J/24s @ Bacardi Sailing Week

(Miami, FL) – Following a successful inaugural year, Bacardi Miami Sailing Week will return to Coconut Grove in Miami, FL, from March 6-12, 2011. For the J/24 fleet that participated, they were treated to some remarkable, beautiful conditions.  The hospitality was considered "unbelievable, gracious, extraordinary, groovy, awesome".  Wanna have some fun?  Go for it. J/24s.  Miami.  South Beach.  Coconut Grove.  Biscayne Bay.  Hard to miss.  Great follow-up to Key West and Miami offshore events.  Weather is awesome.

The event will be a six-day experience that will gather national and international sailing classes together in a fun-filled week of regattas, awards ceremonies, parties, and cultural exhibits. The racing begins on March 7, with events scheduled daily through March 12. The prestigious Coral Reef Yacht Club will coordinate on-water activities in collaboration with Biscayne Bay Yacht Club and Coconut Grove Sailing Club. The US Sailing Center and Shake-A-Leg Miami will also support the event. Racing will be held on three separate courses on Biscayne Bay.    More information on Miami Sailing Week.

  

Unique J/24 Prints

(Newport, RI)- Just in time for the holiday season, WG Sofrin Fine Prints of Newport, RI is pleased to announce the introduction of a customizable J/24 sail and lines plan print.

This print was developed in conjunction with the J Boats design team using the original design data from Rodney Johnstone. This classic keepsake is perfect for any office, home or club.

The print is produced using archival inks on acid-free select print stock.  WG Sofrin Fine Prints specializes in customizable print services.  Sofrin's work is collected around the globe, and his original work can be viewed upon prior appointment at the MIT Museum in Boston, MA.  Visit http://www.willsofrin.com for all the details or email will@willsofrin.com.

  

Happiness Is The J/24 Circus Regatta

(New Braunfels, Texas- Nov. 19-21)- The last stop of the Texas Circuit took place on November 19-21, 2010 at Lake Canyon Yacht Club in Canyon Lake. It was a triumphant win for the "happy" gang on-board Bob Harden's MR. HAPPY.  They not only won the last regatta, they won the whole bloody season and join the ranks of other famous Texas sailors like John Kolius, Scott Young, Jay Lutz who've preceded them as winners of this epic, season long series held at some of the best watering holes in Texas.  Ever popular, this year's J/24 Texas Circuit continues to see strong, competitive fleets and rarely does the same boat win successive events-- must be too much tequila and salsa during the previous victory celebration that might have something to do with that issue.

While Bob and crew won, it was not without a strong challenge from Bryan and Vicki Dyer on RUMLINE.  They started out strong with a 1-2-4, throwing down the challenge to the others to match them.  However, they could not keep up the pace, falling off the proverbial cliff in the last two races with a 5-3 to drop them out of content for the series against the HAPPY crowd.  Third overall was Stuart Lindow racing TROPICAL AGGRESSION, finishing strong with a 2-2 to cement their claim to the bronze.  Fourth was Doug Weakley sailing AMBASSADOR with 26 points and fifth was J/24 Southwest Champion Kelly Holmes-Moon racing BADMOON with 32 points.   For more J/24 Texas Circus Regatta sailing information.   

Vincenzo Onorator- ex-J/24 & J/39 sailor competes for America's Cup

* Vincenzo Onorato- another former J/24 and J/39 sailor from Italy (and leader of the famous MOBY Lines providing ferry service to the islands of Elba, Corsica and Sardinia)- is now the leader of the MASCALZONE LATINO AC34 Challenge.  Vincenzo was a good sailor when he was racing his J/24 and J/39 and was always an honorable and fun-loving person that loved the sport of sailing and, most importantly, included many of his friends and family.  Recently he wrote Michele Tognozzi, editor of FareVela (a leading Italian sailing publication):  "Dear Michele,  I read Fare Vela Online with interest, every day. I have also read the criticism leveled at my club, seen as a sleeping partner of the Defender rather than a Challenger of Record worthy of its name. I partly feel responsible for these opinions as a direct result of our scant communication on the work we are carrying out. Oracle and Mascalzone, and their respective yachts clubs, inherited a disastrous Cup in terms of image, a result of the long and, I point out, legitimate litigation with Bertarelli. Russell and I meet almost every week and our teams are in daily contact.

All decisions taken are thoroughly discussed and thought through. It is also true we are going through an international economic environment, to say the least disastrous, and this is a further incentive to act with utmost care and caution. My silence doesn't mean I'm not doing anything,  but that we are humbly working, among other things, on carrying water to our mill. I'm Italian and my mill is called Italy, I would like to take to our country a series of events of the next Cup, just like I did last summer in La Maddalena.  A Jesuit priest that taught me in school used to say: Look at the substance of things, not their form. That's what I'm doing.  Your faithful and devoted reader, Vincenzo Onorato".  Full story can be read on Scuttlebutt USA here.

  

J/24 Crew Goes Swimming?

*  What do you do when you are near the finish line and a crew member falls overboard?  Tell them to hang on and keep racing!! Ouch! Can't imagine J/24 racing in New South Wales, Australia is that competitive?!  In Saturdays fantastic MHYC Race on 13th November, the J fleet comments are that a lot of fun was had – blue skies, good solid breezes, dolphins on the start line, shrimp on the barbie, lots of cold tinnies.  However, probably not so much fun for the wet crew member off the J/24 J-SPOT!!  Post race comments from Skipper Adam were along the lines of telling him they were only 20 miles from the finish line so he better hang on!  Tall story for sure--- eye witnesses report it was more like 150 meters.  The picture says it all.  Photo courtesy of Nicole Scott- for more pics go to http://www.sailingimages.net.au  More interesting J/24 tidbits below, though one hopes many kept their crews on board most of the time!   

Mike Ingham- new J/24 North Guru

* A long-time J/24 ace and supporter of the class, Mike Ingham, recently joined North Sails to help them on their one-design programs in general.  Mike is a past J/24 North American and National Champion. In addition to his North American and National titles in the J/24 class, he has placed second in the J/24 World Championship and is an East Coast and Great Lakes Champion. Mike will continue working out of his home in Rochester, NY, where he lives with his wife and three children.  Another long-time J/24 expert and champion, Vince Brun (btw he sailed in the first J/24 Midwinters in 1978 in Key West!!), had this to say about Mike, “he will be a wonderful addition to our team of J/24 class experts and will give us the opportunity to reach out to even more J/24 sailors nationwide.” In addition to many victories on the race course, Mike has coached at Cornell University, the University of Rhode Island and Yale University. He has been a personal coach and training partner for many successful sailors and has won numerous awards and including being named an All-American at Cornell University in 1986.  Photo is J/24 North American Champion, Pat O'Toole using North Sails.   

Terry Hutchinson & Ed Baird- Quantum Evolution

* What do Ed Baird and Terry Hutchinson have in common with Mike Ingham, Ken Read, Chris Larson and several other noteworthy (perhaps famous) sailors?  A J/24 World Championship.  Not to beat their drum for any particular reason, but Quantum seems to be targeting a lot of good talent that are coming out of the world's largest offshore one-design keelboat classes- the J/22, J/24 and J/80s.  Recently, Terry is taking a deep breath and jumping in with both feet to be Captain Fantastic (e.g. helmsman) aboard the great yacht ARTEMIS in the America's Cup 34th rendition, sailing super-fast, incredibly dangerous 72 foot carbon fiber catamarans powered by enormous carbon wing-sails.  As a result, Terry is leaving his duties as helmsman aboard the TP-52 QUANTUM RACING.  Jumping into the driver's seat is yet another J/24 ace, Ed Baird, formerly skipper of ALINGHI in AC33 in Valencia, Spain!  Ed Reynolds, President of Quantum, says Baird’s expertise as both a sailor and coach make him a great fit for the team, which clinched the Audi MedCup TP-52 World Championship title earlier this month. "Ed is an 11-time world champion, has sailed with many of the guys on our team and is very much committed to our program, which is as much about product development as it is winning races. Ed’s accomplishments both on and off the water are impressive and his analytical approach to sailing is a real asset. We’re very excited to bring him on board and will value his expertise as we work to put a new boat, rig and sails on the water."   

