J/24 Dominates Hot Rum!

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J/70s & J/105s Lead Their Divisions
(San Diego, CA)- The Sinhoffer Hot Rum Regatta series always seems to be full of surprises for all who’ve sailed the event over the course of time.  Such a seemingly simple course, using the classic “pursuit-style” starting sequence with small(slowest) boats starting first and fastest last, is never quite what it seems as the boats head out to the starting line.  Other than weather that can be impacted by late summer highs bathing the fleet in warm sun and light winds or massively fast weather systems blown down from the Bering Straits whipping the eastern Pacific into a frenzy and throwing overcast clouds, 15-30 kts SW winds and 10-15 seas at the fleet, the big “gotcha” is often how the winds (or lack thereof) flow over the monstrous promontory known as Point Loma.  As a result, many a Hot Rum Series leader has seen their chances blown in the final few hundred yards sailing into the finish line off Shelter Island.

This year’s three weekend series saw just about every weather condition imaginable.  The first weekend was fraught with almost no wind with most big boats barely finishing and most littler boats having to take DNFs (sometimes entire divisions!).  The second go-around saw a gorgeous sunny day with 5-8 kts of breeze from the West.  Then, the final weekend was cool, partly cloudy with foggy drizzle and a strong breeze of 10-20 kts from the SW.

For the first time in years, the little boats predominated.  In fact, it was the “classic” J/24 CAROLINA sailed by Ben Nieting that not only took overall honors, winning the last race overall, but also winning Class 5!  Not far behind them overall was Dennis & Sharon Case’s J/105 WINGS, taking sixth overall and first in Class 3 and in ninth overall was Jim Madden’s J/125 STARK RAVING MAD IV.

On a class basis, the top dog in Class 1 for J/125s was Madden’s STARK RAVING MAD, taking 7th.  Just behind was Mark Surber’s DERIVATIVE in 9th and third of their group was Tim Fuller’s RESOLUTE in 12th.

The next class was a really mixed bag of boats that ranged from 28 to 44 feet.  Class 2 had a raft of J/120s and J/124s.  Top J team was John Laun’s J/120 CAPER, taking 4th in class and top J/120.  Next was Mike Hatch’s J/120 J-ALMIGHTY in fifth place followed by Chuck Nichol’s CC RIDER.  Seth Hall’s gorgeous, navy blue J/124 MARISOL took 11th in class.

The J/105s generally seem to dominate Class 3 by sheer numbers as well as by some remarkable performances.  Not surprisingly, a perennial contender topped the fleet, Dennis & Sharon Case’s J/105 WINGS.  They were followed by “birthday boy” Steve Howell (sailing with wife Lucy) on the ever popular BLINK!, taking third in class.  Ed Sanford’s J/105 CREATIVE sailed nicely to take fourth.

With a fast-growing and strong presence already in Southern California, it was only a matter of time that J/70s started to pop-up on the radar screen and do some damage even in the handicap-racing world.  Sailing in what is arguably one of the toughest fleets, Jeff Brown’s J/70 took top honors followed by Dave Vieregg’s SOGGY DOLLAR in third overall in class.  Next up with a good series was Tomm Reilly’s J/100 JASWINDER.  Of note, the J/70 fleet was not going to be denied, winning every race in class with Eric Kownacki’s DFZ taking one and Karl Pomeroy’s ZERO TO 60 taking the other.

The heart-warming story for this Hot Rum Series had to be the family crew and friends aboard Ben Nieting’s biege-colored J/24 CAROLINA, winning both counter races with ease!  Just off the pace was David Cattle’s beautifully restored J/27 BLACKADDER notching a well—earned 5th overall.  They were followed by yet another J/24, Mark Clements’ BRIGADOON in sixth overall!  Of note was a nice series sailed by Robert Noe’s pretty J/30 MAD HATTER— a beautifully maintained white boat that took 11th!   Sailing photo credits- San Diego YC/ Bronny Daniels- Joysailing.com   For more San Diego YC Hot Rum sailing information

ZIPPER Jams Jamaica Jammin’ Regatta In MoBay!

(Montego Bay, Jamaica)- The Jamaica Jammin’ Regatta sailed in the clubs J/22 one-design fleet has a wonderful history of great sailors and great sailing, all in the challenging waters of Montego Bay, Jamaica.  They’ve had sailors from all across the globe, including the UK, Cayman, Bahamas and, of course, Jamaican teams from Kingston and Montego Bay, participating in past regattas.

This annual regatta is an open invitation to the global sailing community to bring a crew to Jamaica, race someone else’s boat (at no cost), get home hosted (at no cost) and get the ultimate high on a great race track for a very modest entry fee.  The perfect regatta for these tough economic times: something to look forward to during the dark winter months of our northern neighbors.

