts with a massive “send-off” party on Thursday and ends with yet another amazing shindig down in the fun-loving city of Ensenada on the Baja Peninsula of Mexico.  And, to make it even more fun, more often than not ‘ole Mother Nature promises to delivery yet another downhill sleigh ride with dozens of porpoises frolicking in boat wakes and ginormous whales leaping like lizards out of the enormous Pacific swells.

Organized and hosted by the Newport Ocean Racing Association, the beloved N2E is an eclectic mix of serious sailors campaigning multi-million dollar yachts racing alongside recreational cruisers.  In order to accommodate the realities of our modern day economy, where time is of the essence for skippers and crew, NOSA has introduced a new “short course” that starts in San Diego Bay and ends up with the Newport Beach boats in Ensenada.

It has been a popular event for J sailors over the years, starting with J/24s and J/30s up to J/120s, the famous J/125s and the majestic J/65. The 2016 edition will have a broad range of offshore-loving J/Crews.  In the big boat world in PHRF A, John Lyon’s J/160 INNOCENT MERRIMENT from San Diego YC will be dueling with classmate Carolyn Parks and her fire-engine red beauty- the J/145 RADIO FLYER from Santa Barbara YC. 

The lone wolf in PHRF C class is the Puerto Vallarta Race division winner- the J/125 TIMESHAVER sailed by Viggo Torbensen and crew from Dana Point YC.  Just behind them is a virtual one-design offshore class comprised of four J/120s- Peter Bretschger’s ADIOS from Balboa YC, Rudolph Hasl’s HASL FREE from San Diego YC, Terri Manok’s POLE DANCER, and John Snook/ Ron Masterson’s JIM from Long Beach YC.  They will be joined by the Rolex Big Boat Series winning J/122 TKO, sailed by John Raymont from Balboa YC.

Seth Hall’s pretty flag-blue J/124 MARISOL will be sailing under the flag of the Cortez Racing Association in PHRF E class.  They will be chased hard by a trio of J’s in PHRF F class that includes the offshore-winning team on the J/88 BLUEFLASH skippered by Scott Grealish from Willamette SC in Portland, OR.  Along with them will be two J/109s, Milton Santos’ LINSTAR from Balboa YC and Jack Mayer’s ZEPHYR.

The lone J/105 on the race track will be Juan Lois’ ROCINANTE from Santa Barbara sailing in PHRF H.  Finally, PHRF J class will see Stephen Mcdonough’s J/30 EGGEMOGGIN and Scott McKenney’s cute J/32 cruiser BETTY competing for class honors.   For more Newport to Ensenada Race sailing information

ALCATEL J/70 Monaco Sailing Video

(Monte Carlo, Monaco)-  The ALCATEL J/70 Cup just started last week and during the first Act held at YC Monaco in Monte Carlo, they produced a beautiful sailing video of the event.  You can watch that Alcatel J/70 Monaco production here.

Italy J/24 Sailing Report

(Rome, Italy)- All across Italy, the J/24s are sailing their winter series, whether just south of Rome or offshore on the island of Sardinia.  Here are their latest reports.

ROME
It was a special victory for the sailors on board KISMET, the boat owned by the late Antonio Antoneli.  Thanks to the determination of his wife Francesca Focardi (and crew of Beppe Olmeti, Marcello Marverti and Nunzio Valitutto), they made a stunning comeback in the last weekend of racing to win the Cervia Winter Championship and the Trofeo VIII Memorial Pirini.

"For us on KISMET, this is a special victory that goes beyond the competitive results. We did everything to win because we did it for the memory of Antonio,” commented Francesca Focardi Antonelli. “The helmsmen who took turns on board were exceptional, as well as all the crew, that showed an extreme commitment to winning the event.  I am proud of them. I also wish to thank all the J/24 class and particularly the J/24 Fleet of Romagna not only for having been so close to us as a family, but also for showing me that the J/24 crews are like a big family to all of us.  Because of your support, KISMET will continue racing! We will definitely take part in the National J/24 Circuit and also for the 2017 Winter Series in Cervia."

For the series, CAPTAIN NEMO too second, co-skippered by Guido and Domenico Brighi. In third was BLUE WIND sailed by Mauro Martelli.  The rest of the top five included MAGIC FAIRY (Viscardo Brusori and Massimo Frigerio) in fourth and KERMESSE (Marco Maccaferri) in fifth.

ANZIO-NETTUNO- NATIONAL SERIES- ACT I
LA SUPERBA won the first stage of the Italian J/24 National Circuit after sailing the eight race series in the Gulf of Anzio-Nettuno. Twenty-six teams participated in the regatta that was characterized by strong winds and a high level of competition.

It was not an easy victory for LA SUPERBA’s skipper- Ignazio Bonanno (with crew of Simone Carrera, Francesco Picaro, Francesco Branciforte, & Alfredo Linares).  Despite having won four races with three 2nds in their scoreline, they barely beat out a top German J/24 team led by Stefan Karsunke.  Stefan’s SUELLBERG crew also won four of the eight races and finished just one point back in second!  Third for the regatta was BLACK LEATHER sailed by Paul Cecamore and Hungarian Soling World Champion Farkas Litkey. The fourth and fifth positions were taken by MOLLICONA (Vincenzo Mercuri) and MARBEA (Marcello Bellacicca & Antonio Macina).   For more Italian J/24 Class sailing information

J/80 Growth Continues in China

(Xiamen, China)- With over 100 J/80s already sailing in China, interest in the class is stronger than ever. The recent Shanghai Boat Show (April 7-10) brought current J/80 sailors and prospective owners together checking out the latest boat from Red Dragon Yachts, the J/Boats licensee for Asia.

"We're booked on orders for the next five months," said Liu Hong Yan, General manager at Red Dragon. She added, "Chinese sailors love the J/80 for the same reasons it's been successful elsewhere. It's a terrific all-around boat for training, daysailing and one-design racing, and a perfect fit for the rapidly growing Chinese sailing market."  For more J/80 China sailing information, please contact Jim Johnstone- J/China- jimjboats@gmail.com.