Antigua Sailing Week Update

(English Harbour, Antigua)-  It’s been buzzing in Antigua as Falmouth Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard have been hosting the fast racing yachts from all over the world participating in the 46th Antigua Sailing Week. Beautiful sunshine, crystal clear blue skies and a gentle breeze produced a positive vibe for the first day of racing, with grins all around on the sailor's faces after three hours of racing in paradise-- just can't beat Caribbean-style sailing when the weather is simply so sweet!

After three days of racing, it's pretty certain that Rick Wesslund's gang of merry-makers sailing their J/120 EL OCASO are hell-bent again to take silver in one of the longest running "classic Caribbean" regattas.  They are dueling for CSA Racing 3 leadership with some long-time J/105 sailing veterans, Phil & Wendy Lotz sailing their 42 ft ARETHUSA.  This one may go down to the wire!  Also racing in their class is Peter Lewis' J/105 WHISTLER.

In CSA Racing 4 class, the beautifully maintained J/39 SLEEPER VIII sailed by a crack team from the UK are keeping skipper/owner Jonty Layfield in the hunt for the top five.

Finally, it seems that Tom Mullen and crew on the J/95 SHAMROCK VIII are not only having a fantastic time, but like their fellow J sailors in the Caribbean circuit, simply can't have enough of the amazing sailing the trade-winds offer at this time of year.    For more Antigua Sailing Week sailing information

Vuurschepen/ North Sea Race Preview

(The Hague, Netherlands)-  On the morning before the start of the 2013 Vuurschepenrace, part of the Delta Lloyd North Sea Regatta, it was quite certain the weather forecasts for this year's race were not likely to create a record breaker.  The north-northeasterly winds were expected to be light to medium in the early evening. During the night, the breeze expected to drop and slowly change direction to the Southwest. In the early morning, the fleet may come to a halt at a wind speed of 2 knots off the English coast, which then gradually increases to about 13 to 15 knots.  So desperate were some sailors that they asked if they could be allowed to anchor in the English Channel shipping lane!

After a day of rest in Harwich, England, the IRC and ORC classes will sail back across the English Channel in the 180 nm race from Harwich to the Smith's Knoll Buoy off the North Norfolk Coast then across the eastern parts of the North Sea to Scheveningen.

The double-handed class shows a clear change from other years, with eleven teams now competing against some of the best Dutch offshore sailing teams.  Leading the charge is past the winner, the J/111 XCENTRIC RIPPER, sailed by the dynamic duo of John van de Starre and Robin Verhoef.  Accompanying them in the dashes criss-crossing "la manche" are the J/122 JUNIQUE sailed by Chris Revelman and Pascal Bakker, the J/109 YETI sailed by Paul & Mike van der Pol and the J/105 PANTHER sailed by a girl team consisting of Yvonne Beusker and Edith Voskamp!  For more Vuurschepen/ North Sea Race sailing information

Ireland's Annalise Murphy- just another J/24 sailor?

(Howth, Ireland)- Is Annalise Murphy just another J/24 sailor at the BMW J/24 Worlds in Howth, Ireland?! Not! Annalise is also a very committed Laser Radial sailor for the Olympics 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Here's what the boys will be up against -- see video link here-- great intro to Annalise's approach to self-improvement in sailing, even when it's freezing and snowing!

Ireland’s Annalise Murphy was the early leader at the 2012 Olympic Games, winning the first four races in the Laser Radial event. Going into the final race, Annalise was one of four sailors capable of standing on the podium, but got shut out of the medals. Based on this video, released by the Irish Sports Council, Annalise is undeterred. Watch out Rio 2016!

Good Times J/Fest San Francisco!

(San Francisco, CA)-  This year's J/Fest hosted by St Francis Yacht Club had another strong turnout of San Francisco Bay area J/Teams.  Leading the way with twenty boats was the J/105 class, with good sailing for the J/24, J/70 and J/120 teams as well.