After the largest turnout ever in 2012 with every J/22 in the country sailing, 2013 was always going to be tough get all the boats back.  A late cancellation from the Cayman youth sailing coaches meant that Mark Edmunds and his dedicated followers from Cayman waved the flag this year and eight boats entered the fray.  Bruce J, we missed you again! And, young Tracy from Canada – make sure next year you plan a little better!

The forecast for Friday was 22 gusting 28 knots. Actual wind was 5 to 18 knots and so easterly that the race committee had trouble getting a mark remotely square.  Saturday turned out to be more breeze than Friday with 14 to 18 and occasional gusts of 25 kts from the ENE.  There was no local knowledge that helped as it was a case of spot the puffs at the top of the course and make sure to sail them!

The gusts were strong enough to bury Geronimo’s mast for a couple of minutes and spill all 4 crew into the water followed by an immediate broach on the other side followed by an extended period of sideways drift towards the reef with the spinnaker run to the stops.  The skipper was given special recognition at prize giving (and graciously accepted!) for rescuing themselves and the boat with all hands on deck!

One-design yacht racing in Jamaica? It’s all about clean starts, protest free, fun racing in challenging conditions.  Nothing beats it.  At the prize-giving, each crew member on the first, second and third place boats received fabulous handmade Frank May trophies with a stained timber plaque and resin hulls.

Repeat winner was Peter Harper and team sailing their yacht ZIPPER from Montego Bay YC.  Displaying much better form and jumping one notch higher on the podium in this year’s event was Mark Edmunds sailing DEFENDER to the silver from Cayman Islands Sailing Club.  Leaping up the ladder this year was Bob Mallasch’s team on their mighty yacht AYAHSO from Montego Bay YC, taking the bronze overall!

Jammin’ is a regatta of volunteers and amateurs getting together to do something they love.  Boats are loaned for the use of visitors, home hosting is arranged for those that need and land-based entertainment sorted.  The regatta first started in 1989 as the Jam-Am Invitational when there were close ties with the US J/22 sailing fraternity.  The regatta was designed as an open invitation to the USA and designed with the emphasis on fun.

The regatta evolved into an international invitational open to entries from the entire planet.  Jammin’ is now held at the beginning of December ever year for any sailors who are willing to come and risk the warm tropical trade winds, sun and the blue waters of the Caribbean. The whole event revolves around having fun on and off the water.  The winner of the event by extension is a J/22 Global Champion and obviously a “Living Legend” as every year the entire world is invited to come and play!

“Thank you’s” are due to the following for making the event happen:

• Montego Bay Yacht Club, MBYC Management Committee, Judith, Heather and Davia, MBYC Dockmaster, David and assistant Anthony, and Robbie Joseph’s “Seahorse Grill”;
• Bryan and Lyn Langford for the use of the “Pursuit” as start boat – you guys are the best!  Bryan and Lynda Langford for the prize-giving venue – Landfall- this has become the best part of the weekend;
• Race committee volunteers Robin Delisser, Lyn Langford and Carole Small- we hope that the gift of abacus and Vienna Sausages will help in the counting of laps next year;
• Carole Small for organization of names and food for prize-giving;
• J/22 owner Frank May for lending his boat while he went back to the course;
• Frank May – handmade prizes and mark management; and
• Lyn Langford for all her silly prizes.

Last, but not least, we are extremely grateful for our Sponsors:

• Biggs BBQ restaurant and bar on the hip trip for the Jammin T Shirts;
• Slam Condoms – for those quieter moments on the course; and
• Draught beer, mon!  Of course, something no sailor could do without!

For more Jamaica Jammin’ J/22 International sailing regatta information. 

Gurgel Tops Alster Act J/22 Match Race Regatta

(Hamburg, Germany)- The 23rd Alster Act Match Race hosted ten teams this year from five countries across Europe.  This ISAF Grade 3 match-race event was hosted by the Hamburger Segel Club on the famous Alster Lake in the middle of Germany’s second largest city- Hamburg!  The weather conditions proved to be perfect for match-racing the fleet of six J/22s for most of the weekend until the breeze started to diminish on Sunday afternoon.

While 65 matches were scheduled, the regatta PRO wisely decided to adjust the match race schedule to complete the semi-finals and finals earlier than scheduled.  As a result, 45 matches in the round-robin were sailed, enough to produce a good ranking table for the final rounds.  The HSC Race Committee led by Jens Hahlbrock and his team managed a well organized event with satisfied participants.

