Wednesday, March 31, 2010
J/Fest NW Celebrating 27 years
Fleets expected this year are J/22, J/24, J/80, J/29, J/30, J/105, J/35, J/109, J/PHRF and J/Cruising.
The J/Cruising Class, J/28, J/32, J/35c, J,37c, J/40, J/120, J/42, J/130, J/44, J/46, J/160, and any other J that wants to do a casual one day race on Saturday. PHRF ratings will be assigned for flying sails and no flying sails. Last year the J/Cruisers had a great time joining in on the festivities and we expect a large turnout this year.
Saturday evening will be the ever popular J/Fest dinner and door prize give-away. Join us to make this 27th J/Fest one you won’t want to miss! For more information you can call Sail Northwest at (206) 286-1004 or email us at sales@sailnorthwest.com or go to http://www.sailnorthwest.com
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
J/24 World Military Sailing Championship
Italians Beat the Russians!
(March 22, 2010) - Bahrain Sailing Club hosted this years 44th edition of the World Military Sailing Championships. Imagine that! Just after Woodstock's famous rock and roll festival in New York that rocked the world, the boys in dress blue were chomping at the bit to determine who were the leaders in the Cold War World. After a period of time, contestants included ALL sailors in ALL militaries around the world who simply wanted to get together and have a great time sailing against one another. Without getting into too much detail (embarrassing perhaps to some countries), it's clear everyone has had a fantastic time at these events. J/Boats have been a significant sponsor and supporter of the World Military Sailing Championships over times, having supported them with J/22s, J/24s and, of course, the European Military Sailing de-facto one-design sailboat, the J/80 International Class.This year's event was hosted by another one of the renowned United Arab Emirates, Bahrain. It was clear the kingdom was prepared to put on a remarkable show for ten days and no one was disappointed. With great sailing conditions (yes, Ernesto and Ed Baird we do believe you) the teams and spectators were treated to 100+ races on the Gulf. The week-long championship got underway with 21 teams, including six Arab countries - Oman, UAE, Tunisia, Qatar, Libya and hosts Bahrain. The remaining countries were Italy, France, Russia, Pakistan, Canada, India, Poland, US, Norway, Brazil, Turkey, Finland, Austria, Denmark and Spain.
Teams were divided into three groups of seven squads. The first stage featured round robin races and the top four teams from each group qualified for the second round. The second round also featured a single round robin battle, with the best four countries reaching the semi-final knock-out stage.
At the end of the amazingly civil proceedings (after all, this IS the military), ITALY defeated RUSSIA to clinch the 44th World Military Sailing Championship which concluded recently at the Bahrain Sailing Club premises near Al Jazayer Beach, Zallaq. It was a perfect finale to the 10-day event, organised for the first time in the Middle East with top sailing teams from across the world in the fray.The final was held in strong winds starting from 15 to 20 knots and reaching up to 25 knots. But it was the ITALIANS who proved the better side in the final race. The ITALIANS were coached by Ercole Petraglia and comprised of Romolo Emiliani, Fabio Montefusco, Pierlulgi Fornelli, Paolo Emilio Ciam and Giancarlo Simeoli. RUSSIA, coached by Kanov Sergey, were spearheaded by Andrey Arbuzov, Sergey Budanov, Alexey Krylov, Vyacheslav Kaptyukhin and Petr Kochnev. TURKEY, comprising Kemal Mujlubas, Kaan Ozooneng, Metin Yasamali, Mert Koseoglu, Baris Bilge and coached by Kani Vardar, finished third. FRANCE were fourth, followed by NORWAY in fifth place, FINLAND sixth and DENMARK seventh.
Bahrain Maritime Sports Association (BMSA) president and organising committee member Shaikh Khalifa bin Abdulla Al Khalifa witnessed the final day's action with Italian Ambassador Enrico Padola and his Russian counterpart Ambassador Victor Smirnov. Shaikh Khalifa thanked General Organisation for Youth and Sports president Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al Khalifa for his support to sailing activities in Bahrain. The BMSA chief also highlighted the significant role of companies and establishments which sponsored the event, adding that without their support it would have been difficult to have this championship here in Bahrain.
