J/24 Worlds 35th Anniversary Preview

(Newport, RI)- Back in 1979, no one would ever imagine the J/24 class would achieve such enthusiastic support and popularity that in its first World Championships in Newport, RI, hosted by Ida Lewis YC and sponsored by Bacardi Rum, that 69 boats would participate in that event.  It was a notable achievement for many reasons.  While the first J/24 Midwinters in 1978 had 21 boats (85% of them had pro’s aboard!), the 1979 Worlds was also highlighted by the “long distance” race that experienced the tail-feathers of the famous depression that later annihilated the 1979 Fastnet Race!  Those who finished the “around Jamestown Island” race without broaching at some point (about half of the top 15) also later experienced at the after-party a near-tornado that lifted the giant marquee tent about 1.5 feet off its stakes that was based at the Newport Yachting Center!  Needless to say, nerves were calmed with soothing Bacardi refreshments later into the evening as the monster depression whistled off to the east to wreck greater havoc elsewhere on the North Atlantic Ocean!

Now, celebrating the 35th edition of the J/24 Worlds, Sail Newport and friends at Fort Adams State Park are hosting the regatta from September 18th to 26th, with racing starting on Monday.  The line-up of teams from around the world continues to be extraordinary for such a venerable class.  Seventy-one boats!  Who would believe that three decades later a J/24 Worlds in Newport would be just as big as it was when it first started as a “newbie” class on the International scene back in the days when Quarter-Tonners, Half-Tonners and One-Tonners were all the rage in the early 1980’s IOR world (yeah, pointy-ended boats that could swap ends faster than you could blink)!

There are some J/24 sailors in the current entry list who have long-term memory banks that can remember that far back, especially since some of them were there “back in the old days” at the O.K. Corral of yacht racing!  Who might that be?  You got it.  A guy from Portland, Maine for starters.  You’d be hard-pressed not to get a good story out of the “old man of the J/24 class”- Tony Parker and the infamous BANGOR PACKET who were originally from Portland, Maine.  He’s done O.K. for a moonlighter in Washington, DC politics in recent years.  Beware, crafty old fox that he is, Tony’s team are always contenders in their “local waters” of the northeast!

While Tony has seen literally every J/24 World Champion come and go over time (e.g. Ken Read, Terry Hutchinson, Brad Read, Mauricio Santa Cruz, Tim Healy/ John Mollicone, Ed Baird, etc etc- see http://www.j24class.org/about-the-j24/hall-of-fame/world-champions/), he knows he is up against a formidable “new generation” of sailors that are every bit as good as their past heroes.  Leading that charge will certainly be current J/24 European Champion Mike Ingham from Rochester, New York; Pat Toole from Santa Barbara, California on 3 BIG DOGS (past J/24 North American Champions); Mauricio Santa Cruz on BRUSCHETTA from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (past J/24 World Champion four-times!); Tim Healy/ John Mollicone on Team HELLY HANSEN from Newport, RI (two-time J/24 World Champions); Mike Marshall on PIPE DREAM from Jamestown, RI; Will Welles’ COUGAR team from Newport, RI (J/24 US Nationals champions); Ken Porter’s “S” from Valle de Bravo, Mexico (Mexican National Champion); Scott Milne on TREMENDOUS SLOUCH from Seattle, WA (West Coast Champion); Travis Odenbach’s HONEY BADGER from Rochester, NY; Rossi Milev’s CLEAR AIR from Mississauga, Ontario (Canadian Champion); Rolf Turnquist & Billy Allen’s OZ from Minnesota (founder of J/24 #1 fleet and World E-Scow Champions); and Sumio Shimoyama & Mark Hillman on SOKOKUMARU (Japanese Champion).  That is just a taste of the leading candidates for the event.

