Month: October 2024

(San Francisco, CA)- Recently, the South Beach Yacht Club on the southern part of San Francisco Bay hosted its annual Red Bra Regatta. The event was all about fun and supporting other women. Specifically, the regatta supported “Girls United” for the sixth year this September! 

Girls United is an amazing organization that organizes clubs and student-led advocacy for girls in Kenya, as well as training female teachers to be role models for these girls. 
United Girls for KenyaRun out of Flying Kites Academies, Girls United empowers young women in many ways, including skill-building workshops as well as providing access to information on important topics like reproductive health. The aims of Girls United are clearly aligned with those of the Red Bra Regatta and its motto- “Empowered Women Empowering Women.”
This year, we ask that you give any amount that feels meaningful to you- no amount is too small. If you want to further increase your impact, you can share this on your page. Let’s keep empowering each other!  Please consider a donation here
Many passionate women J/sailors participated in the event and while having fun they also managed to win some silverware! 
PHRF F Divsion- Spin

(Rye, NY)- The American Yacht Club’s annual Fall Regatta marks the close of the summer offshore sailing season on Long Island Sound. It’s always a well-attended event and it attracts dozens of J/Boats owners up and down the Sound for racing in one-design classes of J/44s, J/105s, J/70s, and a half-dozen PHRF handicap classes. The fleet was treated to great sailing and good breezes for the two-weekend event, enabling racing all four days and the one-design classes to have nine races! 

J/44 ClassThe five-boat fleet was yet again treated to a “schooling” by former New York YC Commodore Bill Ketcham’s MAXINE. After a “slow start” of a 2-4-2, Ketcham’s team peeled off six straight bullets to win by a country furlong with just 10 pts net!
Learning quick and good students of the sport of racing sailboats has been the women duo of June & Amanda Kendrick’s PALANTIR 5. This year they started well with a 1-2-3, then ripped off straight deuces to take the silver medal with 15 pts net. Rounding out the podium on the bronze medal step was Willets Meyer’s BEAGLE with 25 pts net. 
J/105 ClassGetting back to his old form after sailing J/105s for 30+ years was Damian Emery’s WARLOCK. Emery’s WARLOCK team dominated the J/105 fleet with five 1sts and four 2nds en route to solid performance for 11 pts net. Not to be outdone, veteran J/105 skipper Paul Beaudin and his LOULOU team also counted all podium scores to take the silver medal with 13 pts Net. Then, the balance of the podium was David Owen’s ECHO with 30 pts net. 
J/70 ClassJean Marc Papin/s PEN SEGAL simply wiped the slate clean with straight bullets for all seven races in this fleet. Caelan McMichael’s USA 1725 took second with 15 pts net, while Lucas Swain’s USA 1747 took the bronze medal.
Coastal PHRF 1 DivisionLoving the conditions and courses for their four days of sailing was Len Sitar’s beautiful blue J/160 COUGAR. They posted a blistering scoreline of 1-1-1-3 for 6 pts total to handily win their fleet.
Coastal PHRF 2 DivisionIt was a clean sweep for J/crews in this fleet. Winning was Ron Richman’s J/133 ANTIDOTE with a 2-2-2-1 tally for 7 pts. Second was last year’s division winner, Erik Asgeirsson’s J/45 ACADIA with a 3-3-1-5 scorecard for 12 pts. Then, taking the bronze medal was Bill Klein’s J/120 SPECK with a 4-4-3-2 record for 13 pts. 
Coastal PHRF 3 DivisionThe top five was dominated by J/crews. Taking the silver was Steve Landry & Derek Soohoo’s J/100 SANGUINE. Third was Todd Aven’s J/99 THIN MAN, fourth went to Ray Warner’s J/99 AGENT 99, and fifth was Robert Schwarz’s J/109 NORDLYS. 
Coastal PHRF 4 DivisionThe top two podium steps were determined by a tiebreaker at 7 pts each. Winning the countback was Jason Viseltear’s J/80 UPSETTER, followed by JC Zucconi & Jim Townsend’s J/92 EASY RED. 
PHRF J/100 ClassThe J/100s on western Long Island Sound have been enjoying a renaissance in this beautiful 33-foot “eye candy” of a daysailer. Winning again was the trio of Tom Boyle, Bob Clyatt, & Doug McKiege ono BLUEFIN. Second went to William Hennes’s LIBERTY and third was the duo of Drew Fung & Pat Jakobson’s FREEDOM.  For more American YC Fall Regatta results and sailing information.

