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.

J/105 Sailors Smoke Santa Barbara Hot Rum Series

(Santa Barbara, CA)-  Like their counter-parts down south in San Diego, the Santa "Barbarians" have their version of a Hot Rum Series that lasts over three weekends and has also proven to be popular with the locals and anyone who wants to enjoy some sybaritic sailing in the greater Los Angeles sailing basin.  It's a classic "pursuit-style" event sailing under PHRF where the small/slower boats start first and biggest/fastest boats last, whoever crosses the finish line first is declared the winner.  It's a popular format since you get to see all kinds of friends, whether you're sailing by them or you're watching them sail past you!

However, this year, the fleet was in for a surprise!  Not your usual light-medium airs from the WNW onshore.  Instead, over the past two weekends, the fleet has been treated to powerful Scirocco-like offshore winds blowing from the NNE ranging from 20 to 40+ knots! These weekends have been nearly perfect J/105 weather, blowing "dogs off chains" with the 105 sailors relishing every minute of the windy, puffy conditions.

For Hot Rum #2, the J/105s went 1st and 2nd, led by Larry Harteck's REPEAT OFFENDER followed by Ken Kieding's ADVANCE.  Mark Noble's J/105 ESCAPADE was 4th and "the little engine that could", the littlest boat in the fleet, Dale Bryers' and Brian Green's J/22 MISBEHAVING snagged a 5th!  And, rising up to the challenge was none other than Dr. Laura Schlessinger on her J/100 PERFECT, having a near perfect day and at least finishing in the spectacular conditions in 6th.  More than half the 30-odd boat fleet retired due to torn sails, bruised egos or broken equipment (or all of the above).

On the final weekend of racing for Hot Rum #3, the J/105s again went 1st and 2nd in just as windy conditions as the previous weekend, winds howling offshore from the NNE blowing 20-35 kts-- perfect J/105 weather again!  Repeating again as Captain Bligh mercilessly driving his crew to "trim that gosh darn sail again-- faster" was Larry's gang on REPEAT OFFENDER (pictured at right), followed closely by Ken's crowd on ADVANCE.  In that order, the J/105s took first and second for the series.  Fifth in the last race was Mark's ESCAPADE, enabling them to grab 4th for the series.  Other than their slow start on the first weekend of racing Hot Rum #1 (a hard-to-swallow 17th in a no-toss series), Byers and Green on their J/22 MISBEHAVING could easily have been the spoiler in the whole event, notching a 6th place on the last day to climb into 7th for the series.  Other notable performances came from the bright red J/145 RADIO FLYER sailed by Carolyn Parks (Dr Laura's old boat), getting a 5th on the first weekend and Larry Leveille's perennial champion J/29 RUSH STREET hanging tough with fellow 29 footer, the J/92 BLUES CREWS sailed by David Baxter, finishing 9th and 11th respectively.

Kudos to the race "survivors" and the winners.  As one person describes it, "it was a great trophy party, great food and lots of free rum for all whom could make it to the bar."   For more Santa Barbara Hot Rum Series sailing information

J/100s- Sailing Duel at Greenwich Flying Squadron Twilight Series

(Sydney, Australia)-This past Wednesday the two J/100s that have been enjoying the spectacular sights and vistas day sailing around Sydney Harbour had an opportunity to sail against one another over a friendly wager of a pint of beer-- aahhh, in the grand tradition of Harold Vanderbilt and J.P. Morgan, the famous America's Cup iconoclasts!  Here's their report from Down Under.

"After meeting recently and sailing a few informal blasts up and down Sydney Harbour, the 2 J/100s, JOHN JERVIS (Ralph Hillman) and SOPHIE X (Tom Havas) decided it was time to try their hands at racing. They both joined as casual entries into the Greenwich Flying Squadron Wednesday twilight race.  Renowned for its high turnout of boats, up to 65 starters in 5 divisions, tight navigable sailing area and shifty winds it was all going to be a challenge.  Neither Tom or Ralph were familiar with the area or the courses.