BAD MOON Rising Wins J/24 Southwest Championship

(Dallas, TX)- Congratulations to Kelly Holmes-Moon and Team BAD MOON crew members Chris Rousseau, David Haslip, Phillip Carroll and Dana Marxen for winning the Southwest Championship at Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club.  Their win qualifies them to compete in the J/24 Worlds taking place November 11-19th, 2011 at the Yacht Club Argentino, in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The BAD MOON gang sure didn't shoot straight in the first race.  The crew on RUMLINE, sailed by Bryan Dyer, took off from the fleet and won the first race, while the BAD MOON gang was sucking on their exhaust pipe, finishing 5th.  MR HAPPY sailed by Bob Harden got a 2nd and 3rd was Stu Lindlow's TROPICAL AGGRESSION.  From there on end, the BAD MOON band got its act going and tore off a few bullets to bring home the bacon.  However, the last race turned into duel match races, one for first and one for third overall.  Winning by just one point over the hard-charging MR HAPPY team steered by Captain Bob was Kelly's BAD MOON. In the other pairing, Bryan's RUMLINE crew settled for third overall 5 points back, just one point ahead of Stu's TROPICAL AGGRESSION.  Watching all the histrionics and fireworks from the cheap seats was Jim Mitchell's FLYING CIRCUS, collecting 35 points for 5th place.    More sailing info at J/24 Texas Circuit site.  

SAILPAC Wins J/24s At Balmain Regatta

(Sydney, Australia- Oct 30-31)-  The Balmain Regatta is one of Sydney’s oldest sporting events, and has a long history with our waterways. It was first held in 1849 and continued until 1934, when sadly it was discontinued. It was revived in 1994 by the Wooden Boat Association, and Balmain Sailing Club participated in the Balmain Regatta in 1995 and 1996 as one of its Spring Series races.

In 1997, it was run as a separate event, jointly organised by the Balmain Sailing Club and the Wooden Boat Association. Today it is run by Balmain Sailing Club, in association with other sailing clubs and community organizations, and is a real celebration of Balmain, the harbour and our maritime heritage. The event attracts over 150 vessels on the water, making it one of the great annual spectacles around Balmain.

A couple of months ago Simon Grain was contacted by Neil Hamilton from the Race Committee and asked if they could get  a J/24 fleet together as they would like to give them their own division – after a lot of phone calls there's a fleet of 6,  enough to race!  Wildfire’s Brett Hudson is always keen to race, as is KAOTIC – both sailing down from Middle Harbour. FUN, newly owned by Paul Baker and David Lamb will just be wherever you tell them to be, MADDER'N'BADDER have the one design racing bug since coming to the NSW State Championship and local entry MARITIME TRAINING SCHOOL made up the fleet, joined by the new crew on SAILPAC.

A Spinnaker start in a 10-15 Northeasterly winds soon splits the fleet with MADDER'N'BADDER getting away, KAOTIC not far behind them and then a match race for the next 20 mins between SAILPAC and WILDFIRE.  FUN and MARITIME TRAINING SCHOOL not far behind!   Shifty winds and shadows from all the islands and headlands around make it a tactical race with a mix of works, kite runs and reaches.

Tim Briggs, steering SAILPAC in only his fourth race is going well. Further around the course, we see Janette, steering Arthur Crothers’ KAOTIC, sail into a hole and as we come around Goat Island – with only MADDER'N'BADDER in front of us a shy kite gets us where we want to be – in the lead.   Holding that lead is the key, and finishing in front of KAOTIC and MADDER'N'BADDER, it was an absolute joy to see Tim steer a J over the line first – a huge confidence boost for a new owner!

Balmain Sailing Club doesn’t disappoint, with fun and festivities on the water front – a great regatta atmosphere, life raft demos, rowing, BBQ and raffles.  A few wines later…the only thing sending people home on a glorious Sunday afternoon was the 6pm tropical downpour – a delightful days racing.  We were also definitely in good company, hearing J/24 Legends Gary Geitz and Ian Bashfords names dropped in post racing story telling!! Well done BSC!  Hopefully with a larger fleet, we will definitely be there next year.  Overall the finishes were first, SAILPAC (Tim Briggs), second KAOTIV (Janette Syme) and third MADDER'N'BADDER (Chris O'Neill).   For more Balmain J/24 Regatta sailing information.  

J/24 Australia Yachties

Gotta Go To Geelong- Vic Race Week!
(Geelong, Victoria, Australia)- The boyz and gurlz Down Under as usual are having a ball on their J/24s going to some cool events, Simon Grain again has a bloody amusing report about an upcoming event that all J "Yachties" ought to know about (in case any of you are so inclined after freezing your buns off up North).  "The annual Geelong Audi Victoria Week regatta over the Australia Day weekend is amazing! And, what a glam regatta it will be, again."

In the past, we had Terry Wise down from Sydney, Karl Chappell from Adelaide, both of whom are keen to come back. Call them and ask them about what a good time they had!  Hmmmm, maybe that had a lot to do with all those girls on my boat (see photo)?!  Actually, there is lots of everything. Lots of boats– around 600, lots of yachties– around 3,000, lots of cool refreshing drink (didn’t count), lots of bands playing lots of music (more than I could listen too) and, well, lots of girls, the sailing ones too!  I guess I should point out to the sailing girls– there are lots of guys too, but you knew that already. In fact, if you can’t get a sail and a cool drink in Geelong then you are definitely not trying. Its one giant party and it’s been going for 166 years.

Last year there were around 25,000 people that visited the annual Geelong Week Regatta and Festival (yes, it is that big), it turns Geelong inside out. The weather was great and, of course, will be again.  The Melbourne J/24 fleet is planning to make a big showing this season at Geelong and negotiations are underway to have our own division and prizes.

The week is ideally placed after our Nationals at the end of January and usually involves a race down the bay to Geelong and then a couple of days of round the buoys racing in mixed fleets at Geelong followed by a relaxing sail home to Sandy. Let me say it is a big event and you will feel like you have been through the wringer by the end of it but you won’t want to miss the next one once you have discovered what a blast it is. This is like no other regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.

For boats returning to Adelaide after the Nationals (or, coming from Sydney) – bring your boats back through Melbourne and we will store them for you and then launch them at Sandy before the racing. If you want to borrow or charter a boat from our fleet – get in early as there may not be many available, my guess is most will be going to the party. Or, maybe you just want to fly in and be a ROCKSTAR– do it, but get a crew spot early!

So the racing will be hot and if you’re coming from interstate, you will be racing against the likes of Dave Suda and Hugo Ottaway, or relative newcomers like Ron Thomson and Adam Evans, skippers that are dying to knock the best off their pedestals. Of course, you will have to race with the rest of the fleet too, now around 13 boats.

So this is a party not to be missed and you need to plan ahead. If you want to talk to us in Melbourne about sailing to Geelong then give us a call.  Call Luke Mathews on 0403 233 589 or the other bloke Simon Grain on 0413 870 046.   For more information on Audi Victoria Week    Also, more information on J/24 Australia Class site

  

Murrieta Wins J/24 Vela Pan-Americana

(Puerto Vallarta, Mexico- Oct 20-24)- The Copa de Naciones Vela Panamericana was organized by the Mexican Sailing Federation and hosted by Vallarta Yacht Club in conjunction with Paradise Village Marina and Resort.  It was a preparatory event for the Pan American Games in October, 2011 and for many classes will serve as eliminatory for the 2011 Games.

As always, the sailors were not disappointed with the beautiful Riviera Nayarit on Banderas Bay, an unparalleled venue for competitive sailing on the Pacific coast of Mexico.  Over the four days, eight races were sailed in winds that ranged from 12 - 20 knots during the afternoon, near perfect sailing conditions.

Like they did earlier in the year at Copa Mexico on Banderas Bay, the Mexican team of Jorge Murrieta sailing with Julian Fernandez, Bernardo Minkow and Alejandro Murrieta sailed a strong series to score 1-2-1-2-1-1-3-2 for a total of 10 points (with throw-out) to win.  Second overall was Yon Belausteguigoitia with 13 points.  Third was Ken Porter, a very good Mexican J/24 sailor from Cantiere Navale Valle de Bravo near Mexico City, finishing with 19 points.  For more Vela Pan-Americana sailing information.

  

J/24 East Coasts- Great Halloween Party!

(Annapolis, MD- Oct 30-31)- First, check out this video link on YouTube below.  Second, ask how Tim Healy and the gang from Sailors For The Sea won over 35 well-sailed boats? Theories, rumors and innuendo abound.  Will seems to think it was just plain voodoo.  Others think worse.  A hex?  All in keeping with the big Halloween weekend sailing events going on in Annapolis (three keelboat regattas at once!).