The event was sponsored by a star-studded group of regional supporters, including: LURSSEN YACHTS, Trafco, Abu Dhabi Ship Building, Alba, Bapco, Batelco, MBDA Missile Systems, Banagas, Bahrain International Travel, Dadabai Travel and Yateem Air-conditioning. Other sponsors included Jawad Group, Al Safeer Travel and Tours, Nadia Travel Agency, Turkish Airlines, AJM Kooheji Group, House of Travel, Bahrain Kuwait Insurance, GPIC and A A Bin Hindi. For more World Military Sailing information.
SW NOOD San Diego- Huge J Fleet
JAVELIN Dominates J/105s
(San Diego, CA)- Fifty-one J's sailed this past weekend's NOOD in San Diego, over 50% of all offshore keelboat fleets! The weather was spectacular. Postcard perfect perhaps. Great winds. Good race management. Great parties. What's wrong with this picture? Hmm, yet another great spring weekend in San Diego, CA. Ever wonder why more US NAVY Admirals retire on Point Loma and Coronado Island? Go figure, find out for yourself why guys like Dennis Conner, Malin Burnham and other notables can't ever be convinced there's a better climate to live in worldwide-- heck, they oughta know since they've sailed everywhere. Although, too much sun can't possibly do the soul too much good, does it?
There were more J/Boats represented at the NOOD than any other boat manufacturer! With 18 boats the J/105s took the honors of being the largest class at the regatta with J/105 JAVELIN having a nearly perfect regatta with four bullets and one second place finish. JAVELIN, owned and sailed by Pam and Doug Werner, didn’t miss a shift and consistently lead the two day event in their home waters. JAVELIN crew SDYC Commodore Bill Campbell and wife Sherri thoroughly enjoyed being out in front with the two couple crewed JAVLEIN. One of the big challenges for the crew was trying to keep up with the NCAA’s and Sherri’s alma mater Syracuse University’s game on Sunday. Second was Dennis and Sharon Case sailing WINGS and third was Gary Mozer on CURRENT OBSESSION 2. The top five boats sailed remarkably well, taking all podium finishes for the series. 
J/World San Diego also came out in full force, hosting tune up races on Friday and adding four J/80’s to the racing in the 12 boat J/80. San Diego’s morning fog took a little while to burn off and the first race of the day kept the J/Sailors racing in less 150 -200 feet of visibility at times. After the fog burned off typical San Diego conditions replaced the fog revealing a beautiful day with the breeze consistently at 7 – 14 knots and sunny skies. J/Sailors were surprised with candy and treats being delivered on the water between races by J/Concierge Amanda Denton. The twelve boat J/80 fleet was won by Curt Johnson on AVET with nine points, six points ahead of Gregg Kelly sailing MERKIN. John Steen sailing UNDERDOG was tied for third with Steve Wyman on HUNU, but UNDERDOG won by virtue of not "who beat who" but by most 1sts, 2nds and 3rds! 
On Sunday the wind built to 12 knots, however racing proved to be challenging with constant shifts. In a great example of Sportsmanship to help his fellow fleet members Tom Brott, owner of ELECTRA and Fleet Captain of J/109 Fleet, stepped up to help Daylen Teren, new to the 109 fleet and the owner of GREAT BALLS OF FIRE in his first ever high point regatta by sailing with him during Sunday's races. Tom Brott's ELECTRA did, indeed, electrify their competition, winning with straight bullets- five firsts! Second behind that ELECTRA-fying performance was Steve Carter's GERONIMO beating by just one point John Shulze's LINSTAR who finished third.In the nine boat J/120 fleet, a repeat winner scored top spot on the podium. CC RIDER sailed by Chuck
Nichols won with a 1-1-2-1-5 record for 10 pts to win by nine points over CAPER, raced by John Laun and JIM, raced by John Snook. It was tight, solid racing with podium finishers amongst 8 of 9 competitors! The J/24s as always had a great time. After all, can't kill the spirit of a class that has survived the test of time over 30+ years! Eight boats showed up and RUMBLEFISH with Peer Fischel won a closely fought series by a scant three points over Charlie Fox's MOURNING WOOD. Just off the pace was Norman Hosford on SUPER STRINGS. Susan Taylor put in a nice performance getting fourth overall with TAKE FIVE. For more Sailing World NOOD San Diego information. Photo credits- Tim Wilkes Photography
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
J/24 Copa de Mexico Regatta
Brazilian World Champs Win
(Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)- The fifty-three J/24 competitors enjoyed a very special treat sailing off Puerto Vallarta in Bahia de Banderas this past week. The weather held true to form with the midday westerly thermals of 220-240 degrees giving way to the afternoon thermals of 310 degrees most of the days. The shifty, streaky winds kept tacticians busy. But, perhaps most importantly, the Mexican Ministry of Tourism, the Presidente of Mexico- Felipe Calderon (a sailor himself sailing on the lake of Valle de Bravo) and the Mexican Navy did not hold back in their support and enthusiasm for supporting the J/24 Mexico sailors to conduct a world-class event. It was beyond comprehension when you compare it to most sailing events worldwide. With special events and parties each night, the sailors were treated to delicious foods indigenous to the region along with entertainment reflective of Mexico's rich, mixed culture of Spanish, Mayan/Aztec and European flavors. Cowes, Key West, Spi Ouest, Sardinia, Phuket, St Maarten beware! The Mexicanos joi'd'vivre is in a class unto itself when it comes to throwing a world-class event with chutzpah, fun and great sailing-- a cocktail that is indeed hard to pass up.Partaking with great gusto in the activities were the German, Italian, Mexican, Peruvian, Puerto Rican and, of course, the American and Brazilian teams. It was pretty clear the winners of both the parties and the sailing were the beloved Brazilians. Between the salsa dance-offs for DELL laptops, the spontaneous dance party on the party boats to and from Bahia Las Casetas dinner/entertainment evening and the ultra-Euro chic Puerto Vallarta resort in downtown with the live DJ/ disco, the Brazilians simply reclassified for all how to have fun and win a regatta. Kudos to Maurizio Santa Cruz and his crew for having fun and winning it in style and with class-- helped in no small part by long-time J/24 class stalwart and builder, Paolo Boido from Turino, Italy. Remember, these are the same guys who taught Chris Larson a lesson on how to train and win another 24-footer's Worlds last summer in Annapolis, MD.
When the smoke cleared on the waters of Bahia de Banderas, it was pretty clear J/24 class veterans used to very tight, close quarters racing with an unmistakeable capability to make the best of really bad situations at starting lines, mark roundings and weather conditions were the ones whom ultimately prevailed. The cream would rise to the top after such a long series of five days and ten races. While Chris Snow from the USA sailing "S" won "college-style" on the water with the most consistent no-throw out scores, it was Maurizio Santa Cruz from Brazil sailing BRUSCHETTA who prevailed by four points by tossing two bad scores for an impressive victory over a talented and remarkably, deep fast fleet. Just off the pace in the top three was Maurizio's Brazilian colleague, Claudio Ruschel racing A QUE SI, finishing a solid third. The Mexican contingent are proving to be not only fast, but wily as coyotes. They know their waters, are strong tactically and are a force to be reckoned with--- guess it doesn't hurt to race every two weeks in fifty+ boat fleets on Valle de Bravo for bragging rights as best sailors in Mexico! Both Jorge Murrieta on VIVO MEXICO and Ken Porter on MONSTER FISH COMEX sailed strong last days to finish 4th and 7th overall, respectively. Of note aboard Jorge's boat was Regatta Chairman Peter Wiegandt, DELL Computer's chief sponsor representative for the regatta. The top ten shows the diversity of international talent in the world's largest one-design keelboat class; Brazilians were 1st, 3rd; Americans 2nd, 5th; Mexicans 4th, 7th, 10th; Germans 6th; Puerto Ricans 8th; and Peruvians 9th. For more J/24 Copa Mexico sailing regatta information.
UK Warsash Spring Series
Perfect Start for J Sailors
(Hamble, So'ton, England- Mar 14)- Glorious sunshine and a steady breeze made for a perfect first day of this year’s Warsash Spring Series on 14th March. Competitors in the 170-strong entry list were out bright and early, some putting into practice lessons learned during a Jim Saltonstall training session organised by the Royal Southern Yacht Club the day before. Black Group comprises four IRC classes plus one design starts for J/109, J/105 and J/92. The committee boat set up station between East Bramble and Universal Marina buoys.The family of J/Boats in Black Group has increased this year by J/92s joining the J/105 start. Interestingly the finishing times of the two classes overlapped, showing that a better sailed small boat can keep up with the larger J/Boat design. The class wins went to JOS OF HAMBLE (Roger Williams) and JAMMIN (Andrew Campbell). In the J/109s David and Kirsty Apthorp continued where they left off last year by sailing J-DREAM to victory. In IRC1, the J/122 JOLLY JELLYFISH sailed to a solid third overall. Expect to see more competition in this class when Ian Matthew's J/122 JINJA, Neil Martin's J/133 JAMMY DODGER and Jackie and Robert Dodson's J/133 JERONIMO get cranked up for the series next weekend.