(Hong Kong, China)- JUICE, the only J/99 currently in Hong Kong, continued her winning ways with victory in the IRC 2 category of the Aberdeen Boat Club opening regatta last weekend. Comprising of three races over two days JUICE faced stiff competition from the fleet of seven boats. 
Saturday ChallengesSaturday dawned light and somewhat westerly forcing a reverse course into Lamma Island for the first windward leeward. This provided unusual and close racing with JUICE and ZESSt finishing 45 seconds apart after an hour and twenty minutes, having taken differing sides of the track. Thereafter, a thunderstorm and lightning show over Hong Kong Island created a change of wind direction through the southerly quadrant and then back again to an easterly direction where the wind finally settled. After a lengthy delay, the course was relaid, and a more familiar route was taken. As the breeze had come up JUICE had changed to a J2 jib, which proved very costly as the wind faded in the start sequence. Given that now there was a 3-lap race, the team had to change back to the J1 jib on the first run and cope with a stuck kite halyard on the drop. ZESST was gone and INTRIGUE as well, leaving JUICE in 3rd and work to do on Sunday.
Sunday Island TourIslands races are long and, in light breeze, there are plenty of restarts in the wind shadows. Good job as JUICE ran into some plastic and lost a lot of time on the first beat. Going hard into Beaufort Island and finding a familiar breeze line brought JUICE back into the race only to lose ground again rounding Fury Rocks. JUICE stayed very high on the run and squeezed around Po Toi island to find ZESST trapped in a wind hole on the other side of the channel. Meanwhile, veteran yacht GAMBIT was hard on our tail. The three boats finished 40 seconds apart after three and a half hours of racing giving GAMBIT the Islands Race win and JUICE the regatta win!

(Macatawa Bay, MI)- The Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Lake Michigan hosted the 2024 J/88 North American Championship for a fleet of eleven very competitive teams. The four-day regatta took place from September 25th to 29th on Macatawa Bay. 
After the nine-race one-toss race series over the four days of sailing, it was apparent there was a “new sheriff in town”; a new champion emerged from the clouds of battle on Lake Michigan. Starting with an impressive 1-1-6-1 to lead the regatta after the first day, there was no turning back for Lindsey Duda’s SIN DUDA team, finishing the regatta with just 19 pts net! Behind them, it was a real battle for the balance of the podium and the top five for four other teams. Taking the silver medal was Ben Marden’s BANTER with 26 pts net. The bronze went to Dave Tufts’s GAUCHO with 31 pts net. Then, rounding out the top five was Dave Dennison’s PIRANHA with 33 pts net and Andy Graff’s EXILE with 38 pts net, finishing 4th and 5th, respectively. 
CORINTHIANS DivisionWinning Corinthians was Dennison’s PIRANHA, followed by Graff’s EXILE in second, and John Leahey’s DUTCH in third place.  For more J/88 North American Championship sailing information

(Key West, FL)- The SAILING INC. company in Cleveland, OH is once again hosting their popular and fun-loving Southernmost Regatta @ Key West this coming winter from January 20th to 25th, 2025 in Key West, FL. Based out of the Galleon Resort’s awesome Tiki Bar on the waterfront, you cannot imagine a more fun, laid-back place to host and run a regatta in the only Caribbean-like setting in the USA!

Invited is the J/111 Class for its 2025 J/111 North American Championship. Already, eight teams are entered including multiple J/111 North American Champion Peter Wagner’s SKELETON KEY. 
Also invited is the J/70 Class and any J/Teams wishing to sail an ORC handicap division! So far, a half-dozen J/70s have entered! And, in the ORC Division entered are the J/45 SPACEMAN SPIFF and the J/122 DIRE WOLF! For Southernmost Regatta registration information   For more Southernmost Regatta sailing information.

(Macatawa Bay, MI)-  The Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Lake Michigan will be hosting the 2024 J/88 North American Championship for a fleet of eleven very competitive teams. The four-day regatta is taking place from September 25th to 29th on Macatawa Bay. 