After three days of picture perfect fall conditions, consistency proved to be the winning formula at the Hillman Capital Management J/24 East Coast Championship hosted by the Severn Sailing Association and the Eastport Yacht Club of Annapolis. While many of the J/24 class's best participated and sailed well, only one team managed to make every race count, never posting a double digit finish and cumulatively winning the regatta with a 26 point cushion. Impressive for an eight race regatta with no 'throw-outs'. Fresh off his first World Championship title in Malmo, Sweden, Tim Healy of Newport, RI is on a roll as he and his team of Gordon Borges (bow), Ben McAndrew (mast), Geoff Becker (tactics), and Paul Abdullah (trimmer) took the East Coast title. National champion, Will Welles took the second place spot and Fraito Lugo from Puerto Rico finished third. Entries came from as far away as Bermuda, Puerto Rico and Canada. Many teams from all over the East coast participated along with four teams from the Rochester Yacht Club, host to the 2012 J24 World Championship in Rochester, New York.

The best part about this regatta? The fact that American Democratic Party strategist/ PR flak Tony Parker wasn't distracted!  Tony sailed BANGOR PACKET to another top five finish!  Can't argue with the J/24 gang, they continue to have fun and know a good party when they see one (or create one!).  Newbs welcome!  More importantly, they'll even train you to have fun!  What more can anyone ask for in this day and age when the economy continues to "go to hell in a hand-basket"?  Do you think the French farmers had a point?  Why not have retirement age at 22 (post-college, of course) and just sail J/24s!

While Tim Healey (Newport, RI) and the SAILORS FOR THE SEA crew won by a lot (26 points), much of that margin had to do with a disastrous 5th race for Will Welles (Newport, RI/ SailNewport) when they seemingly found themselves in the dungeon and no way to climb out of a 31st place- a race, in fact, that saw Canadian Ted Bartlewski from Port Credit YC win!  Otherwise, Will and crew were giving Tim Healey a run for the roses.  As it stood, Will Welles ended up second with 54 points.  Third was Fraito Lugo from Ponce Yacht Club in Puerto Rico with 66 points.  Fraito definitely got the "Long Distance Traveler" award and kudos to them for making the trip and sailing so well.   Fourth was Tony Parker on BANGOR PACKET just two points behind with 68 points.  And, fifth was Chris Jankowski with 71 points.  Sailing Results for the East Coasts.   Sailing photo  credits- Tim Wilkes.   Watch the J/24 East Coasts YouTube video here.

  

Rob Mundle's new release: BLIGH- Master Mariner

* Australian J/24 sailor and writer Rob Mundle has just released a new book called, simply, "Bligh".  With his previous book, "Fatal Storm", Rob took nearly 200,000 readers from all around the world into the eye of the storm and the heart of bravery as the 1998 Sydney to Hobart yacht race faltered. In "Bligh", Rob goes back to sea, this time it’s the eighteenth century, the era when brave mariners took their ships beyond the horizon in search of an unknown world. Those chosen to lead these expeditions were exceptional navigators, men who had shown brilliance as they ascended the ranks in the Royal Navy. They were also bloody good sailors. From ship’s boy to Vice-Admiral, discover how much more there is to Captain Bligh than his infamous bad temper. Rob Mundle’s "Bligh" is about bravery and brilliance, endurance and integrity, great battles and victories!

Join Rob as he puts you:
· On a beach in Hawaii as 22-year-old Bligh witnesses the death of his captain and mentor, James Cook.
· Aboard HMS Bounty on its voyage into the South Pacific that led to the famous mutiny.
· In an open long boat with 18 of his crew,cast adrift in the middle of the Pacific by the mutinous Fletcher Christian.
· On survival rations and on the incredible 47-day, 3618 nautical mile open boat voyage from Tonga and Timor: to this day,an unbeaten feat of survival and precision navigation.
· In the company of a young Matthew Flinders, as the 37-year-old Captain Bligh takes HMS Providence on a voyage around the world.

All this before he was 40! You’ll never think Bligh a villain again. This is the story of one of our greatest master mariners. Rob Mundle is an international bestselling author, journalist, event organiser and competitive yachtsman. His "Fatal Storm", the story of the tragic Sydney-to-Hobart yacht race gone wrong – remains one of the world’s seminal ocean racing books. Australia’s premier maritime journalist and author, Rob Mundle’s Bligh is his tenth book. He lives in Queensland. For publicity enquiries please contact Alexandra Barlow- alexandra.barlow@hachette.com.au.  Or, just go to Amazon.com, you're sure to find it there.  Great Holiday gift!!
  

The Australian J/24 Legends Regatta- Part II

(New South Wales, Australia)- Gotta hand it to our friends from Down Under.  The boys from OZ clearly have a lot of fun sailing.  And the Legends Regatta was no exception.  Simon Grain has provided a tremendous follow-up to the coverage in the past week:

"The Legends Regatta was born out of an idea from Peter Stevens early last year and it was decided to run it in NSW due to the larger amount of boats and Legends residing there and last weekend saw the culmination of a massive amount of work to make this event happen.

The Gosford weekend was a huge success for the class and I want to thank the members of the NSW Association that put in such a huge effort to make this all happen. The result is a real credit to the vision and hard work of Terry Wise, Arthur Crothers and Paula Shires-Clarke who were the main drivers of this event, I know personally that Paula has lived and breathed this event for the last 6 months, working tirelessly to make it all a success. Many others were involved and I wish to thank them for their effort also especially Tim Briggs for his support in offering sponsorship and help with the legends venue. Thanks must go to all the sponsors small and large that offered their help with the regatta, with around $50,000 worth of sponsorship this surely rank as the most amazing event of recent times within the class and indeed within yachting in Australia.  Thanks to Gosford Sailing Club for running the regatta and to Graeme Watt and his wife Margo who came from Melbourne to bring their considerable experience as international fleet race officers to run the racing. And finally a huge thank you to all the competitors and Legends who came and made this the most exciting J24 event in recent Australian sailing history.

Sailing on the flat waters of Brisbane Water was a delight (being used to Port Phillip chop), but it was tough with varying wind strengths and directions and the hottest and largest ‘national’ fleet seen in Australia for many years. The quality of the fleet was impressive and I know that there were a few that found and the level and the workload difficult if not scary. It does however remind us that there are levels of sailing competition far above even this weekend – just ask anyone who has done a worlds!

I asked the race winners (and others) to comment on the NSW States and Legends Regatta for the benefit of those who didn’t go or were just wondering how they did it. Here are comments from them on their perspective."  Go to this link and read on-- some great and really, really funny stories.  Lotsa comments and every word is a gem.  Especially Peter Steven's story of grit and determination to simply get there!

Read more about the J/24 Australian Legends sailing stories here.
  

No Saving Sailing Needed?

Try Fleets of J/22s, J/24s or J/80s

(Lake Minnetonka, MN)-  Dallas Johnson submitted a letter to Sailing World/ Scuttlebutt where he commented that while everyone is talking these days about "Saving Sailing", there are still sailing areas - such as his home waters of Lake Minnetonka - that are doing just fine.  As current Commodore of Wayzata Yacht Club, Dallas provides some insight into what’s going right on their lake in Minnesota (note- they were home to J/24 and J/22 Fleets #1).  Dallas' comments are an honest, simple and incredibly straightforward program to keep sailors coming to their programs and having FUN:

"There's no magic bullet or super genius running our programs, but there are some basics:

First, we focus on having a well rounded board of directors who are focused on our club mission statement of being "a dedicated, passionate sailboat racing club", and it's a working board where everyone is expected to be energetic and do more than contribute their opinions. They take their jobs seriously.

Second, we own our club property: year after year that Board of Directors has made the commitment to invest in our club (often against the wishes of vocal club members) and provided us with a substantial base of operations. We do not live like a bird on a wire with rented or borrowed property smiling at how little we spent to get there.

Third, we have two-tiered mooring rates. By far our biggest asset has been to provide "owner" mooring rates to boats that race at least 15 races per year. All other boats pay about double for a slip rate which is equivalent to commercial marinas on the lake. This gets rid of the dead wood.

Fourth, we got strong One-Design racing fed by handicap fleets: We love the simplicity and comradeship of one design, and we structure our fleets to have different flavors of non-competing one design fleets so that even the casual/family racer has a one design fleet to join. It's not an accident that we are home to J/24 and J/22 fleet #1.