In a fading 7-12 knot breeze which was shifting from the nor’east to the east and back again the 2 J/100s set about the task in hand with eager zest. Soon after the start JOHN JERVIS took the lead of green division with SOPHIE X close behind, it became very clear this was already a J/100 match race.  Reaching to the first mark, Cockatoo Island both crews were getting to grips with the constant wind shifts and tidal vagaries of sailing around small islands on what is called by locals "the Dark Side" (west of Sydney Harbour bridge).  The J/100s were neck and neck with JOHN JERVIS taking the first point of the island just a little too wide.  Too late! SOPHIE X was in the gap and took a slim lead.

Continuing west and leaving Cockatoo & Snapper islands to starboard approaching the next mark called Spectacle Island, JOHN JERVIS picked a beautiful wind pattern and surged to leeward of SOPHIE X gibing around Spectacle first. By this time the remainder of green division were nearly 200 metres behind. After Spectacle the 2 J/100s settled into the beat towards Sydney Harbour bridge and the next mark – Goat Island to starboard. With the outgoing tide it was important to track in the centre of the channel and play the wind shifts. Both boats were equally matched with standard non-overlapping jibs and easing away from the rest of the green division boats. Then an overzealous tack on particularly big knock by JOHN JERVIS cost them a boat length and SOPHIE X was in the lead again. Around Goat Island and running /reaching back towards to the club for the finish the tight race continued, trying avoid wind holes and vying for any advantage.  With whispers of pressure filling in from behind it allowed some of green division to make up a little distance.

However the damage was done, SOPHIE X crossed the line 5 seconds ahead of JOHN JERVIS in a nail biting finish. The two Sydney based J/100s with novice crews had made their mark. The remainder of the division finishing between 1.5 and 12 minutes behind. During the prize giving ceremony the two visitors were complimented on their domination of green division, and joked that consideration may be given to put these two giant slayers with the 40-plus footers next time.  Comments from the crews were- 'That was a lot of fun and we all enjoyed it-- why would anyone buy anything but a J/100! The boat is so stable and easy to sail, we never expected to be so quick against all the other boats. Can’t wait to do it again.'"  Thanks for the contribution from Ray and Sandra Entwistle, Tom Havas and Ralph Hillman.

J's Sailing off Puerto Vallarta- Mexico

* It is always amazing to see where J's end up around the world-- like the J/41 One-Tonner that has been modified to be an ultra-cool racer-cruiser sailing in Thailand and Malaysia by a Frenchman- Jean Rheault or the fire-engine red J/35 resurrected from the ash-heap of history cruising Mexico and Central America.  Recently, one of the J/133s changed hands and it's new owners continue to race successfully (e.g. when they're not cruising!).  The Canadian purchaser of RUM FUNNY in 2011 re-named her PALADIN (seen here).  With the addition of carbon sails, PALADIN just won the Vallarta Cup in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico! Cool stuff.  Thanks for this report from Bud Suiter.

J/105 Manhattan YC Regatta!

(New York, NY)- Check this one out.  This regatta is being hosted by J/105 Class Fleet 10 and Manhattan Yacht Club (located in the famous North Cove Marina) in one of the coolest, and most challenging, places to sail in the world.  Zipping around New York Harbor while dodging the Staten Island ferries, cruise ships and the fleet with the Statue of Liberty and Wall Street as a back-drop can be simply breathtaking-- plus the Manhattan skyline at sunset is spectacular.  Put this event on your "Bucket List"-- awesome evening entertainment (heck, Greenwich Village, Little Italy and China-town are practically walking distance!) and "just for fun" sailing is what makes this a "gotta do it" regatta.  If you're flying into New York on business, why not hop aboard for a ride!

This is an event dedicated solely to the J/105 class. Last year there were eight boats on the starting line. This year we expect to see at least a dozen. Courses will be primarily windward/leeward under the watchful gaze of the Statue of Liberty and multiple support boats.

Social events include an outdoor barbecue aboard Liberty State Park’s lightship and an awards party at North Cove Marina on Sunday after racing.  Bring family and friends to watch the action.  Never far from the shores of either New york or New Jersey, the race provides spectators and tourists alike with the site of big boat racing.  Probably one of the few local sailing events where spectators can watch a regatta without ever leaving land.  For more J/105 Manhattan Regatta sailing information.