Several perennial class leaders are participating including Lindsey Duda’s SIN DUDA, Ben Marden’s BANTER, John Leahey’s DUTCH, Andy  Graff’s EXILE, and Iris Vogel’s DEVIATION. All of those teams have won major J/88 events from Chicago to Long Island Sound and past J/88 North Americans! For more J/88 North American Championship sailing information

(San Francisco, CA)- One of the best sailboat racing venues in the world, iconic San Francisco Bay, is ready to turn it on for the 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series at St. Francis Yacht Club, September 11-15, 2024. 

The most prestigious regatta on the West Coast has attracted 71 boats and nearly 700 sailors to the docks of St. Francis Yacht Club, to hear what classes will race for Rolexes and perpetual trophies on Wednesday night, and to start preparing for the first race on Thursday, September 12. With a strong turnout in J/88 and J/105 one-design classes and ORC divisions, organizers are thrilled to welcome members and guests to be a part of the action on the water and shoreside. 
“Having been involved in this epic West Coast regatta for some four decades, it is my honor and privilege as Commodore to welcome our members and guests to the 60th edition of the Rolex Big Boat Series,” said Chris Perkins, 2024 Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club and a past winner of the event. “I wish the best of luck to our competitors who are here to compete in one of the world’s most spectacular racing venues. Sail fast and enjoy our outstanding hospitality.”
“Sailing smart the first couple of days is key, but Saturday and Sunday are really where the championship will be won,” commented Ryan Simmons from the J/105 BLACKHAWK.
Rolex Big Boat Series’ extensive history of champions is a tribute to the depth of talent that graces the event and this year, a solid fleet stacked with talented and tough competition is expected. 
“We have thirty J/105s starting again this year, which is great to see, and the ORC fleet is diverse and deep in talent with past winners returning to defend their titles,” says Felix Weidling, Race Director of St. Francis Yacht Club. “We always have our competitors’ best interests in mind and after taking in sailors’ feedback from last year, we continue to improve this important event which is a cornerstone of West Coast sailboat racing.”
Perennial Rolex Big Boat winner in the J/105 class, Ryan Simmons, and his well-seasoned team on BLACKHAWK are eager to see how the competition will play out in the competitive San Francisco-based J/105 fleet. BLACKHAWK took first in class in 2019, 2021, and 2023, and second in 2022. Simmons does not take for granted that his luck will bear out for another win, although he and his crew are talented enough—and hopeful. 
“We’re lucky, we have low turnover on our team—we’ve been sailing together a long time and it’s a big difference,” says Simmons. “Our competitive edge this year will be consistency. In the first two days of the regatta, you can’t lock in the win, but you can take yourself out of contention, so sailing smart the first couple of days is key, but Saturday and Sunday are really where the championship will be won.”
Hot to prevail against BLACKHAWK is NE*NE, owned and skippered by Tim Russell who has played bridesmaid many times, often finishing in the top three. He’s currently leading the local J/105 fleet in the class championship series, making him a serious podium contender. 
“A first place on NE*NE is eluding me!” says Russell. “You have to take chances and I usually approach every regatta being super conservative. On my starts, I’m trying to win one end or the other and let our boat speed take care of itself and minimize mistakes, but in Big Boat, you have to gamble.”
“Some of the best, most reliable, and most fun sailing conditions in the world are this time of year at this venue, the race management is second to none, and the social side is always spectacular,” explained Peter Wagner, owner/ skipper of the J/111 SKELETON KEY.
Peter Wagner won last year’s ORC-C division on SKELETON KEY, the J/111 he’s owned since 2015. Winner of the J/111 North Americans for two years in a row and St. Francis Yacht Club’s Sailor of the Year in 2023, Wagner is a tough act to follow. He’s been racing the Rolex Big Boat Series for almost 25 years and is looking forward to the solid competition, great conditions, and fun social gatherings.
“It’s always one of the highlights of our season and certainly the highlight of racing on San Francisco Bay,” says Wagner. “In this particular event, we’ve raced in various one-design classes as well as ORR and now ORC and we’re excited about the momentum around ORC. I think it will be a competitive event. Some of the best, most reliable, and most fun sailing conditions in the world are this time of year at this venue, the race management is second to none and the social side is always spectacular. There is always a great group of sailors that convenes around RBBS.”
Other boats returning to defend their 2023 titles include the J/88 PELAGIA owned and skippered by Christos Karamanolis and the J/109 REVERIE owned and skippered by John Arens.
“I’m excited to lead the Rolex Big Boat Series in its 60th anniversary year,” says Susan Ruhne, who chairs the regatta and is the 2024 Rear Commodore of St. Francis Yacht Club. “The event is such an important part of the StFYC’s history and a favorite for so many sailors and spectators to experience. There is nothing like watching 70-plus boats on three race courses duke it out on San Francisco Bay, including the classic downwind run from the Golden Gate Bridge back to the club. I am also very proud that we continue to maintain Rolex Big Boat Series’ status as a Clean Regatta, a foundation of the event.”  Sailing photo credits- Sharon Green/ UltimateSailing.com. For more ROLEX Big Boat Series sailing information and results.