The J/105 class on San Francisco Bay continues to remain a strong fleet and fresh blood is always popping up over the course of time to make life interesting.  Such was the case this past weekend.  Leading the way home was Steve Kleha sailing the renown DONKEY JACK to first place with a 3-5-10-4-1 record for 23 pts to just nip a group of four veteran boats hot on their tail.  Second was the team of Jason Woodley and Scott Whitney sailing RISK to a 4-2-5-5-9 tally for 25 pts, just two points back.  Third was Pat Benedict on ADVANTAGE 3 putting on a strong effort to finish in the money with a 5-7-6-6-3 scoreline for 27 pts.  Rounding out the top five based on a tie-breaker at 29 pts were Scooter Simmons on BLACKHAWK in 4th and Walter Sanford on ALCHEMY in fifth.

Similarly, the J/120s have such an evenly matched fleet it's often the case the top three are all just about tied on points after the smoke clears on the race course.  For this event, it was Dick Swanson's GRACE DANCES that started off strong with two bullets to finally win the regatta with just 11 pts.  Second was Barry Lewis's CHANCE with 13 pts, climbing up the score ladder quickly  in the last three races with a 1-2-2.  Third was Steve Madeira's MR MAGOO sailing a "barbell" series, weak start and finish scores bracketing a solid 2-3-3 to finished with 18 pts.  Incredibly, though not too surprisingly, for this fleet was that 4th was a tie-breaker with John Wimer's DESDEMONA taking it over Timo Bruck's TWIST.

Familiar faces did prevail amongst the leaders in the J/24s, with Darren Cumming's DOWNTOWN UPROAR taking first by only one point over his buddy Mike Whitfield's TMC RACING!  Third was Valentin Lulevich's brilliant, metaphorically named boat- SHUT & DRIVE! Smart guy, Valentin is-- drive that bus fast!  :)

As for the J/70s, Jim Cascino's EOS prevailed while Chris Andersen's OLD AND IN THE WAY stayed out of the way!  They apparently had some amazing rides blasting around San Francisco Bay at about 100 kts with afterburners and vapor-trails smoking behind them!  OK, well maybe 15-18 kts at GPS speeds. :0   Sailing photo credits- Rolex/ Daniel Forster.   For more J/Fest San Francisco sailing information

J/70 & J/95 at Rhode Island Boat Show

(Jamestown, RI)- A gorgeous weekend is forecast for Narragansett Bay with classic spring weather-- SSW winds 10-15 kts, upper 60s and sunny every day!  Head on down to the quaint little seaside village called Jamestown (across from Newport), enjoy the picturesque waterfront and have a chance to "talk shop" and "simply messing about in boats!"

On display will be the J/70 on the Jamestown Green right on the waterfront and the J/95 shoal-performance cruiser will be in the water at Conanicut Marine.  It's a wonderful way to spend a few hours this weekend, bring along family, kids and friends!  There are some awesome places to eat locally, little cafes, lunch shops and even the infamous Narragansett Cafe- a favorite of locals for groovy local bands.  Or, simply have a fun picnic sitting on the bench seats along the pier or a picnic on the Green itself!

If you'd like to schedule an appointment, please either call J/Boats (ph 401-846-8410) or contact the local J/Dealer- Tim Kohl at East Coast Yacht Sales- ph. 203-233-9709 or email- tim@ecys.com.  For more Rhode island Boat Show information

Annapolis NOOD J/Fest Preview!

J/70 Debuts with Largest Fleet Ever!
(Annapolis, MD)- With 211 boats participating in this year's Sperry Topsider Annapolis NOOD Regatta, it promises to be quite the "class reunion" for many J sailors across eastern America.  Why? For the simple fact that 156 boats are J/Teams (74% of the whole fleet) competing in eight J one-design classes (J/22, J/24, J/70, J/80, J/30, J/105, J/35, J/109)!  In other words, for the few boats that comprise the six other classes (average of less than 10 boats per fleet) it may be a tad overwhelming to have nearly a thousand J Sailors criss-crossing the northern Chesapeake Bay and flooding the evening tent parties sponsored by Mt Gay Rum and other enthusiastic sponsors!

Leading the charge again are the J/70s-- setting a record fourth regatta debut as the largest one-design class. At forty-eight boats (Key West, St Pete NOOD and Charleston already in the books), the J/70 has completely eclipsed all attendance records for any sportboat worldwide in inaugural regattas since sprit-boats first exploded onto the sailing scene with the J/105 in 1991. The J/70 fleet is on a rapid learning curve and based on performances at past events, it's clear as mud who will be regatta leaders after the dust settles in the latest 70 battles.  Perhaps most importantly, it was self-evident, based on the huge "can't wipe the grin off my face" smiles after the epic first day at Charleston in 15-30 kts of breeze, all J/70 sailors were having a rip-roaring great time sailing their boats!