Fifth, our great RC pays off: We spend copious amounts of money on our RC equipment and paid RC staff. They provide us with what many visitors tell me is the best staff  in the country.

Sixth, lotsa Seminars: I've lost count of how many seminars we do each year. All of them are inexpensive and mostly volunteer run.

Seventh, inexpensive Crew Membership levels help participation: All those people who don't own boats can join or club for a measly $100 per year, and it creates commitment.

Eighth, the "Crew Needing A Ride" Table gets lotsa takers: Before every race we have a table on the patio reserved for anyone who wants to pick up a ride (member or not). Excellent recruiting tool.

Ninth, Women and more women: Specifically, women sailors. We court them, encourage them, train them. Women are half the population, it's a big market, and they are really, really fun to sail with and somehow (magically) they bring in more men to the club. I am told that many clubs are not female friendly, too bad, we're having a ball!

Tenth, Free Beer: Another obvious thing. Along with free soda we provide a free keg after most races. (note: the women are not free, anything but!)

Eleventh, more kids.  Here's a simple formula.  Women + beer = kids and families. And nothing kills sailing more than an uncooperative family. So we focus very hard on trying to make our club family friendly, and we strongly support our youth sailing center and its programs.

Here are the things we don't do: We don't have a bar, a restaurant, a "model room" of our past glories, blue blazers, and anyone who suggests getting a pool is thrown off the dock. We are not a country club with a sailing program, and our lack of "ancillary revenue sources" like a bar or restaurant means that we are free to throw some great parties after the race and make everyone feel welcome.

In short, we focus our energy on providing a solid base for excellent racing programs, and we try to keep it simple, friendly, and fun.  For more on Saving Sailing, please refer to various articles at:   http://www.sailingworld.com  or  http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com
  

Community Sailing- Sodus Bay using J/24s

Community Sailing- doing the right thing at Sailing Anarchy for youth sailing- SA Editor Scot Tempesta has been a strong supporter of sailing at the grass roots.  He recently featured Sodus Bay's junior program (another program that uses J/24s as their keelboat), "Here's a community sailing/ youth sailing group that all SA readers should be aware of. Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association (SBJSA) has been teaching kids and adults sailing, swimming and environmental awareness on the south shore of Lake Ontario since 1956. SBJSA is a not-for-profit, educational, community based sailing school based on Great Sodus Bay in upstate New York. SBJSA teaches kids from ~ 8 to adult beginning and advanced sailing. All the students are also encouraged to move on to the learn to race (LTR) programs both on Great Sodus Bay and at interclub and regional regattas. All our students are also taught all 7 levels of American Red Cross certified swimming.

The SBJSA fleet is made up of Optis, Lasers, 420s, Lightnings and J/24s. The fleet currently has over 60 boats and 130 - 150 students actively sailing for the multiple session, season each summer. Above all our goal is to instill "Teamwork, Sportsmanship, Responsibility, Leadership and Environmental Awareness" in all our students. Our motto is , "Sailing is Fun! It builds self-reliance, physical strength, quick thinking and a love for the environment".

SBJSA offers scholarship assistance to students through the generosity of many local families and organizations. The school is run by a volunteer board and volunteer help from parents. This bunch of "misfit, do gooders" volunteers their time and energy just to see the smiles on kids faces the first time they figure out how to control wind, waves and fiberglass, and are truly in command of their own vessel.

The Sodus Bay Junior Sailing Association alumni have moved on in all aspects of sailing and water safety. There are SBJSA alumni who have sailed and raced in regional, collegiate and national campaigns. Others have raced internationally and even sailed on Americas Cup campaigns. Students have also gone on to careers in ocean research and naval architecture.

Three years ago SBJSA built a new 3500 sq. ft. teaching facility through the help of a multitude of contributors and volunteers. Many donated money. Some donated material and several donated their time as a labor of love of sailing. Sodus Bay Junior Sailing owes them and all the volunteers over the past 53 years a great debt of gratitude. We have high hopes that through all their efforts we will be teaching kids sailing and swimming well past our 100th anniversary in 2056."  For more community sailing stories, read about them or send them into Sailing Anarchy.
  

J/24 NSW State Championships

The Inmates Were Running the Asylum

(NSW, Australia)- Saturday was a great day on the water for Day 1 of the NSW State Championship 2010 –  a fleet of 27, with 5 boats from VIC and 2 from SA, a variable day with some rain – a generally light day from 3 – 12 knots – 4 races in testing conditions.Day 2 saw variable conditions  again, with breezes from around 5 -18 knots, a lot of rain and 4 close races! At times Jibs replaced Genoas and kite runs were close and top mark roundings busy.

Starting off strongly with two firsts and a second was Sean Wallis' team on the LUNATIC ASYLUM.  After a few bumps in the road, they managed to hang on to win the 2010 NSW States over Dave Suda's team on PACEMAKER.  Third was John Crawford sailing INNAMINCKA, fourth was Brett Lewis on WILDCARD and fifth Hugo Ottoway on VICE VERSA.  The appropriately named CONVICTS REVENGE sailed by Steve Girdis' crew finished sixth.  Rounding out the top ten were Sean Kirkjian on DEATH STAR 7th, Chris and Rachel Lee on VORTEX 8th, Neville Witty on SAILPAC 9th and Peter Stephens on CODE VIOLATION 10th.For more J/24 NSW State Champs sailing information.

  

J/24 Australia Legends Regatta

(NSW, Australia)- After a wonderful Legends Dinner, very well hosted by Rob Mundle, there were some lucky bidders that got some great deals on new sails and a tiller, thanks to our fantastic sponsors.  Also, there were many wonderful raffle prizes that were won.  Perhaps better yet, the "Legends" were faced with some breeze and even some blue skies on Monday with twenty-one Legends having a go at it for world domination!

The first race was for the Andrew Short Memorial Trophy. After a general recall the fleet saw some fairly consistent breezes and a fantastic victory by Victorian boat, MAKE MY J, skippered by our Association President, Simon Grain – well done to him and his crew for winning the Andrew Short Memorial Trophy.  Second was Neville Wittey's crew on SAILPAC and third was Sean Kirkjian on DEATHSTAR.The second race was for the Ian Bashford Memorial Trophy (long-time J/24 builder in Australia).  The race started with 2 more general recalls as the Legends were keen to cross the line first, but a black flag on attempt 3 saw a more conservative start with the race led almost all the way by Neville Wittey on SAILPAC, resulting in their crew taking out the Ian Bashford Memorial Trophy.  Just behind in second was Dave Suda on PACEMAKER and third was Sean Wallis on LUNATIC ASYLUM.Many thanks to all those who travelled to Gosford this weekend making for a wonderfully competitive fleets, and to all the Legends who returned to the class for a fantastic day on the water!  For more J/24 Legends sailing information.

  

J/24 Lake George Changing Of Colors Regatta

(Lake George, NY)- Who can possibly resist the notion of sailing on what has to be one of the world's more gorgeous fresh water lakes during the changing of the colors in the fall.  Situated in an almost impossibly beautiful setting, Lake George has drawn summer crowds from around the northeast for generations.  Perhaps the best kept secret is the "Changing of the Colors" Regatta held every fall that attracts dozens of J/24s from all points of the compass to enjoy great camaraderie, spectacular sailing in the strong fall breezes and scenery to die for.

Sixty J/24s showed up for this year's event and apparently no one was disappointed with the conditions.  After five races, the winner was Flip Wehrheim sailing BOMBA FLIPPER, sailing to a 1-1-3-4-1 score.  Mark Ingham sailed BRAIN CRAMP to a 3-2-2-2-6 record to secure second overall.  Long time J/24 sailor from the early 80s, Kirk Reynolds, sailed OLD CROW to an 11-5-1-1-4 record, showing that he's still got it to show the young bucks how to get around the race track!    For more COC sailing photos from Steve Armstrong.  For COC Regatta sailing results.

  

Laser Master! Scott Ferguson

Scott won it last year and we thought, ok, that’s a pretty good effort from someone who spends most of his life over a computer designing rigs for the world’s fastest boats. Then he won again this year, at a windy and enormous regatta in the chilly tides of the English Channel to defend his title as Laser Masters World Champion. For years Scott had raced J/24s in the famous Newport J/24 fleet and included his family as part of the crew, notably Kim Brown-Ferguson and their two lovely daughters.
  

The Moose Is Loose Again!