Throw in many strong teams from around the world, on both a regional and continental level and the balance of the fleet is as strong as it has ever been in the past three decades.  Why?  Because, the J/24 is an affordable, entry-level, world-class racer.  For just $5,000 USD you can get a good boat that can be made ship-shape to sail against the world’s best sailors.  With 5,500+ plus J/24s floating around the world, it’s not hard to find one to go racing someplace!

As a result, some “blasts from the past” and some recent additions to the class (all world-class sailors) are looking to have some fun in this year’s Newport J/24 Worlds.  Don’t count out some teams like the Constants brothers (Al & Dave) from Long Island Sound sailing BLITZ, as smart a team as they come with a pedigree as long as any modern tattooists decorated arms.

There is an enormous contingent from both South America as well as Japan.  South American teams include Argentineans like Sergio Pendola’s CACIQUE and Nicolas Cubria’s ELVIS.  In addition, top Peruvian teams include Luis Olcese’s SCARAMOUSH and Lucas Peschiera’s TIAMAT.  The top Uruguayan team from Montevideo is Pedro Garra’s EXTASIS. From Chile are Vernon Robert’s GRINGA DC and Matias Seguel’s SEMI-PRO. From Japan are not just Sumio’s SOKOKUMARU’s team, but Keiji Kondo’s FOX, Shigetoshi Shirahama’s WHITE SQUALL, Koji Matsumoto’s TEMPUS and Nobuo Nakazawa’s GEKKO.

Surprisingly, the only German team is Frithoj Schade’s JJ ONE from Berlin.  And, the sole Italian team is Marco d’Aloisio Mayo’s DON J.  Plus, the sole Irish team is Luke McBride’s BANDIT from Omagh, County Tyrone— all three countries have a strong European presence.  Perhaps for the first time in J/24 Worlds history, it’s amazing that United Kingdom, Australian or Monaco teams are not represented.

The Canadian fleet north of the border have not only Milev’s CLEAR AIR crew arriving at Fort Adams in Newport, but a number of characters are wandering south seeking gold and silver from their southern neighbors.  Who can blame them with the USD heading further south all the time!  Get it now when the getting is good.  Amongst the gold-rush seekers are Nicolas Mabboux’s BAYGULL- ACCENTURE CONSULTING crew from Montreal, Quebec; Ted Bartlewski’s DRIVERS WANTED from Mississauga, Ontario; Edmond Rees’ A-SALT from Toronto; Tom Barbeau’s NAVTECH.CA; and Blair Dinsdale’s JOURNEY from Toronto.
For more J/24 World Championship sailing information

BLUE MEANIE Repeat Win- J/30 North Americans

(Westport, CT)- Like their J/24 colleagues, the J/30 sailors have been around the track more than once for many teams.  And, over time new fresh faces have drunk the same Kool-Aid and realize the J/30 is still one of the best cruiser-racers ever designed in the 28-32 foot marketplace.  That it was born back in 1979 is simply academic.  It’s still a  “cool” boat that is a great “family” boat for many who simply enjoy getting down near the waterfront to “simply mess about in boats”.  And, there’s no question they have one helluva lot of fun racing one-design amongst one another.

Amazingly, one of the larger J/30 North Americans took place this year, happily hosted by Cedar Point YC in Westport, CT. Thirteen boats showed up for some fun-in-the-sun on Long Island Sound this past weekend.  Teams came from as far away as Michigan and Maryland; yes, that means trailering your J/30 racer-cruiser for hundreds of miles to be included in this exclusive fraternity!

The teams were rewarded with great racing over the course of three days of racing.  Topping out the standings was Steve Buzbee’s BLUE MEANIE with 21 pts, a repeat from their previous year.  However, they were challenged by a trio of boats that kept them on their toes all weekend long.

In second just one point back was Bob Rutsch & Mike Costello’s BEPOP with 22 pts, winning the regatta until the 7th race when they accumulated their drop race- a 9th place.