After four regattas, the betting will on a number of leading teams that will be seen somewhere at the top of the leader board for the 70s.  Included in that group may be Tim Healey's HELLY HANSEN, Joel Ronning's CATAPULT, Brian Elliott's B-SQUARED, Bob Hughes on MUSE/ HEARTBREAKER, Bennet Greenwald's PERSEVERANCE, Henry Brauer/ Will Welles' RASCAL, Jud Smith's RELATIVE OBSCURITY, Peter Vessella's RUNNING WILD, Bruno Pasquinelli's STAMPEDE, Henry Filter's WILD CHILD and a cast of local characters each of whom are capable of good performances, like Peter McChesney's TROUBLE, Tate Russack's DIESEL, and Cole Allsopp's MOXIE.

Next up are the J/22's with an excellent showing with twenty-eight boats (second largest J fleet).  They will be vying for class honors bragging rights, as well as getting great practice for their J/22 World Championships that will be taking place in Newport, RI later this summer.  For those familiar with teams that faired well in Charleston some weeks ago, it's clear that Chris Doyle and his "JUG 4 1" gang from Rochester, New York will be the ones to beat.  Giving them serious heartache will be a rogue's roost of J/22 veterans, including Allan "Albie" Terhune on DAZZLER, Kurt Swanson on SLINGSHOT, Vic Snyder on MO'MONEY, Jeff Todd on HOT TODDY, super hot sailor chick Sandy Adzick on HOT TICKET, Mark Hillman on HAROLD GOES SKA and perhaps newcomer "gurl-stud" Jen Gaffney on PIRATE PRINCESS RACING TEAM. Amongst this crowd, anything goes, as it always has been!

With the third largest J fleet, the J/80's sailing with 23 boats are fielding a very competitive fleet.  Like their J/22 sisters, for some American teams, the event provides great practice for J/80 Worlds in Marseilles, France. Amongst those teams, look for Brian Keane's SAVASANA and the Danish family team- Thomas Klok and the Crumps (Will and Marie) on their boat R80 to be amongst the top teams.  Some other notable veterans in the mix will be Kristen Robinson's ANGRY CHAMELEON, Chris & Liz Chadwick's CHURCH KEY, Ken Mangano's MANGO and Ramzi Bannura's STACKED DECK.

The J/105's have a strong showing of an "all Naptown" fleet of eighteen boats and amongst them are some champion teams from past Chesapeake Bay and North American regattas.  Sure to figure in the running for overall honors will be a cross-section of the old guard and some new faces, including Bob Reeves on A-TRAIN, Andrew Kennedy on BAT IV, Gerritt Schulze on MAX POWER, Jack Biddle on the infamous RUM PUPPY, Donald Santa on SANTA's REIGN-DEAR (for real!) and Scott Gitchell on TENACIOUS.

At fifteen strong, the J/24's are probably now on their fifth generation of owners and the competition simply does not diminish as the next-gen teams hop in, learn fast from the veterans, and simply continue to advance the ball in one of the world's most evenly-matched and competitive ISAF one-design keelboat classes.  Remarkably, one of the most competitive veterans (now working on his 4th decade!) happens to be a highly respected, most knowledgeable local J/24 sailor- Tony Parker sailing BANGOR PACKET!  He will be challenged by some "newbies" and some old guard teams, amongst them could be Mike Marshall from Conanicut YC, Jack van Dalen's ARNOLD GOES TO HOLLYWOOD, Pat Fitzgerald's RUSH HOUR, Mike Hobson's SPACEMAN SPIFF, and Frank McNamara's ZOT.

For the J/109's seven boat class, the event represents their J/109 Mid-Atlantic Championship!  J/109 Fleet 4 provides great hospitality under the leadership of Fleet Captain Bill Sweetser and his gang aboard the famous RUSH!  Assisting him is 109 class leader Bob Schwartz on NORDLYS from Manhasset YC and the Western Long Island Sound fleet of J/109s.  With many new faces showing up in the 109 class, it's perhaps one of the most difficult classes for general prognostication, other than the obvious- Bill and Bob!  Yet, any omniscient observer of this class will tell you there's always some new surprises in store for these veterans.  More news soon on the outcome!