Brad Van Liew & Crew Set Sailing Record

* This past week, Johnstone cousin Brad Van Liew sailed with Giovanni Soldini and his crew onboard the Volvo Open 70 MASERATI and  set a monohull time reference for the 3,884 nm Cadiz-San Salvador route of 10 days, 23 hours, 9 minutes and 2 seconds.  They left Cadiz on 2 February, traveling 4,632 statue miles at an average speed of 17.6 knots. The team, which includes 2010-11 VELUX 5 Oceans race winner American Brad Van Liew, will carry on without stopping to Charleston, South Carolina, where it will be completely overhauled.  After the work, the team will attempt to beat the 24-hour speed record.  Click here for the full sailing report.

Sunfish North Americans Golden Anniversary

* Golden  Anniversary for the Sunfish North Americans!  Do you remember the Sunfish as the "camp boat" with the colorful lateen-rigged sails? Despite their unusual appearance, Sunfish have been raced since their inception.  And, most of the Johnstone's learned how to sail and race on Sunfish during their summers of youth sailing off Chicago, IL or Stonington, CT or Watch Hill, RI or even off Club Campestre in Valencia, Venezuela and Puerto Azul north of Caracas!  Sunfish sailing runs deep in the Johnstone family!

It all began in Waterbury, Connecticut when friends Alexander 'Al' Bryan and Cortlandt 'Cort' Heyniger (the Al and Cort in Alcort) put a sail on a surfboard, and by 1951 created the Sunfish as we know it today.  It became the most popular sailboat ever built worldwide with over 300,000 built to date.

For a brief period, Bob Johnstone ran AMF Alcort in Waterbury, CT helping to re-energize Sunfish marketing from 1975 to 1977.  When AMF didn't want to build the J/24, Bob J and brother Rod J decided instead to start J/Boats in 1977!  But there's more.  Later, after AMF sold off their sailboat division to Pearson Yachts, brother Peter bought it out of bankruptcy  and merged it with Laser to create Sunfish-Laser in 1991 with funding from North Marine Group (the parent company of North Sails owned by Terry Kohler) and Gary Jobson, amongst others.  Later in March 1987, Peter and North Marine Group sold it off to Vanguard Sailboats based in Portsmouth, RI.

When the Sunfish reached Lake Michigan, the Sunfish sailors in Lake Bluff, Illinois wanted organized racing, which led to the founding of Lake Bluff Yacht Club in 1962.  They hosted the first Sunfish North American Championship held in 1963. This summer the Sunfish North Americans and Lake Bluff YC will celebrate their golden anniversaries, and in conjunction with the Waukegan Yacht Club, will mark the occasion by hosting the 50th Sunfish North American Open Championship.  The regatta will be sailed in the fresh waters of Lake Michigan off the beach in Waukegan, Illinois from August 2 to August 4, 2012. The Youth North American Championship will also be sailed in Waukegan from July 30 to August 1, 2012.  Sailing photo credits- Onne Van der Wal  Learn more about the Sunfish Class and North American Championship sailing information

St Petersburg NOOD Preview

(St Petersburg, FL)- This year's Sperry Topsider St Petersburg NOOD Regatta promises to have competitive fleets of J/24s and J/80s sailing on the waters of Tampa Bay.
Last February, Todd Fedyszyn turned a win in the J/24 class at the St Pete NOOD into a free charter in the British Virgin Islands.  On Feb. 17 to 19, on Tampa Bay, Fedyszyn will once again be aiming for that elusive overall championship. Standing in his way will be more than 100 other skippers, in 10 classes. But Fedyszyn won't have to look far to find some tough competition. The J/24 class, which will feature sixteen entries from as far away as Massachusetts and Illinois, is always one of the most hotly contested classes at each NOOD regatta stop. Local sailor David Mendelblatt is one to watch. As is Travis Odenbach from Webster, NY fresh off a highly competitive J/24 Midwinters the previous week also held on the capricious waters of Tampa Bay.