Charles Stoddard’s crew on FALCON took third overall with 24 pts, despite winning the last race of the series.  Fourth and fifth, respectively, were John McArthur’s SMILES and Carl Sherter’s FAT CITY.

Some highlights for the series?  Well, to say there’s equality in the fleet means just about everyone has a chance at the top three in any race. However, a fleet analysis shows that the J/30 North Americans may be the ONLY class worldwide to have EVERY single boat in the regatta have a single-digit finish over eight races.  Even Russ Atkinson’s WILDCAT that finished 13th (e.g. last), got a 2nd in Race 7 and Harrison Gill’s HELIUM in 9th place took a 1st place in Race 2!!  Then, Bill Kneller’s RHAPSODY took a 3rd in Race 2 as well.  That kind of race finish distribution always keeps teams coming back for more fun in the future!!  Having a chance at the “brass ring” on any given day is a good thing.  For more J/30 North Americans sailing information

Ida Lewis Distance Race- Sailing Video by Trevor Davidson

(Newport, RI)- a budding video cinematographer/ producer extraordinaire?  Trevor Davidson compiled a video clip of their experience sailing this year’s Ida Lewis Distance Race aboard Fred Van Liew’s J/111 ODYSSEY.

Their team ended up winning the ILDR Junior Division in one of the nicest races this annual event has seen in years.  Enjoy their video and “Comment/ Like” as you see fit!
https://vimeo.com/105410207

J/70 West Coasts Preview

J/Teams Leaders for Ahmanson Cup
(Newport Beach, CA)- A keynote event on the Newport Harbor Yacht Club circuit is the famous Ahmanson Cup Regatta held on the third weekend of September every year- this year from September 20th to 21st.  Featured for this year’s event is the J/70 West Coast Championship as well as the regular PHRF Offshore buoy-race classes.

With a great performance at the Rolex Big Boat Series in San Francisco, the West Coast contingent of J/70 sailors are now looking forward to their next signature event on the Pacific Coast circuit.

The leading contenders are surely local class veterans like Tom Garret’s SLOOP JOHN B from Newport Harbor YC, Dan Gribble/ Kurt Wiese’s GO-RILLA from Balboa YC, Eric Kownacki/ Tom Jenkins’ DFZ from Manhattan Beach YC, and Karl Pomeroy’s ZERO TO 60 from Newport Harbor YC.

Perhaps the spoilers to the local’s party could be Stephen & Mike Drammer’s ECLIPSE from Santa Barbara YC or Beverly Burr’s VIVACE from Westlake YC.

On the PHRF Buoy Class offshore side of the regatta, there is no question an enormous spread in PHRF handicaps could become a “play” in the overall scheme of things.  Brian Dougherty’s J/105 LEGACY from Newport Harbor YC is up against Tim Harmon’s J/124 CIRRUS from Alamitos Bay YC; Roy Jones/ Scott Poe’s J/133 TANGO from Balboa YC; and a raft of other boats that include TP-52s!

In the PHRF RLC cruising class, the J/124 MARISOL, sailed by Seth Hall and friends, is up against Paul Stemler’s J/44 PATRIOT from Newport Harbor YC.   For more Ahmanson Cup sailing information

J’s Crush Class & Fleet Honors- Valeur-Jensen Denmark Race

(Stamford, CT)- On Sunday September 7,  J/Boats had a great showing at a key fall event on the CT/ NY Long Island Sound race circuit: The 49th Annual Valeur-Jensen Stamford Denmark Race.  The event is sponsored by the Stamford YC, the Royal Danish YC, the Stamford Sail and Power Squadron and Consulate General of Denmark.

The Valeur-Jensen Stamford Denmark Race is held annually on the first Sunday after Labor Day.  Attracting both performance sailors and the occasional racers, the Denmark Race remains one of the largest day races on the Long Island Sound.  With all participating boats flying the Danish flag, it is probably the oldest and largest Danish sports event held annually outside of Denmark.