At ten boats, it's pretty clear the J/30s have not only achieved "classic" status, but perhaps "legendary" status, too.  The first quintessential cruiser-racer J built in the early 1980s (some might argue it was the J/24-- not!).  Nevertheless, the Chesapeake crew of 30s are having some fun, that's for sure.  And, the NOOD is an annual reunion of like-minded 30 owners who LOVE their boats and it shows-- some look better than new!  TEN BOATS!  Amazing.  Well, let's see if the "gurl-boats" have it this year (as owners or co-owners)!  Included amongst the girl teams are Pam Morris' BUMP, Michel's LEAPFROG, Kathleen's MARY LOU and Sheila's INFECTIOUS SMILE!  So guys, that's a "four-way" that may crush you this weekend, girls's may rule sooner than anyone imagines!

Finally, the J/35s.  Like their "classic" sisterships (at minimum the J/24 and J/30), they were the second derivative of another boat that was incredibly successful (the J/36) in the early 1980s.  With seven boats, the J/35s continue to show their offshore performance worldwide is not just legendary, but fun, too!  One of the more famous boats participating is AUNT JEAN sailed by the Sagerholm/ Christofel team. But, BAD COMPANY, MAGGIE and MEDICINE MAN won't be far from the limelight. Plus, like her J/30 sisturz' the 35s could be facing an insurrection from Stephanie Reuer on DAKOTA GIRL!  Watch out, some sparklers may be flying in this rather diverse group of sailors.  Sailing photo credits- Onne Vanderwal, Tim Wilkes and  Meredith Block/ Charleston Race Week.  For more Sperry Topsider Annapolis NOOD Sailing Regatta sailing information

New US Sailing Adult Championship In J/24s!

Men & Women to Compete in Open Format First Time!
(Portsmouth, RI) – US Sailing has adapted one of its most historic championships (the Mallory Trophy) into a new and exciting event for competitive adult women and men sailors in America. The first edition of the US Adult Sailing Championship for the Clifford D. Mallory Trophy will take place August 22-25, 2013 at the Rochester Yacht Club in Rochester, NY in matched, one-design international J/24 class sailboats!

The US Adult Sailing Championship features an open format allowing women and men to compete as skipper or crew. While women have been sailing for the US Men’s Championship since its inception, they were only permitted to race as crew. With more and more mixed gender teams now racing, there was demand for a championship to meet this ever-growing segment of the sport.

“Through hard work and dedication of the committee and Rochester Yacht Club, this championship has been restyled and rejuvenated for a broader field of participants, while allowing its rich, historical significance to continue within the sailing community,” said Shannon Bush, Chairperson of US Sailing’s Championship Committee.

Sponsored by Gill North America, the US Adult Sailing Championships will have no gender restrictions on skipper or crews. Teams will be limited by weight. The traditional format of qualifying events remains has been expanded.  Local sailing organizations will field teams to Area Qualifiers or designated qualifying events with two teams rather than one from Areas A, B, C, D, E, F, G, K and J and one team from Areas L and H proceeding onto the finals. Teams will compete in the finals in a round robin format on provided one-design International J/24s- THE world's largest one-design sailboat class.  In fact, many local J/24 fleets are helping to sponsor/ support this year's inaugural event with local/ regional qualifying regattas-- please be sure to contact them!  Girl's rule?  Maybe this year is that opportunity!!

"For many years, competitive sailors have been putting together teams of great male and female sailors to compete at local, national,and international events," said Linda Epstein, Chairperson of the US Adult Sailing Championships. "Now, they will have the chance to put together their best team from their local sailing area to compete for a US Sailing championship and the opportunity to win the Clifford D. Mallory Trophy."  Learn more about eligibility requirements, qualification process, boat and equipment, scoring, prizes, and more.  Sailing photo credits- Tim Wilkes.com

J/Navy Sailing Rolex Fastnet

J/Boats Dominant Brand in Record Fleet
(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- The RORC's Rolex Fastnet Race is certainly not for the faint of heart.  A legendary offshore classic, it's a race that has challenged the world's best offshore sailors for decades.  For many, memorialized in the infamous 1979 event and seared into one's consciousness-- yes, it can be one of the world's most capricious races literally within sight of land.  Ask any member of George David's RAMBLER 100 team in the 2011 edition shortly after they passed Fastnet Rock how quickly conditions and one's life can change for the worst in a split-second.