The J/80s have a good group of eight boats competing.  They will have to all contend with the "Middies" from the Naval Academy Sailing Squadron all competing in J/80s- a trio of sailors including Dave Manheimer on BEAR INSTINCT, Stephen Vincent on WILLY T and Jeff Jordan on EMOTIONAL RESCUE.

The warm weather and great sailing conditions on Tampa Bay are a big draw for out-of-state sailors, who usually make up over 50% of the fleet. In 2012 the regatta will feature sailors coming from as far away as New England, Michigan, and Ontario, Canada. The event also draws PHRF sailors, including Bill Terry's J/120 TAMPA GIRL sailing in PHRF 1.

Of note, the St Pete NOOD is welcoming aboard as Sapporo, the oldest beer brand in Japan, as the "official beer"-- since 1876 Sapporo has been a favorite among beer lovers for its crisp and clean taste and is the #1 selling Asian beer in the United States.   For more St Pete NOOD Regatta sailing information

J/22 Midwinters Preview

(Houston, TX)- Next weekend, the Houston Yacht Club and J/22 Fleet 6 will be hosting the 2012 J/22 Midwinter Championship Regatta from February 23-26.  With thirty-four boats registered so far, the sailing promises to be closely fought amongst some of the top teams attending, many of them coming from the local Texas fleets.

The Annapolis contingent will be well represented by some top women teams, including Sandy Adzick from Haverford, PA and Kathy Parks from Annapolis, MD on SUNDOG.  In addition, Al Terhune sailing DAZZLER from Arnold, MD will hold up the guys side of the equation for "Naptown" sailors.

The Texas gang rides hard and fast and with two World and North American Champions in their midst, it will be tough to beat these gringos.  Too close to call this horse race, but you have Terry Flynn sailing TEJAS from Houston, TX and Scott Young from Austin, TX ready to joust when the flags drop.

The Rochester Mafia has always had a strong group of teams sailing J/22s over time.  They will be well represented by Travis Odenbach sailing INSTIGATOR from Webster, NY and Chris Doyle teamed up with Will Harris from Kenmore, NY.  Either team can be considered top contenders.

Lone wolf and very capable competitor from Ohio is Nick Turney on FREE ENERGY from Lakewood YC in Lakewood.  Returning for some more "22 Love" is past J/22 Class President Galen Freeman on HOT RUDDERED BUM from Brentwood, TN.  Should be a fun event with this firepower amongst the top of the fleet.  For more J/22 Midwinters sailing information

J/One-Designs @ SCYA Midwinters

(Long Beach, CA)- The Southern California Yachting Association’s 83rd Midwinter Regatta is gearing up for the weekend of February 18 and 19, 2012. The Midwinter Regatta is the largest and most unique regatta held anywhere in North America.

This Regatta will be held at over 25 individual SCYA Clubs from Channel Islands, south to San Diego, all ports in between, and east to Arizona. This Regatta allows individual Yacht Clubs to feature specific races and to give the sailors from their area the opportunity to race in a combined, quality regional regatta against the best sailors in Southern California and beyond.  The goal for the 2012 SCYA Midwinter Regatta Committee is to provide a high level of competition and quality racing for sailors throughout Southern California and Arizona.

Along those lines, Scuttlebutt Editor Craig Leweck paid a visit to some local bars/ restaurants  on the simple basis that man does not live on bread alone and sailors like more than cheeseburgers. To that end, the sailor's hang-out (a.k.a. "watering hole") of choice apparently is Gladstone's in Long Beach.  They not only have rum and king crab, but calamari as well.  Gladstone's is renowned for being the creators of Maui's "Best Mai Tai" and voted "Best Seafood" by Press Telegram readers-- you can learn more about Gladstone's here.

As for the sailing, the various J's will be divided up over three primary sailing areas (of the six that on stage for the event).  Sailing out of Dana Point YC (south of Newport Beach) are the J/24s.  The J/80s will be racing at both Arizona YC (Lake Pleasant) and Cal YC up in Marina Del Rey.  The J/105s are beginning to gear up for their 2012 North Americans in San Diego, so watch for a highly competitive fleet vying for class honors in San Diego.  Also racing out of San Diego YC will be the J/109s and J/120s.  For more SCYA Midwinters sailing information.