The fun is both on the water and off, with two race parties:  A dinner the night before, and cocktails, Danish beer and snacks on the SYC lawn after the race, in connection with the awards ceremony.  A unique collection of silver trophies has been donated over the years by corporations and individuals with ties to Denmark and Stamford.  These trophies continue to be awarded to the winners in each division.

The Stamford Denmark Friendship Race was first staged in 1966, as part of a week-long commercial promotion and cultural exchange called the Stamford Denmark Friendship Week.  The week was initiated by Werner Valeur-Jensen, a Danish resident of Stamford, then Chairman of the Stamford Chamber of Commerce.

Fifteen J/Boat owners from ports across the CT and NY  state areas participated, representing the following models-  J24/ 27/ 88/ 30/ 100/ 35/ 36/ 109/ 120.

Top J/Boat finishes amongst the 12 divisions out of a total of ninety one boats included the following- Overall PHRF Spinnaker Fleet Winner (based on fastest corrected-time in Fleet)- the Queen of Denmark Trophy (Top Event Prize) – VELOCITY – J/88 – Kevin and Justin Marks.

Class 8 PHRF Spinnaker was also taken Kevin and Justin Marks’ J/88 VELOCITY for the Royal Copenhagen Trophy.  Second in division was the J/100 DAYTRIPPER sailed by Robert and Theresa Carballal.

In Class 9 PHRF Spinnaker, taking 2nd place was the J/109 SKOOT sailed by Jim Vos and in third was Brian Warner’s J/35 IMPROMPTU.  In Class 4 PHRF Non- Spinnaker, third place was the J/35 MARIAH helmed by John Stomber.  Then, in Class 5 PHRF Spinnaker, the J/30 HELIUM sailed by Harrison Gill took third place overall.  A good showing by all J/Teams in the event!  Sailing photo credits-  Rick Bannerot/ Rbannerot@gmail.com  For more Valeur-Jensen Denmark Race sailing information

HEY JUDE Wins J/105 Canadians

(Toronto, Ontario)- It could be said there are other good Canadian sailors other than Terry McLaughlin (an Olympic Medalist, America’s Cup sailor and two-time New York YC Invitational Cup winner), but that is a short list amongst the sailing cognoscenti north of the border.  Nevertheless, in the world of one-design sailing it can happen that at any one time even pretenders to the throne are more than capable of upsetting the status quo.  Amongst those sailors happens to be Jim Rathbun.

Jim is a quick learner; having sailed with Terry McLaughlin as tactician on his boat HEY JUDE in the 2009 J/105 North Americans on Long Island Sound.  With Rathbun steering and McLaughlin on tactics, they nearly pulled off a “quickie” on their “south of the border” neighbors, having to settle for second place instead.  In 2013, Rathbun’s team on HEY JUDE pulled off the inevitable, taking the J/105 North Americans in Annapolis, MD, the very seat and hotbed of all J/105 talent in all of the USA.  So, it’s not surprising that Rathbun’s team on HEY JUDE are continuing on that winning role by taking the Canadian J/105 Championship in 2014.  He promised as much in Annapolis, MD last fall!!

While Rathbun’s team won three of six races to take the overall win over Terry McLaughlin’s MANDATE team, it was clear they were the only teams in contention.  All other J/105 crews in the top five were fighting amongst each other for the remaining scraps in the pile.  Greg Mezo’s team on FORRO took third, with Peter Hall’s JAMAICA ME CRAZY on fourth and Bill Bevan’s ENDEAVOUR taking fifth.

This event was the last major regatta for all Lake Ontario J/105 teams taking place in the upcoming J/105 North American Championship hosted by Royal Canadian YC late in September.  For more J/105 Canadian Championship sailing information

J/70 Denmark’s Official Sports Boat!

(Copenhagen, Denmark)- In conjunction with the final Danish Sailing League event sailed recently in Aarhus (see news below), the Danish Sailing Association (Dansk Sejlunion) has announced that their future one-design keelboat for its associated clubs will be the International J/70!