The 2013 edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race promises a challenge again to navigators and crews.  Remarkably, this will be the first time that "J" is the dominant brand with 44 boats sailing or nearly 13% of the fleet in IRC Class of 340 boats.  Comparably speaking, the big billion dollar French company Beneteau (supported/ subsidized by the French Government) only has 42 First's sailing in the fleet; the famous mega-yacht company Nautor-Swan company from Finland has just 17 Swan's-a-sailing; the dominant Danish X-Yachts has 15 teams participating; Italy's premiere Grand Soleil sees 11 "spaghetti-swans" cruising and the reputable French Archambault yard sees 10 teams engaged.  A rather remarkable turn of events to see an American company leading the fleet in Europe in one of its legendary offshore races!?

If you recall, in 2011 the J/111 XCENTRIC RIPPER from Benelux was winning IRC Overall and Double-handed Class at the famous rounding mark, Fastnet Rock Lighthouse.  Sailed by the extremely experienced offshore team, John van der Starre and Robin Verhoef, the RIPPER simply sailed an incredibly smart, fast race, even rounding Fastnet Rock ahead of another experienced offshore team on a J/111. Their performance is simply an illustration of how easy it is for any sailor to have fun and be successful offshore with their J.

Three J/111s will be participating this year, two in IRC Racing and one in IRC Double classes.  Leading the charge again for double-handers will surely be the offshore duo of John van der Starre and Robin Verhoef sailing "the RIPPER"-- 3rd in 2011 and was fleet leader at Fastnet Rock! The JUST 4 SAILING syndicate from Belgium will be racing DJINN and Andrew Hill from England will be sailing OJE in IRC Racing class.

Twenty-two J/109s sailing means they're the biggest one-design fleet period (and the largest J fleet participating) with three nations represented with the majority from England and the others from Ireland- Andrew Sarratt's JEDI- and the Netherlands- Kees Mijs' ARETHUSA and Paul van der Pol's YETI.  While far too numerous to list the range of possibilities for the British teams, there are both new faces and familiar ones that have campaigned J/109s for years and participated in past Fastnets.  Amongst those boats will be the top five J/109s from the 2011 Fastnet, including Tor McLaren's INSPARA, Robin Taunt's JIBE, Kees Mijs's ARETHUSA, Phil Nelson's JOLENE and Greg Nasmyth's JARHEAD.

Seven J/122s are represented by no less than five countries, proving yet again the popularity of this IRC cruiser-racer worldwide and its ability to perform and garner its fair share of silverware in the major offshore races around the world.  For starters, one of the more famous J/122s will be sailing in IRC Double Class, Rob Craigie's J-BELLINO from England, famous for winning not only its class, but nearly overall, in the last OSTAR trans-Atlantic Race single-handed!  Other J/122 contenders include 2011 Fastnet IRC 2 winner NUTMEG IV (Francois Lognone) from  France. Plus, other top teams include Ireland's AQUELINA (Jim Tyrrell), England's JOOPSTER (Neil Kipling), The Netherlands' JUNIQUE (Chris Revelman), the other French team of LORELEI (Alain Catherineau) and the first Russian J/122 owner, Artem Brum sailing KNYAZ.

Four J/133s will be racing that include local/ regional champions in their respective sailing areas, such as England's Nigel Passmore on APOLLO 3 and Angus Bates' ASSARAIN IV; Yves Grosjean's JIVARO from France that nearly won IRC 1 in the 2011 race; and the Irish family team of Alan, Bruce and James Douglas on SPIRIT OF JACANA.

Four J/105s will have the fleet divided evenly between IRC Racing and IRC Double.  Leading the charge in the double-handers will be Nick Martin's DIABLO-J (a past class winner) and Jim Heald's FLAWLESS J.  In IRC Racing class are Tom Hayoe's MOSTLY HARMLESS and Richard Cashmore's SLINGSHOT.