Following the successful pattern of the past couple of years, White Group is split into two separate courses. The J/80s area under the care of Jon Spencer. In the J/80s another trophy holder from 2009 was competing but sadly this time Charles Somerset in LOUDWATER had to retire from the final contest having gained third place in the preceding races behind Terry Palmer’s JUST DO IT and ELLE S'APPELLE helmed by Thor Askeland. Mark Baskerville and Steve Sault took the final victory on board HOOLINGKAZAN.
Back at Warsash Sailing Club after racing, the weekly class winners were presented with champagne whilst everyone enjoyed a well-earned rest and time to catch up with sailing friends at the beginning of the new season. The Warsash Spring Series runs on Sundays until 25th April, with a break for Easter. New entries are welcome and enquiries can be made to Warsash Sailing Club on 01489 583575, admin@warsashsc.org.uk or visit www.warsashspringseries.org.uk.
Australian J/24s Race SA State Championships
Conyers' NO EYE DEER Wins
(Adelaide, SA, Australia- Mar 14)- We had Fun-- that was the motto. The SA states were held over the weekend of 13/14 March in Adelaide. With typical late summer soft winds and fine weather the sailing was a glamour and easy on the body. Trevor Conyers in NO EYE DEER sailed an almost perfect series to win with five bullets and a second, from Alyn Stevenson sailing FUN 2. Here is Simon Grain's report:"Pete Stevens should have finished third but a small mistake in leaving the life jackets in the car on Saturday morning meant he was late to the starting line for the first race and scored a DNF and with no drops meant he had to carry that. Instead he had to watch his old boat sail away into third ahead of him with me at the helm …. because we had ‘Fun’. Pete had invited us over, leant me the boat, given us a bed and as it turned out conceded to us the third he would otherwise have got. Sometimes it all turns out sweet … for us anyway.
Saturday and the weather was hot and sunny, wind around 8 knots from the south and flat water, you’ll be asking yourself why you didn’t come to this one. The CYCSA held the Great Southern Regatta in conjunction with the J States and did a very good job to get 3 races in – shortish courses with 2 or 3 times round and nice tight start lines to keep us on our toes. We had 10 boats on the line and plenty of talent in the field. Competition was fierce around the track in all 3 races on Saturday with most of the fleet sailing the course and finishing in a tight pack.
Sunday and we had light westerlies with sun-blocking cloud – thankfully – once again the PRO did a good job to set up a tight line and course giving fair racing and tactical sailing. Trevor didn’t seem to have a lot more speed but with good sailing put himself in the right place each time and he moved through to lead each race by a small margin from either Alyn, Pete and in the last shortened race Simon.
Snapping at the transoms of the first 4 boats were VERTGO, GOOD COMPANY, SUCH IS LIFE and KAIZEN. Never far out of the picture, these boats are ready to jump you if you make a mistake. FOOLISH BEHAVIOR and COOKIE MONSTER rounded out the fleet. The club and the State Association came together to put on a good regatta with many thanks to the PRO, his team and all the volunteers who made this happen. Oh did I forget to mention we had the most amazing stroke of luck as I hadn’t even considered the handicap part of the series … but we took that out too.
As the only interstate boat we had a Fun time and were looked after by Pete Stevens in particular, but thanks to all who made us feel so welcome. Next time get on the blower and organise yourself a berth interstate, there is a cost but it is worth the effort and having class members organising billeting and help to get on the water makes this a great short holiday and a way to get to know your interstate friends better.
The next regatta is the Vic States on 17/18 March and if you haven’t already decided to come then have another thought about it. Melbourne in autumn is traditionally a carbon copy of the regatta above, warm and light and lots of fun. For more J/24 Australia sailing information.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)