This time Moose McClintock was tactician aboard the winning Etchells in their recent US Nationals.  These were hosted by New York YC at Harbour Court in Newport, R.I. Oct 2-3 in conjunction with SailNewport. Thirty three boats made it to the start line, which after six races saw Hank Lammens, Dirk Kneulman, and Moose McClintock win the event with a four point margin over the second place team of Jeffrey Siegal, Jeff Madrigali, Willem Van Waay, and Cece Imbrie. All races were held inside Narragansett Bay north of the Newport Bridge above Gould Island.
  

J/24 Velas Pan-Americana

(Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)- In 2011, Mexico will be the Host of the Pan-American Games - from the Arctic Circle in Canada down to the tip of South America near the Antarctic Circle and across the Central States to the Caribbean, athletes will arrive to compete with the best of the best.  The beautiful Bahia de Banderas will be the location of the Sailing events.

From October 20th to 24th,  Bahia de Banderas off the Mexican Riviera City of Puerto Vallarta is again going to be awash with flotillas of dinghies and keelboats plying the seas alongside whales and dolphins as sailors aim to become qualifiers for next years 2011 Pan-American Sailing Games being hosted by Vallarta YC.  Yet again, the Mexican Sailing Federation will be rolling out the red carpet for sailors around the Americas.  You gotta see it to believe it!  The Copa Mexico was a sailing extravaganza beyond belief.  Even if you don't sail, you'd want to represent any nation in the Americas to go!

This regatta will allow competitors to become familiar with the waters of Banderas Bay, where winds typically range from 12 - 20 knots during the afternoon to provide near perfect sailing conditions.   This provides an opportunity for competitors to race in the same racing grounds, understand the tides and winds, and be prepared for the "big" games in 2011; an unparalleled  venue for competitive sailing on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

The Vallarta Yacht Club is the Host for this sailing Event, and headquarters are at the Paradise Village Resort and Marina.  The facilities for berthing and staging provide the perfect venue for this large scale event.  Situated in Nuevo Vallarta directly at the channel entrance, this modern marina features 200 slips from 20 to 240 ft.  This luxury marina plays host to small daysailors as well as ginormous mega yachts.The Vallarta YC is an experienced host to many international competitions, including the J/24 World Championships, Copa Mexico, the biannual MEXORC Series, Banderas Bay Regatta, and other world class championships.    For more Pan-Am Sailing Games Qualifier info.

  

J/35 Wins MAYOR'S CUP In Boston

(Boston, MA)- Jeff Kent sailed his Class D J/35 BLACK SEAL to an impressive 4:08 overall win over Ralph DiMattia’s NM 40 Shamrock Sensation in the non-spinnaker fleet of the Boston Harbor Islands Regatta to win the Mayor’s Cup for best performance. This is a popular 12 mile, figure-8 pursuit race around the islands that benefits the Harbor Islands National Park. 98 boats participated in what can be a model for cities around the country. The idea is to get everyone out! Half the boats don’t have current PHRF certificates and there was everything from a Cape Dory Typhoon rating PHRF 294 to the NM 70 Denali at -69.

The event was sailed in a 10-20 knot, warm, dry offshore southwesterly breeze.  Chris Zibailo’s  J/109 SUPERSTITION was the overall winner of the spinnaker fleet, nipping Barry Bessette’s well-sailed Class C S2 7.9 Club Car from Hyannis by only 2 feet at the finish. The S2 had started 20 minutes earlier.  Other class winners were: (B) Bob Cunningham’s J/30 RUFFIAN (E) Richard Tubman’s O’Day 31 Charisma; (F) Ralph Vinciguerra’s Pearson Vanguard Blue Angel; (G) Ed Marcus in a Courageous Sailing Club J/22. Constitution YC won the Yacht Club Challenge.  Top Female Trophies went to Elizabeth Lamb in her Aphrodite 101 and to Linda Hoskings in her C&C 40.  Top Masters were Chet Osborne in a Melges 24 and Ralph DiMattia in his NM 40.  The Jody Grauls won the all-family crew award in a Sabre 36.  Top community sailing trophy when to the Boston Sailing Center.  Full story and sailing results of Boston Mayor's Cup Regatta.

  

Kenny Read- SW October- "Life Offshore"

* Kenny Read also reflects on how life has changed being part of the PUMA Volvo 70 Race project.  Check out the latest Sailing World, October issue.  Kenny's article on the Volvo 70 PUMA campaign is particularly enlightening.  He describes how different the world is sailing offshore for days and weeks at a time versus his earlier experiences racing around the cans in J/24s and other boats.  No fresh water shower and an ice cold beer after the end of each day for these guys!  Photo at right shows how wet it can be--- for days at a time you, too, could be taking an ice cold salt water shower (a.k.a. "the fire hose").  More information at Sailing World- http://www.sailingworld.com
  

Welles Takes J/24 US Nationals

(Marblehead, MA) - The three day J/24 U.S. National Championship was hosted by Corinthian Yacht Club, with a very strong fleet of 48 boats competing in eight races. After the seventh race, the teams led by Jens Hookanson on SALSA (2004 World Champion) and Will Welles on FAWN LEIBOWITZ were the only boats to still hold all top ten scores, and fittingly were tied on points with one race to go. But it was Welles who had the hot hand on the final day, rolling a 2-3 to take the title with Hookanson finishing second and Carter White winning the final race to move into third.

A wide range of conditions from 17 knots and waves to 6 knots and flat water provided a perfect playing field for the 48 boats at this years championship.  Day one included a 17 knot north easterly breeze with chop and swells, making getting off the line challenging, that diminished to 10 knots by the end of the day.  Three long championship length races ranging from 1.7 mile legs to 1.4 mile legs were run. Tim Healy and crew fresh off their win a J/24 Worlds came out strong posting a 1, 3, 3 to post an early lead but just ahead of Jens Hookanson by a point and Will Wells by three points.

On day two the swell and chop calmed down a bit but not completely.  A light easterly wind with large oscillations from northeast to east and major pressure differences from the left and right sides of the course provided difficult choices to make upwind and down for the competitors.  Jens Hookanson and team on SALSA had the best strategy and amazing speed posting an awesome 1,2,1 to claim the lead after day two.

Day three brought a decent southwest breeze and a bit of lump from the previous two days of easterly type winds.  However three quarters into the first race the southwest breeze died and a southeast sea breeze started to build.  During the wind shift a few boats got caught in a hole and missed the time limit as TEAM MOOKIE with Pete Levesque had legged out to a convincing and fast win. Will Wells and crew on FAWN LEIBOWITZ were the most consistent on day three posting a 2nd and 3rd to win the regatta by four points.

Final results saw the Welles team eking out a win over Hookanson.  Carter White finished third overall, finishing the regatta with a first in the 8th race.  Fourth was Levesque and 5th was Mark Hillman.  Current J/24 World Champion Tim Healy couldn't maintain their first day's performance, not making sense of the shifty, streaky Marblehead  breezes to finish 6th-- fame is fleeting, as they say!  For more J/24 US Nationals sailing information.  Team sailing photo credit- Leighton O'Connor.

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RELOADED Ices J/24 UK Nationals

(Cornwall, England- A strong turnout of twenty-two J/24s showed up the the classic Autumn Cup Championship in Falmouth, doubling as the J/24 UK Nationals 2010.  A few class stalwarts attended, including long-time class champion Stu Jardine racing the latest incarnation of STOUCHE.  

The Royal Cornwall YC were wonderful hosts, ensuring the sailors had plenty of food, drink and racing, though not necessarily in that order!  The RCYC PRO conducted an fantastic series, getting in ten races over three days of racing off the gorgeous, undulating  green coastline of Cornwall.  Good breeze, reasonable seas made for good close racing.  

Nevertheless, it was G Watson's team on RELOADED that showed top UK 24 sailors how it's done, starting off the first day with three straight bullets and picking up two more on the second day to lead the regatta by a comfortable margin.  In fact, RELOADED didn't sail the last race on Saturday as they'd won the regatta by race 9.  