The decision by the Danish Sailing Association has been a lengthy process.  In fact, the input from club sailors participating in the Danish J/70 Sailing League was critical to the decision.  After three league events- Rungsted, Sønderborg and Hellerup- the J/70 was tested thoroughly in all sailing conditions (light air, flat water to heavy air and rough, steep seas).  In short, the sailors have been more than enthusiastic about this exciting boat.  The Association’s committee was also quite impressed by the J70s ability to handle many different crews with a wide range of experience, plus they felt it was quite impressive the J/70s have been able to withstand the punishing sailing conditions with the inexperienced crews.

Helping the local Danish sailing clubs on the purchase and finance of their J/70s is “DS Club Finance”.  The sailor and entrepreneur Ib Kunøe, Chairman of Consolidated Holding, launched with the Danish Sailing Association a financing solution for clubs through the establishment of DS Club Finance.

Said Ib, "Sailing has again become a party that everyone can enjoy - just take a look at the interest in the Sailing League. People come by the harbor and are greeted with sailing taking place right on the waterfront. As spectators, we are practically in the middle of the race and experience it all first-hand."

"The task of the sailing clubs is that they have to create an environment that fosters the best team and defend the club's honor in the Sailing League. So, you create an environment that is important to the sailing club’s sporting profile. Here, it is OK to win bragging rights," says President Hans Natorp.  He continues to say, “It is the local experiences and the community of sailors that create a fun, warm, inviting ‘club life’ that ensures new generations of young people become aware of sailing's endless possibilities.”

Ib Kunøe agrees. Ib says, “I expect the new J/70 sports boats will retain the majority of juniors and young adults in the sailing club teams across Denmark, thus reducing the dropout rate.  Sailing must be fun, exciting and accessible to all.  The J/70 is a perfect boat for our club sailors in Denmark.”   For more information on, please read Danish Sailing Magazine BAADMAGASINET.  For more Danish Sailing League information

Bodensee YC Tops J/70 German Sailing League @ Kiel!

(Kiel, Germany)- Even outside the Kieler Woche, the city of Kiel ,Germany is known as “Kiel-Sailing-City” at the highest level of sailing anywhere in the world. The fourth stage of the J/70 Deutsche Segel-Bundesliga for the best sailing clubs competing from all over Germany recently took place at the Kiel Fjord.

The regatta team from Kieler Yacht-Club, including PRO Philip Rosenberg provided the sailors on the water an organization at the highest level. On land, the state capital Kiel and Kiel-Marketing GmbH made sure the sailors were more than taken care of with professional class, red-carpet care.

The first day went into slow motion. Only five of 45 races scheduled were completed. An unusual sight at the top after a day in Kiel with very little wind.  The second day was not much better. Only eight more races could be completed. At this point, the Bodensee YC defended their lead before the Norddeutscher Regatta Verein crew and the Wannsee sailing team.

The wind-puzzle at the first Segel-Bundesliga in Kiel meant it was a challenge for all sailors all weekend.  Bodensee YC Überlingen (BYCÜ) won with crew of helmsman Andreas Buchert, Dr. Klaus-Peter Stengele, Jonathan Koch and Joseph Pochhammer in Kiel. "The fact that we begin here as well and win in the end, we had not thought of. It was an up and down. We appreciate the support of the fans and the city, which are close behind us as the only Bundesliga team from Überlingen," says Andreas Buchert.  With the victory in Kiel and in fifth place in Berlin in August, the BYCÜ catapulted out of the relegation and is now fifth in the series table.

Behind by three points behind in second place were the defending champion Norddeutscher Regatta Verein (NRV) with Sven-Erik Horsch, Carsten Kemmling, Florian Weser and Niklas v. Meyerinck and only one point behind them were the Luebeck Yacht Club with Simon Grotelüschen, Janika pulse, Arne Holweg and Niclas Kath.