The top team this year was HSC’s own Max Gurgel sailing with his team of Daniel Zenker and Robin Zinkmann.   Second was the Danish crew Christian Tang with crew Leif Ole Daetz and Jeppe Dybkjaer Ditlev.  Taking third overall was the initial regatta favorite, the Polish team of Patryk Zbroja and team of Maciej Gonerko and Krzysztof Zeludziewicz.  Fourth was the German team led by Florian Haufe with crew Steffen Hessberger and Max Boosfeld.  Fifth was yet another German team, Felix Oehme and his team of Niklas von Meyerinck and Felix von Meyerinck.   For more Alster Act J/22 Match Race sailing information

Benelux J/22 Winter Regatta

(Braassermeer, Netherlands)- The Benelux J/22 sailors are nothing if not organized and, most importantly, quite passionate about continually improving their experience as J/22 teams.  Their “winter” and “spring” training weekends have produced compelling results over time as teams from the Netherlands and Belgium have placed, or won, in major events like the J/22 Europeans and the J/22 Worlds.  In fact, many teams are keying in on the next J/22 World Championships 2014 to be held in South Africa for the first time!

Stan from the J/22 JABBADABBADOO filed this report for their most recent training weekends:  “Weekend 1- The first training and races of the winter series took place in perfect conditions. On Saturday and Sunday 10-12 kts north and Sunday with 12 to 18 knots. Both days had lovely sunshine and about 17 degrees celsius— not bad!  We looked back at the cold spring on the Braassermeer and the Cooling Down events which had all-or-nothing winds; compared that, this past weekend was simply delicious!

Saturday’s training day was organized by the J/22 Class and Falko Braun. He managed to keep the teams close together despite the different levels of the participating teams. It was an interesting day. A new German team trained with us and was full of enthusiasm about the new insights and boat-handling they learned— they turned out to be a formidable sparring partner to tune with.  We worked on upwind boat speed. For downwind speed, Falko taught all teams to sail with a “free kite.” The wind was perfect for roll-tacking practice. Gybes and even ‘mexican drops’ were practiced.  After lunch and briefing we practiced time-on-distance, a number of starts and two short races . Before we knew it the afternoon was over and we all agreed to debrief in a restaurant in Leiden .

On Sunday, with more wind we focused on sailing many short races.  They were very intense, short laps around the buoys; the races were 30-40 minutes.  XJE had learned the time-on-distance exercise well the day before and took a good start in the first race.  In the second, race we started first but with XJE right next to us. In the last race it was a true match race.  It was very shifty and wind gusts caused considerable spectacle on the short course.  The third start was very nice with all the boats on the line and everyone at luffing at the gun!  Everyone is learning fast!

After several years of just sailing regattas, I am happy to train again, and finally by an external coach to get clues on how to sail better and faster. Falko shook things up for us and forced us to get out of our comfort zone and push the envelope of performance— it brought great satisfaction to see us better develop as a team.

For the second weekend of winter training and competition, the WVB decided this year to sail three races a day and keep the pace going with fast-action.  In short, very intense rounds where boat-handling will keep crews busy even in a winter storm!!  Perhaps most importantly, top Dutch sailor Ronald Veraar will lead the training.  Ronald is a former European champion and current European champion as “Corinthian” in both the J/22 and the M24 classes. That promises a mountain of gold tips!  We look forward to more of this all winter!”   For more J/22 Benelux sailing information

British Win J/22 2K Team-Race Germany

(Hamburg, Germany)-  The J/22 class in Germany and the Hamburger Segel-Club in Germany created a fun, new regatta to be sailed on the Alster Lake as a team race and called it the 2K International Cup.  The regatta saw very close competition amongst the teams that participated from Italy, Great Britain, Germany and the Netherlands.  Here was the report from Manuel Huensch on how it all went down on the lake:

“Day three dawned with gale force winds as the 2K International Tour moved to the final stages of the regatta. With nearly all of Stage 1 complete and a forecast for strengthening breeze the PRO Stefan Roth, wisely chose to move as quickly as possible to the finals.

A quick repercharge round brought Yacht Club Costa Smeralda from the Italian island of Sardinia into the ring to face long term rivals but good friends Spinnaker Club from Great Britain.  At three-up in un-reefed J/22’s, the lightweight Brits were at a significant disadvantage.  As a result, the outcome of the race all depended on getting at least second on the starboard laylines coming into any of the marks.

Again and again, their success here gave Spinnaker the ability to pass their opponents back into a losing combination before the tightest of races to the finish.

Winning 2-0, Spinnaker watched with interest, and maybe concern, as the young Dutch  team from DMTRA also won their semi-finals elimination stage 2-0 against Bayerischer Yacht Club.

Emboldened by their impressive scoreline, the Dutch DMTRA team brought aggression and impressive speed to bear against Spinnaker in the final stage of the regatta.  In the first Race, the British Spinnaker team were again struggling with their lack of weight on the rail.  Spinnaker had to dig deep into their tactical repertoire to fend off the challenge. Despite a penalty at the windward mark, tight defensive work by Spinnaker's Sam Littlejohn got teammate Tom Hebbert's boat back into the game, and soon to victory in Race 1.