Finally, no matter how you slice IRC classes, sure to be a factor in their respective groups will be a cross-section of veteran ocean-racers like the J/120 RHAPSODIE V (Jean Jacques Godet from France), the two J/35s forming a pan-European contingent (Germany's CHOSI 6 sailed by Mike Wunderlich and Belgium's RAGAZZA lead by the team of Gabriel, De Bie & Malchair) and the equally famous J/39 SLEEPER VIII sailed by Jonty Layfield.  Sailing photo credits- Rolex/ Kurt Arrigo. For more 2013 Rolex Fastnet Race sailing information

J/24 Vic States A Heart Attack!

PACEMAKER Overcomes CONVICTS REVENGE
(Victoria, Australia)- Two days of hard competitive racing saw Dave Suda sailing ‘Pacemaker’ regain the Vic States crown – just.  Not his closest winning margin (that goes to a previous tussle with yours truly, winning on a countback in the last race), but by one point from Stephen Girdis sailing Convicts Revenge from Sydney. The most important point to take out of all this for the rest of the fleet was the lack of individual dominance that has been seen in the class over the last few years. Dave won with a score of 25 points, rather than the single digit scores we have seen sometimes recently. Put that down to the shifty conditions or to the growing depth in talent of the top half of the fleet. You choose, but congratulations go to Dave and his crew.

Previous winners Ben Lamb and Arthur Crothers didn’t defend, Ben is in the wilds of NT or FNQ (gone a roving for work … nobody knows) Sean Kirkjian was another missing face from interstate amongst many missing out on a great regatta this year. But with 19 local boats (including two interstate crews) and another two boats from interstate, the 21 boat fleet fought it out over 4 races on Saturday and 3 on Sunday.

Third was taken out by Adam Evans in SDM and it seemed this was a popular placing as the next 4 boats all came very close to coming third, with only 6 points separating 3rd from 7th and with a number of stories of ‘if onlys’ and ‘might have beens’.

Doug Watson from SA will be thinking if only he hadn’t gone deep to the left going downhill on Sunday when the wind came from the right he would have been third. Ron Thomson giving an awesome display of ability in the old green boat will be thinking how close he came to winning a new kite in the middle of the field when his OCS was reinstated back to a first, but if he hadn’t had the uncharacteristic 11th on Saturday he would have been 3rd. The girls on Hyperactive with their new ‘import’ calling the shots would be thinking that a couple of double digit placings on Sunday morning took them out of 3rd and then there is Jet going hard left to engage the forecast change when running 3rd found the breeze went the other way, losing those 6 points made all the difference.

Brendan Lee sailing ‘By the Lee’ finishing a bit further back could have been 3rd too – if only he hadn’t had the DSQ after communing with Doug MacGregor at the top mark. Doug didn’t sail after that either. If only !

Hard luck stories abound in racing, Hugo lost a rudder on the first day, the only one he had so that was catastrophic to his cause, Warren Campbell lost his kite pole around his foredeckies ear, meaning a new pole and hospital surgery for his bowman after an ambulance ride. Sam Haines and his crew all came down with gastro on Saturday night so MMJ did no work at all on Sunday – did they eat together ?

But really – was it that bad, well apart from the aching bones and sore muscles, the fleet went about it’s business in a pretty orderly way. A southeasterly on Saturday around the genoa /jib mark with many changing back and forth and a little lighter then windier from the north east on Sunday, but shifty, very shifty. It’s not often you see Dave Suda mixing it with some of the back markers and some of the back markers were pretty surprised to find themselves next to Dave !

And the Sunday was nearly Dave’s undoing, after ones and twos on Saturday and being required to wear the new ‘Club Pro T-shirt at Mike Lewenhagens great BBQ night (thanks again Mike) in the evening as he wielded the BBQ tongs and downed the sherbets, Dave put in a very ordinary day by his standards on the Sunday. With a 7,8,4 he only just scraped home ahead of Convicts Revenge. Can’t have the title going to NSW two years in a row !