Not to be denied from a strong podium showing was Stu Jardine sailing STOUCHE, himself a multiple J/24 UK Champion.  After sailing a solid series in races 1 thru 7 and leading the regatta, Stu and crew took an unfortunate nose-dive in race 8 (getting a 16th) and after a 5th in race 9 couldn't recover enough to win the event, finishing second just three points shy of first.  Third was Roger Morris sailing the well-known JOLLY ROGER.  Fourth, Duncan McCarthy on MADELINE and fifth Nick McDonald on LEAGEL ALIEN.  For more J/24 UK Nationals sailing information

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Australian 2010 J/24 Worlds Report

You have to read this report from an Australian crew that sailed the recent J/24 World's in Malmo, Sweden.  If you thought Moose's accounts were fun and informative, Hugo's account is simply hilarious-- particularly for any of you that have traveled to foreign events and chartered boats.  Here's his account:

Part one – pre regatta.  Our 2010 Worlds campaign started 12 months ago, this included organizing a crew who would sail in the 2010 Nationals and commit to the worlds. We had all won nationals and competed in many world championships.

With this depth of experience the work required to prepare for a worlds was spread amongst all the crew. This involved finding a good boat, sail design that was suitable for the Swedish conditions and covering every issue that can and has impacted on past campaigns. We seriously looked at all the things that had worked or failed in previous campaigns.

We included a Danish sailor in our crew who sailed in Malmo Sweden in J’s and is regarded as one of Denmark’s finest.  Our Danish crew assisted with local logistics, finding bikes, driving us around to get sails repaired, hotels and advising on the local conditions which included a current that changed direction during each day.

We discussed our sail design with local Olympic sailor from North Sails who discussed the best designs with his counterpart from North Sails one design in San Diego. We ordered the latest Kevlar Genoa and spinnaker from North’s which was made by the One design loft in U.K.  We shipped an equipment box to Sweden which had spare parts, sheets, blocks and sails. Our accommodation and flights were secured 6 months prior to leaving. Our “Special” Charter boat was investigated and secured early in the charter pool.

When we arrived and inspected our charter boat, we discovered that our boat which had great results under its previous Italian owner, had a "very special custom" set up.  After sailing in so many J regatta’s I had never sailed a “special J/24″, and as such didn’t understand what “Special”(in the European context) meant.

I strongly encourage you to read the rest of the story here--- too funny to be true-- especially the account of one boat getting into a collision and also losing two outboard engines overboard!

  

O'Driscoll Earns Irish J/24 Title

(Dublin, Ireland)- An exhibition of how to win sailing races on the second day of the Irish J/24 Championships saw Flor O'Driscoll and his crew from the Royal St.George YC on HARD ON PORT deservedly win the national title by the impressive margin of 19 points at Howth Yacht Club near Dublin, venue for the 2011 J/24 European Championships.

Three bullets on day two, including one which required coming from behind to outfox former champion Stefan Hyde by the final leeward mark, was sufficient to give the pre-event favourite the championship. O'Driscoll's cause was certainly helped when overnight leader and defending champion Mickey McCaldin on MURDER PICTURE (LEYC) was one of five boats 'black-flagged' on the first race start after PRO David Lovegrove imposed the penalty following a couple of general recalls.

That effectively ended the Ulster crew's challenge and it was followed by two other poor results which ultimately dropped them to 6th overall. The black flag decision also had a significant impact on other overall results, with another Lough Erne entry, Diarmuid O'Donovan's SAYONARA jumping four places to earn the runners-up spot, thanks to two second places and an 8th. It was enough to edge past clubmate and J/24 Class President Robin Eagleson who wasn't as effective as on the first day but did more enough to justify 3rd overall and also first in the silver fleet for the older boats.

The 17-boat fleet, one of the biggest J/24 fleets in recent years, augurs well for the J/24 Europeans at Howth next year, with around eight nations already confirming their intention to compete.  Final results were HARD ON PORT first with a regatta dominating 13 points, followed by O'Dononvan's SAYONARA with 32 points and Robin Eagleson's LUDER TOO in third with 34 points.  Just off the pace by a tack or two was Fergus O'Kelly's JIBBERISH in fourth with 35 points and incredibly only one more point back was Andrew Mannion's JEB STUART with 36 points in fifth.   Could've bet more than a few points of Guinness on that one as to who was the luckiest Irishman of the bunch, eh?!  Great regatta to all...watch out to all those arriving next year for the Euro's!    Sailing Photo Credits- FotoSail    For more Irish J/24 Nationals sailing information.

  

J/Fest Annapolis Race Week!

RUM PUPPY Wins J/105s

(Annapolis, MD)-  Annapolis Race Week has been held on the Chesapeake Bay over Labor Day weekend for more than four decades. Organized by the Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing Association, the popular three-day regatta has become a local tradition - albeit solely within the local sailing community. “People around Annapolis that didn’t own a sailboat or weren’t competing had no idea when Annapolis Race Week was held or what it was all about,” said Bobby Frey, former CBYRA president and on-water regatta chairman.

CBYRA officials believe the 44th annual Annapolis Race Week will greatly increase awareness among average Annapolitans that a major sailing event is being held in their midst. Headquarters for Annapolis Race Week have been moved to City Dock and that increased visibility should benefit both the city and the regatta. “For the first time in its history, Annapolis Race Week is really going to be part of Annapolis,” Frey said. “If you go to the race weeks in Key West and Charleston, the city is a big part of the charm. I think this move has the potential to be a really positive thing for both the city of Annapolis and CBYRA.”

Annapolis Race Week has always been a top-notch operation on the water and this year will be no different with upwards of 160 boats expected to compete in 18 classes. There was tremendous participation from the J contingent with solid turnouts from the J/105, J/80, J/24, J/35 and J/30 fleets!  Nearly half the fleet!

In the fifteen boat J/105 fleet, Jack Biddle's RUM PUPPY simply took off and seemingly never looked back, rattling off a 1-2-1-4-1-2-3 series to win by 11 points over the second place team of Carl and Scott Gitchell sailing TENACIOUS.   Third was Chris and Carolyn Groobey's JAVA just five points back.  Seems that a bit of practice aboard the J/100 TERN in the Downeast Race Week cruise helped Chris' speed on downwind gybing angles!

The J/35s had a great turnout with twelves boats from all over Chesapeake Bay.  Bill Wildner's MR BILL'S WILD RIDE also dominated their class, winning a few too many races and getting a fantastic record of 3-1-4-1-1-1-1 to win by 16 points!  Ouch, hurts to get spanked soooo bad!  In second was Peter Scheidt on MAGGIE and in third was Charles Kohlerman on MEDICINE MAN.

The J/80s were in great competitive form amongst their seventeen boat fleet.  A number of teams attending the J/80 North Americans in Buzzards Bay and also headed to the J/80 Worlds were using it as a tune-up regatta.  Ultimately, Allen Terhune on 221 won by an astonishing 25 points over his fellow competitors!  A sign of things to come in the NA's and Worlds?  We wonder.  Allen had seven firsts and a fifth.  OMG, perhaps this was a worse spanking than competitors received in the J/35 class?  Lessons learned perhaps for some.  Lying in a tie for second was Dan Witting on EMOTIONAL RESCUE and John White on 1162, with the tie broken in favor of EMOTIONAL RESCUE.

The seven boat J/24 fleet was incredibly competitive amongst the top three.  Just two points separated all of them at the conclusion of the regatta.  Just squeezing ahead of the cluster was Pete Kassal on SPACEMAN SPIFF, second was MILLENIUM FALCON and third was Brent Ellwood's SANE ASYLUM. 

Incredibly (and kudos to them all), the J/30 class had a fantastic turnout with nine boats going for the gold.  Gotta love these passionate owners having a ball with "son of J/24" (the J/30 was the 2nd boat J/Boats ever built).  So many of these boats have been reconditioned, many of them look nearly new!  Bob Rutsch and Mike Costello on BEPOP bopped everyone over their heads and took the gold with four firsts in their score, winning by ten points.  The battle for second was going to the final heat between four boats and the last two races proved to be a topsy-turvy affair.  Falling just shy of throwing it all away and hanging in there by their chinny-chin-chin was Larry Christy's BIG KAHUNA team getting second with a thundering 6-5 for their last two races.  Yikes.  Breathing down their necks were Ron Anderson sailing INSATIABLE, Bob Putnam skippering BETTER MOUSETRAP and George Watson racing AVITA, finishing 3rd, 4th, and 5th, respectively.  For more Annapolis Race Week sailing results

Sailing Photo Credits- Tim Wilkes

  

J Sailors Big In New York YC Invite Qualifiers

The New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup U.S. Qualifying Series, where 24 preeminent yacht clubs in America will compete, will be held in Newport, RI next week on September 7-11. The top three U.S. teams from next week's event will join the top six teams from the 2009 Invitational Cup.