The outcome of Finals Race 2 was virtually over before it started.  Just about everything went wrong for the Dutch DMTRA team, leaving Spinnaker an easy 1-2 combo at the finish for both the race win and the International 2K Cup overall win.

In the Petite Final, Yacht Club Costa Smeralda also had to draw upon all their skills to win against Bayerischer Yacht Club.

Brilliantly organized and run by Hamburger Segel-Club, the club's board ended the event by announcing their decision to host a 2K event again next year! In the meantime, plans to run a German 2K clinic led by top 2K sailors is well advanced; especially after having gotten “schooled” by the well-sailed Spinnaker team with their brilliant team-racing tactics!”  For more International 2K Team-Racing Cup sailing information

NEW J/Calendar 2014- Hot off the Press!

The Perfect Gift For People Who Love Sailing!
(Newport, RI)- For 2014 we've created another beautiful calendar for J sailors who love the joys of sailing a J in some of the most spectacular harbors and waters of the world.  Whether you are a cruising, racing or armchair sailor, these stunning sailboat photographs will transport you to wonderful sailing experiences in far away places.

The 2014 sailing calendar features photos (pictured here) of flying J/70s off Key West; a fleet of J/24s dueling upwind off Monte Carlo, Monaco; surrealistic scenes of J/80s off Santander, Spain and sailing off “the cathedral” in Palma Mallorca; a fleet of J/120s crossing Alcatraz Island on San Francisco Bay; J/111s sailing in front of the spectacular Chicago skyline; a J/42 cruising along an idyllic Maine coastline; and other gorgeous images of J/105s, J/22s and a J/125.  A great gift for loved ones, family, friends and crew (see gallery)!   Order your 2014 J/Calendar today, click here.

J/Teams HOT In SD Rum Series

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(San Diego, CA)- San Diego's favorite Fall racing series is in full swing! For three Saturday’s (November 9th, 23rd and December 7th), the San Diego Yacht Club plays host to the annual Hot Rum Series— a fun-loving “free-for-all” that generally sees the fleet starting inside of San Diego Harbor, takes them on a “tour” that heads out past the majestic Point Loma, around some buoy set offshore, then “back home to the barn” to again finish inside the channel just off Harbor Island.  It’s an annual ritual for many SoCal sailors and, for most, it’s pretty random how one finishes based on how the wind blows (or not!).  For those not “in-the-know”, it’s consistently one of the largest PHRF “pursuit-style” races run annually— with the little boats (like 21 footers) starting first and the big boats (e.g. over 70 foot ULDB sleds) starting last; whomever crosses first wins!  To say that it’s a blast and lots of fun doesn’t adequately describe the experience of having the likes of famous local boy Dennis Conner come flying by you on his custom 60 foot sloop, appropriately called STARS & STRIPES (like this ->>)!

Many J/Teams participate in this festival of sailing, more fun than being an actual race.  In PHRF Class 1, four J/125s are sailing and leading that pack after two weekends is Jim Madden’s STARK RAVING MAD.  He’s followed by Mark Surber’s DERIVATIVE, Viggo Torbenson’s TIMESHAVER and Tim Fuller’s RESOLUTE.

PHRF Class 2 has a flotilla of J/120s and a gorgeous J/124.  At this stage, top dog in the J/Fleet is Mike Hatch’s J/120 J/ALMIGHTY followed by Seth Hall’s J/124 MARISOL.  The J/120s CAPER (John Laun) and CC RIDER (Chuck Nichols) are just behind them.

The J/105s are usually so dominant in PHRF Class 3 that most years they occupy the entire top five.  However, at this stage the J/105s are taking up just 5 of the top 10 slots.  Top boat is Dennis Case’s WINGS, followed by Dag Fish’s VIGGEN, Steve & Lucy Howell’s BLINK! and Ed Sanford’s CREATIVE.

The seven J/70s in PHRF Class 4 are knocking it out of the park so far!  First in class is Karl Pomeroy’s ZERO TO SIXTY followed in second place by Jeff Brown’s “J70 Team”.  Dave Vieregg is sitting 3rd in J/70s and fifth in class on SOGGY DOLLAR.

Amazingly, the classic J/24 CAROLINA sailed by Ben Nieting is winning class and a fellow J/24 sailor is lying sixth in class, Mark Clements’s BRIGADOON.  Dave Cattle’s J/27 BLACKADDER is ready to pounce in the next race from his seventh place spot in the standings!   Sailing photo credits-  Bronny Daniels/ Joysailing.com   For more San Diego YC Hot Rum sailing information