KIEL.SAILING.CITY proved to be the perfect station for the Segel-Bundesliga. "That the Segel-Bundesliga is positioned close to the shore in front of the audience, was a great experience. For today, I had specially ordered more wind, that Neptune did not, for that I apologize. The races were still very exciting and we look forward to welcoming you again in the Bundesliga Kiel," said Gerwin Stichs, Councillor for Social Affairs, housing, health and sports for the city of Kiel.  Sailing Photo Credits: Sven Juergensen
YouTube sailing video Summary- www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqjBhoSHh1k
Day 1 sailing video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRCN3yySb6A
Day 2 sailing video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjgeu-MOxYY
Day 3 sailing video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzL6EeezWzo
For more J/70 Deutsche Segel-Bundesliga sailing information

Hellerup SC Tops J/70 Danish Sailing League

(Aarhus, Denmark)- The Danish Sailing League's first season ended Sunday afternoon with Hellerup Sailing Club at the top of the podium as sovereign Danish champions for sailing clubs.

The winning HSC team included Mads Christensen, Ida Hartvig, Trine Abrahamsen, Casper Peetz, Kvid Kristian Sorensen, Morten Halkier and Christina Otzen along the way.

"I've tried to win the ISAF World Cup and other things in my time. But this is the first time I've seen someone come up to me and say that WE are ‘number one’. I am proud to have helped to create a sense of community within the club about this," said the skipper Mads Christensen - the only one who has sailed all four events for Hellerup SC.

"Hellerup is a club that does a lot of racing, and it means a lot to the team to win this. This strengthens the club and it will be needed when all the others come in next season with even stronger sailors!”

"Overall, Danish yachting be really proud of the league's first season. We have had many young sailors back in the sport, and we have created something really fun and with very close sailing. I believe that the league may be the ‘Game-Changer’ for the sport of sailing," said Mads Christensen.

The Royal Danish YC demonstrated its participation with four different crews for each of four events! 16 sailors in total. In Aarhus, the KDY had four young match racing talents. The result was a second place finish at the event - and second place as the final series standings!  "It went very well and we can be satisfied, although we were also disappointed about not winning," said Hans-Christian Rosendahl for KDY.

The big drama on the last day played out in the battle for the league's third place that also provides access to the forthcoming Champions League Tournament in Copenhagen.

All five clubs were in contention. Kaløvig and Aarhus had the best starting point. But with three first places in the last three races, the Kerteminde Sailing Club came from behind and took third place at the very end.

"It's absolutely fantastic, I almost do not know what to say. We did not expect it,” said skipper Kim Haugaard.  "We chose to focus on our starts with open air as the most important criteria. Even if others were ahead of us. It worked, we can see now," he went on.

Kerteminde SC had a total of eight sailors participating, with Thomas Møhl as the only one who has sailed all four events.

The stage is set for a close battle for next year’s qualifiers to the 2015 Sailing League season. At least 15 clubs are in the qualifying tournament held in late October. The registered clubs are- Elsinore SC, Horsens SC, Struer SC, KAS - Kjøbenhavns Amateur SC, Gilleleje SC, Vedbaek SC,  Sejlklubben Lynæs, Thuroe YC, YC Furesøen, Bogense SC, Godalming Bådelaug, SC Lynetten KØS, Boating SC, Hadsund SC, and Skærbæk Bådeklub.

“The number of registered clubs largely live up to expectations,” says the league's project manager Peter Wolsing. “It's really positive with so much support. More than ten percent of all member clubs in the Danish Sailing Association is now either in the league or trying to qualify,” said Wolsing.  He elaborates, “In reality, we are now close to having enough clubs to form the second division. Two leagues will allow the development of sports boat sailing in Denmark a tremendous impetus. And that is precisely Sailing League's main mission - to create a broad and accessible platform for attractive sports boat sailing in Denmark.”