Among the competitors, who must be amateurs (Corinthian) sailors and members of the yacht clubs they represent, is Bora Gulari, skipper of the entry from Bayview Yacht Club, founded in 1915 in Detroit. Gulari is the 2009 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year in America on the strength of his win in the Moth World Championship in 2009. “This is a great honor to be invited to compete. I’m very excited to race against other U.S. yacht clubs. This is like an amateur championship in the States. I hope to do well, but this is not my usual type of sailing," explained Gulari who sails a fast-singlehanded hydrofoil-equipped dinghy. "I look forward to representing my club Bayview and am going to give it an all-out effort."  Bora is good friends with Frank Kern's gang on his J/120 CARINTHIA...after all, good sailors who have fun are a small crowd in "Day-twah".

The skipper for the team from Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, Mass. is Bill Lynn (pictured above), who is no stranger to the Sonars and J/22s. Billy is the 2007 Sonar World Champion and 2004 North American titleholder. Eastern Yacht Club was founded in 1870 and fielded three successful defenders to the America’s Cup: Puritan, Mayflower and Volunteer in 1885, 1886 and 1887, respectively.  Billy is a classmate of the Editor, an All-American, a great J sailor (J/22, J/24, J/105, etc) and will be a force to reckon with.

The St. Francis Yacht Club Team from San Francisco is skippered by Russ Silvestri, who sailed a Finn in the 2000 Olympics and competed in the 2009 NYYC Invitational Cup for this same yacht club team, which finished seventh. The St. Francis Yacht Club, founded in 1869, is the oldest yacht club on North America’s Pacific Coast and boasts a number of Olympic and America’s Cup sailors. Russ is a long-time J sailor and friend having raced amongst others the J/22, J/24, J/105-- and is using ex-J/24 North American Champion Ed Adams as his coach-- we're expecting big things from you guys!
Other notable J sailors and friends helping guide their steeds fast around the track include:  Peter Duncan from American YC; Peter McChesney and Scott Snyder from Annapolis YC; Teddie Moore and Larry Rosenfeld from Boston YC; Travis Weisleder and Rob Whittemore from Fishing Bay YC; Jamie Hilton, Chris Lash and Stu Streuli from Ida Lewis YC; Chris Raab from Newport Harbor YC; the Dellenbaugh's from Pequot YC; Bill Campbell from San Diego YC; Alan and Dave Constants from Seawanhaka YC; and John Jennings and Tito Vargas from St. Pete YC.   Should be quite a show and a LOT of FUN!  :)   For more information regarding J Sailors in the New York YC Invite.
  

Team 11th Hour-Sailors For The Sea Win J/24 Worlds

Or, Why "The Moose Is Loose" Is a Winning Formula

(Malmo, Sweden - August 18th)- Well Moose, it took just a few years to get there (e.g. it couldn't have been a better outcome for one of the nicest guys sailing on the planet).  Nevertheless, with a crackerjack team skippered by Tim Healey, Team 11th Hour-Sailors For The Sea took the coveted prize- "World Champions of the World"- a.k.a. J/24 Worlds 2010 gold.  It was not easy.  As described in "The Moose Reports" on SA (Sailing Anarchy), it nearly became "stealing victory from the jaws of defeat."  Apologies to all, but it's great reading, so here's the unabridged versions from Scot and friends at SA's "The Moose Is Loose Reports": 
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August 19th- Today was a good day- "Finally, good starts and good finishes, and deserved.  At least a little bit. Gordy stepped up in a big way and got us right on the line both starts (first raced we started bow to chainplate with Ingham who was BFD), we were able to use some speed (and I'd like to say smarts but it's still too early to talk about stuff like that) to pop a 1,2.  And no rain.

Both races were tough. The first race started with small jibs (though we knew we should have been in the big jib), we hooked a good start and were able to tack right into the great current (cool thing here, the current is all based on where the highs and lows are, the current flows from low to high, the high went south last night so instead of the northerly current of the last week, it went south), we were able to overcome about 10 degrees of pin bias to come across the left side and round first.  We did a quick change to the big jib in the way downwind, as did most of the fleet, and though there were a lot  of anxious moments downwind (I'll stop whining at some point) and a tricky beat where we hooked to the right again for current, though slightly out of phase, we managed to maintain ahead of Tony Parker, who came with us to go from 5 to 2 on the beat.  Good day for the ugly Americans.

The 2nd race was nerve wracker, we missed a little trying to be smart and were pinned going to the left, away from the good current.  We weren't quite able to hang with Ian Southworth, who popped out form a pretty good start from the left side, though we weren't able to quite hang with him we both did some fancy swerving to get around a group from the right, Ian rounded right behind a Japanese team in first, we slid into 3rd (don't ask how, stuff happens), we both rolled the Japanese and then we followed Ian around for 2nd.  It was a particularly tough race for both Ingham and Parker, they were stuck left and never recovered.  Casale, who was probably lying around 2nd gong into that race, also fell victim to the squirrelly breeze which leaves Southworth in 2nd, I think.

I haven't looked at results yet, that superstitious thing I've told anyone that asks that I've been in far bigger collapses, I hope we can hold on.  Tomorrow is forecast to be light and weird, I hope that's not right, we go well in breeze, in light stuff we have to think a lot more and that's where things go bad.  Hopefully I'll give you a good report soon."
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August 21- Moose tells you how to Close The Deal- "Well, we didn't make it easy on ourselves but we held on.  Ian Southworth sailed extremely well over the last three races to make a full charge at us, we helped him out a lot by hacking up the first race today, losing three boats on the run to the finish to put the end result in doubt. You may have seen our report from the second day, when I talked about losing three boats at the weather mark.  I call this points left on the course.  Points you had that you blew.  We could have sailed in after our poor first race today as champions, instead we left the whole thing up in the air.  For anyone that sails a lot, this is an incredibly important lesson: even in a long series, there are little points that you say coulda, whoulda, shoulda, those are the points that will make the difference down the road.  Don't give up on any points you've gained, keep pushing all the time, EVERY point makes a difference.  If we had only lost two boats the second day we could have sailed in.  If we'd only lost two boats on the run the first race we could have sailed in.  Frustrating.

Enough ranting, anyone that sails with me knows I whine incessantly, for better or worse (and you can guess which one it is, though most still want to sail with me).  Tim did an unbelievable job, total calm within the storm (anyone that sails with him knows there isn't a whole lot of noise from the back of the boat), very fast and particularly high upwind, great concentration and effort.  We used a chartered Italian boat from builder Paolo Boido (a truly class guy, deal with him if you can, if not go straight to Dunes) that was very comfortable all the way around the course, having confidence in the boat helps in a lot of decision making.  John Mollicone in cockpit made the comment- "who would have ever thought I'd  win a Worlds trimming?"

Well, he did, very capable upwind getting the genoa (and jib in the breeze) in better than almost everyone (after never doing it), and calling all the shots downwind (while, as expected, I whined about what he was doing, catching the theme?).  Gordy Borges, our bow guy (and former World Champ with Brad Read) was the glue that held the package together, the guy that does the bottom, makes the sandwiches, does the rig, all the crap that no one wants to do, and always with a smile (I think).  Dan Rabin, a Lightning stud and newer member to the team, joyfully sat below in all the rain (though today it was sun all the way around) and light air (porn not included), never complained and soaked up the experience (if not the sunshine), the perfect complement for a bunch of guys that sail the boats way too much.

For the rest of the fleet, there was  a mish-mash of results.  Former champion Andrea Casele, though quick, had a couple bad races but held on for third overall.  Maurizio Santa Cruz, defending champion, won two races but struggled for consistency.  Tony Parker was always fast but suffered a BFD in the last race to drop him to 6th after entering the day 2nd, a tough finish but a testament to Tony and his team for sailing a strong series.  Mike Ingham also fell victim to the black flag, he had moments of pure brilliance but consistency was not in the books and he ended falling out of contention today.  Overall, though, a good showing from almost every country represented.