As usual we had a cast of worker bees and volunteers doing the planning and organising to get us all on the water, thanks again to Sarah, Doug, Kirby and Jill, mainstays of the Vic Association, plus the committee and hangers on. Thanks once again to MonJon Security for their most appreciated and continuing support. Special mention to Sam Haines from UK sails for putting up a new kite to be won by the boat coming 11th out of 21 boats, This is to show his support for the middle of the pack, the unsung heroes of the bulk of our fleet, out there every day learning and moving up the pecking order. Of course it was won by Robin and Jim Townsend, two of the nicest people in the class …. from SA. Well Sam the plan was good and much appreciated. Sam has chartered ‘Make my Jay’ this season and is now buying the boat, pity he hasn’t got to sail it much and only got one day out of the states. Much more to come from Sam I think !

So the racing was tough, the course legs around a mile, longer than we do in club racing, but the learning curve for many is steep and rewarding. Many skippers telling me of their experiences and enjoyment, a tough but a good regatta by any standard. The highest placed new owner, Mark Foster sailing ‘Gridlock’ at 9th a very good effort, no major ups or downs, just a good consistent performance. Andy Hunting, one of our youth boat skippers at 10th with a best placed 3rd, Michael Lewenhagen a long time class stalwart, now in Vertigo has jumped up the placings to 13 and at times was right up near the pointy end. Best placed newcomer though was Bruce Alexander in ‘Melbourne Sailing’, the old ‘Dolly’ which he recently picked up for a song (and maybe some dance).

Bruce also took out the handicap win for the series ahead of John Neville in ‘Vice Versa’ (raffle winner as well) and Robin Townsend sailing in Good Company (well-- renamed from Excite Your Senses for the regatta)

Perhaps the most unusual thing to happen was a text message from a new French crew member to be sailing with Janette Symes in the middle of the night to indicate the potential success he was about to have with an Australian woman and the subsequent no show!  Rotten luck Janette, I didn’t see it awarded, but that would be where you lost the Thommo Cup this year I guess!

The results this year mean the racing is wide open, Dave is nearly beatable (last seen recharging his confidence with a beer under the boat) and although the usual suspects are still near the pointy end the pattern is definitely changing. Victoria is the place to race J/24s at a club level at the moment in Australia with consistent racing all year and a strong ‘traveling’ group of owners as well. However, some of the best sailors still come from Sydney and I know Steve Girdis is taking the message home to the harbour city that the storm is coming from the South in the next two major regattas.

Now is the time to start thinking about going to the NSW States on Cup weekend at RPEYC and the Nationals at the same venue in early January and mixing it with our Sydney mates.

Finally, thanks go to all the owners, skippers and crews, their traveling companions and those left at home, without you this group of sailing loving people could not get together regularly and tell old stories while they make new ones.  For more J/24 Victoria States Championship sailing information

J Media Around The Globe!

(Newport, RI)- While many sailors in the USA and Europe have seen the J/70 sail or saw one in local boat shows or sailing magazines, there are still parts of the world that have not- like Belgium and Chile.

Recently, Belgian sailors had their taste of the J/70 sailing experience. Their premiere sailing magazine- VAREN- did a test of the J/70 on the Braassemermeer and it was recently featured in latest issue- please see http://www.varen.be 

Furthermore, VAREN did a cameo video on the J/70 sailing on YouTube, please watch here.

In the meantime, Manuel Eguiguren was recently out sailing J/70s on a spectacular Chilean lake high in the Andes Mountains of South America-- enjoy this "J/70 sailing music video" here.

Cover Girl- J/70! Did anyone see the April issue of Sailing World magazine?  The J/70 was on the cover and SW Editor Dave Reed's article was about the J/70 sailing experience in Key West Race Week. In addition, the "From the Expert's" article was about sportboat tips that are directly applicable to the 70.

Cover Girl- J/24! The March Sailing World cover was about how the International J/24 continues to maintain passionate, devoted followers of the world's largest one-design keelboat class.  With used J/24s available at affordable prices, the J/24 class continues to attract many of the world's best sailors worldwide due to its affordability, quality of competition and depth of talent. What was true 35 years ago is true today, one-design keelboat sailing in a strictly controlled ISAF one-design class affords many people the opportunity to learn quickly and progress forward according to their ability-- at any level of sailing-- locally, regionally, nationally or globally. Even America's Cup and Volvo Race sailors owe their experience as sailors to J/24s.  Never forget it!  Sailing photo credits- Tim Wilkes.com and Sharon Green/ Ultimate Sailing.com.