The qualification regatta will take place over the weekend of 25-26th October in Copenhagen, prior to the planned Champions League competition shortly before.  Register for the regatta- contact Peter Wolsing, peter@sejlsport.dk.   Danish Sailing League summary- YouTube Sailing video   For more J/70 Danish Sailing League sailing information

Newport Harbor Dominates NYYC J/70 USQS

(Newport, RI)- The three yacht clubs that finished on the podium at the 2014 U.S. Qualifying Series for the New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup have at least two things in common. First, each has previously earned a berth in the Invitational Cup. Second, each club was less than satisfied with their previous showing at that event.

Next September 2015, those three clubs--Newport Harbor Yacht Club, Eastern Yacht Club and Seattle Yacht Club--will have a chance to redeem themselves at the 2015 New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex.

Each of the teams took a different path to the podium in the 2014 U.S. Qualifying Series. Newport Harbor was utterly dominant. Led by skipper Michael Menninger and tactician Jon Pinckney, Newport Harbor won 13 of 17 races. The team, which also included Taylor Grimes and Gregory Helias, wobbled slightly on the final day with an eighth and a 12th. But the latter was the result of a jib halyard issue and eventually rectified with a redress claim, which was approved by the jury. Newport Harbor also won three races on the final day.

"It wasn't the best day," says Menninger. "We had one bad race and one breakdown, but we never got worried. We just kept plugging away. We knew we had good boatspeed, we knew we were still sailing well. Our mentality on the boat didn't change at all."

For Eastern Yacht Club, on the other hand, the final day was a constant battle. The team entered Saturday with a tenuous grip on a top-three finish. Time after time, skipper Bill Lynn and his team found themselves staring at a host of transoms, and they were forced to grind through a very stubborn fleet. The end result, a second-place overall, was worth the effort.

"We seemed to just dig ourselves little holes and them climb out of them," says Lynn, who sailed with Alden Reid, Ben Richardson and Megan Watson. "We were probably sailing a little too conservatively at times--except for the one time we did circles at the windward mark when we stuck it somewhere we shouldn't have. I think overall we were trying not to be over [early at the start], trying to stay with the pack. We had great speed, which made it easier to dig our way out when we had to."

Lynn was part of a team that won the inaugural J/70 North American Championship last fall in Annapolis, Md., but he said that the rule changes for this event--which prohibit changing the rig tune and don't allow any crew to hike with their legs over the side of the boat--made it hard to transfer much of what he has learned about the J/70 to the USQS.

"I've spent a fair amount of time in these boats," says Lynn. "It helps you downwind with the technique when you're figuring out when to plane, but upwind it's a totally different animal because you can't tune the rig."

Eastern Yacht Club finished fourth at the 2011 Invitational Cup and missed earning a spot for 2013. Lynn says the club is eager for one more bite at the apple.

For Seattle, the route to its second Invitational Cup bid was paved with consistency. Of the 11 races in the championship series, Seattle finished between third and sixth in nine. Andrew Loe, who skippered the club's USQS entry in 2012 and its Invitational Cup team in 2013, knew exactly what was required to earn his club a return trip to the Invitational Cup.

Just outside of the top three were New Bedford and Shelter Island. Both clubs were competing in the USQS for the first time and both came on strong on the final day, a good sign should they come back in 2016.

With the U.S. Qualifying Series now finished, the New York Yacht Club will work to finalize the roster of invited teams for the 2015 New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup presented by Rolex. That list will be released by early 2015. As with the past three editions of the Invitational Cup, the premier international Corinthian big-boat competition, a diverse and very competitive field is expected to challenge the two-time defending champions from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club (which in both cases featured top J/24 and J/105 sailor and Olympic Medallist Terry McLaughlin as its skipper— a formidable opponent!).
For more NYYC Invitational Cup USQS Sailing information