I'm really glad this came together, not so much for me, because I have been lucky enough to sail with really good teams and have had success, but for the rest of the guys on our team.  I love the whole crew aspect, gathering diverse people and getting the most out of the mix.  We were fortunate; we sailed very well for several days and had success.  This doesn't always happen, I've finished 2nd three times (in the J/24 Worlds) and the bitter pill is tough to swallow. These guys busted their asses, they got the results.  I'm really proud, and glad, to have gotten the chance to sail with them."  Thanks to SA for The Moose Report- http://www.sailinganarchy.com    For more J/24 Worlds sailing results   For Sailing Photo Credits- Magnus Grubbe

YERTLE (the turtle) Wins J/24 Canadian Nationals

(Halifax, Nova Scotia)-  Just days after the J/24 Worlds finished in Sweden, the Canadians were conducting their 2010 J24 Nationals. The win by Ian Dawson and Craig Noake's YERTLE was a remarkable result, considering that YERTLE emerged from a three-way tie for first winning on the strength of three first place finishes in individual races. It was a crazy scenario...if this has ever happened before, I have my doubts. Here's the story by "Dr. Zeus":

"YERTLE had to win the last race and did so by overtaking Lisa Ross in JAMN'IT on the final leg of the last race. Ian and Craig needed Peter Wickwire to finish no better than third, which Peter, in fact, did, fully aware that if Lisa could hold on his SUNNYVALE would win the regatta. Both required Johnny Whynacht in STICKY FINGERS to finish eighth or worse (i.e. a drop), which he unfortunately did by coming in tenth for his worst race in what was otherwise a very consistent series."  Incredible. Stupendous.  Unbelievable. What other words can you possibly use here (or would the competitors use)!?!?

The event closed with a first class lobster supper and prize giving in the Squadron's Spar Loft attended by more than 150 sailors and officials. Class President Dale Robertson, who did a spectacular job recruiting sponsors, distributed the largesse of Sperry Topsider, Slam clothing and gear, Jackson-Triggs, and others to the countless volunteers who supported the event as well as to top finishers and notable also-rans (e.g., Best Dressed Lisa Ross and Best Comeback Eric Koppernaes). Plaques were distributed to all crew members of the top five boats along with many sponsor-provided items. The event concluded after the YERTLE crew collected their trophy and participants were told to look under their chairs for tags that indicated they had won prizes such as Sperry shoes or Henri Lloyd clothing provided by The Binnacle. A melee ensued and we can only hope that everyone left with shoes and jackets that fit.

By the time the band Big City was warming up for the finale, I have to admit I was too dog tired. It was nice, though, to see Tom Taylor from St. Catherines, who I used to sail with in Kingston, Ontario, and who brought his boat, A1, farther than any other competitor at the event. Tom was hoping for more wind than we provided this time but acknowledged that you couldn't knock the sun, which is usually harder to find in Halifax than breeze.

I got a second wind, myself, when Big City kicked into their version of "Suspicious Minds." I lasted long enough to get a few dances with my wife, Lorna, while the young women of BLACK JACK cut a "vicious rug."  Next August, when the J/24 North Americans come to town, we'll see if we can't come up with a shorter line up for measurement, no fog, a touch more breeze, equally comfortable temperatures, and the same good times and terrific competition."  So, now Dr. Zeus can relax and go to bed!  For more Canadian J/24 Nationals sailing information
  

Team Swiss Wins Dennis Conner Challenge!

(New York, NY)- The New York Harbor Sailing Foundation held its annual Dennis Conner International YC Challenge over the weekend, in New York Harbor.  It is the fourth running of this remarkable event designed to promote fun, camaraderie and international relations amongst all sailing clubs worldwide--- pioneered by founder of Manhattan Sailing Club founder Mike Fortenbaugh and renowned America's Cup Champion Dennis Conner from San Diego Yacht Club in San Diego, California.

It is both a historical event as well as a fun event.  "Doubting Thomas's" aside, it's a first class program that includes taking in all the wonderful sites and events that New York City has to offer as well as a fabulous social program for the four days of the event.  Mayor Bloomberg eat your heart out-- perhaps next year he'll sail, too!  For you Newporters, thank goodness the blockade in the War of 1812 by the British worked-- they just took a few bits of pine lumber from those quaint Newport cottages to repair their lumbering, slow warships and ultimately left.  Meanwhile, Narragansett Bay was shut down...the beneficiary was "New Amsterdam" (e.g. New York) which became the "new" trading port for the colonies.  The rest is history...most amusingly when an ancient Dutch Johnstone "ancestor/farmer" (non-sailor we might add) swapped 1,477 acres of the southern tip known today as "Manhattan's Wall Street" for a farm further inland near another town now called "Princeton" (Wall Street used to flood too much back in the 17th century, not conducive to growing crops).

First place went to Societe Nautique Rolloise (Switzerland) with 14 pts, in second was the fun-loving, Mardi Gras-loving, beads wearing gang from Southern Yacht Club (USA) with 15 points.  And, not to be outclassed by any measure were the lucky Leprechauns in 3rd from the Royal Cork Yacht Club (Ireland) with 17 pts.  Sixteen yacht clubs from around the world participated in the 4-day regatta raced on J/24s on the Hudson River-- lots laughs and many tears of joy and happiness as all departed to the seven seas around the world.  Next time, join us!!  For more J/24 Dennis Conner International YC Challenge.
  

American Rebirth At J/24 Worlds?

(Malmo, Sweden - August 18th)- After three days of racing at the 2010 J/24 World Championship, Principal Race Officer Peter Reggio (USA) has kept the 54 boat fleet on schedule with six of the ten scheduled races completed. With a drop race now recorded, and with American Tim Healy successfully gaining redress on a starting line penalty, Healy now holds an 11 point lead over fellow American Tony Parker in second.  This is quite a turn-around of events for the top Americans, having had all kinds of trouble getting off the starting lines and sailing seemingly every which way but the right way for the first few days.  In fact, after the first four races, Europeans dominated, taking 7 of top 10 places with Brazilian World Champion Maurizio Santa Cruz not having found second gear and fellow South American Matias Pereira from Argentina sailing strong to stay in second.  Now the tables have changed and racing continues through Friday.   For more J/24 Worlds sailing and results.
  

Chester Race Week Fun

J/24 and J/29 Fleet Love Fest

(Chester, Nova Scotia, Canada)- The beautiful little village of Chester played host to another wonderful Race Week. The racing concluded with the last classes crossing the finish lines in the late afternoon and the crews anxiously waited to learn the results on the boards at Chester Yacht Club. Many of the boats sail in handicap fleets which have to be calculated before the results are final.

"The weather and wind conditions could not have been better" said Randy Stevens, chair of this year’s regatta. "The winds were light earlier on but filled in on Friday and Saturday to make for excellent, competitive racing without the drama of gales and foul weather" Stevens added. "The regatta did not experience any unpleasant events and protests were few".

A total of 142 yachts competed in 12 classes on three different courses over the four day event which is the largest keel boat regatta in Canada. Boats were registered from all over Nova Scotia plus three from Prince Edward Island and two from New Brunswick.  For those viewing the racing from shore or on the water they were treated to a kaleidoscope of color with the spinnakers billowing and pulling the boats to the finish lines. The yachts varied from the 23ft Bluenose class to the magnificent classic yachts and the large ocean racers.

The social side was not neglected with Barbeques and parties every night until the wee hours. The popular Hopping Penguins Band entertained on both Thursday and Friday evenings. The festivities finished with an appearance of a band 'The Halifax Pirates' in full privateer regalia.

In the A2 Fleet, the J/35s sailed well, finishing 4th and 5th for the week against a slew of Beneteau 36.7s.  Gary Sullivan's J/35 SUMROO was 4th with a 7-7-5-2-3-7 record for 24 points, beating his stablemate Richard Oulton's J/35 WHISTLER'S AIR on a tie-breaker!

In the A3 Fleet, the J/92 POOHSTICKS sailed by Colin Mann finished second with a 1-3-2-2-2 record, to lose by only one point the top of the podium!

For the Cruising Fleet, the J/120 BRILLIANCE from Royal Nova Scotia Yacht Squadron sailed beautifully to finish first with a 1-1-1-5 record.  Also participating in their class were Reg Goodday's J/44 AKUBRA and Mike Kennedy's J/105 GRAND CRU.

The J One-Designs had some great sailing with a good turnout for both classes.  The J/24s had seven boats participating.  After the final gun, it was John Whynacht's STICKY FINGERS that took the gold, with Gerg Blunden's ADRENALIN RUSH taking silver and Jamie Storey's WAVE RUNNER the bronze.

The J/29s had an excellent fleet with nine boats racing.  After a real donnybrook of a fight, it was the "dogs" on DOG PARTY that took first place, sailed by a bunch of characters from Charlottetown Yacht Club and ably captained by Terry McKenna and crew.  Second was Chris MacDonald sailing SCOTCH MIST and third overall was Larry Creaser's JAEGER from the host Chester Yacht Club.  For more Chester Race Week sailing information.