This past week’s J/Newseltter saw the conclusion of thrilling regattas as some of the world’s top teams fought fiercely for prestigious titles. The 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League ended on a high note in Vilamoura, Portugal, with Tonsberg YC claiming victory after an intense four days of world-class racing. Meanwhile, SIN DUDA dominated the J/88 North American Championship on Lake Michigan, and Canada’s MANDATE secured their fourth J/105 North American Championship title on the challenging waters of Lake Erie. 
As we celebrate these amazing performances, we now look forward to even more excitement. The upcoming J/24 World Championship in Seattle promises to be a spectacular event, with international teams gathering to compete in Puget Sound for the 45th anniversary of this storied competition. And in Germany, the J/70 National Championship is set to take place on the beautiful Lake Starnbergersee, where 26 teams will battle for top honors.

Fall Boat Shows Calendar!
(Newport, RI)- Amazingly enough, the summer is coming to a close in the northern hemisphere. This summer seemed to simply fly by! Kids are back in school, family back to work. But, it’s also a time to dream about the future! Fall boat shows are about to begin in both Europe and the USA. Here are the highlights for you to consider in both places.
USA
Annapolis Sailboat Show- Annapolis. MD – October 10th to 14th, 2024This show will mark the USA debut of the extraordinary NEW J/40 performance cruising yacht. An exciting collaboration between J/Boats design team, J/Composites in France, and an inspired interior design influenced by French designer Isabelle Racoupeau. In addition, there will be the J/9 daysailer, and the J/45 offshore performance cruising yacht. 
J/45 Video by Mike Coe- Experience the Performance & Luxury!In Annapolis, MD, Mike Coe and 410 Films take us on an informative tour of the J/45 luxury performance offshore cruising yacht. Enjoy and watch it here on YouTube.
For more Annapolis Sailboat Show information.
EUROPE
Grand Pavois- La Rochelle, France- October 3rd to 6th, 2024The La Rochelle boat show is one of the most enjoyable events for various reasons. First, La Rochelle is a famous French seaport renowned for its culture and amazing variety of restaurants, pubs, shopping, and nightclubs! Like Annapolis, this show will mark the European debut of the new J/40 offshore performance cruising yacht. In addition, the J/99 offshore shorthanded racer, the J/112E offshore performance yacht, and the J/45 offshore performance cruising yacht will be on display.. For more Grand Pavois La Rochelle boat show information
Valencia Boat Show- Valencia, Spain- October 23rd to 27th, 2024At this spectacular marina that was significantly updated for the America’s Cup back in the AC75 days will be the 2024 Valencia Boat Show. On display will be the J/99 offshore shorthanded speedster that has been the stuff of legend in its short history of sailing across the world’s oceans. Learn more about it at the show!  For more Valencia Boat Show information

Tonsberg YC Crowned 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League Winners!
(Vilamoura, Portugal)- The grand season finale for the 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League was held in the picturesque coastal town of Vilamoura, Portugal this past weekend. For four days, from the 26th to the 29th of September, the 24 best sailing teams from around the world competed for the coveted title. Teams from countries including Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Austria, France, USA, Poland, Netherlands, and Australia delivered nail-biting performances until the final moments.
Each day started with light winds, but by midday, the conditions on the Atlantic off the Algarve coast turned into perfect “Champagne Sailing”— an ideal setting for a late-September event.
The Danish Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub dominated from the start, but the Norwegian champion T@nsberg Yacht Club fought back fiercely. Both teams, known for their years of experience and tight teamwork, battled for the top spot.
The 2023 champions, Alandska Segelsdllskapet, struggled on the first day but managed a comeback on day two. Also notable was the Richmond Yacht Club from the USA, participating for the first time after securing a wildcard thanks to the introduction of the league format this year in the USA. The longest journey to Vilamoura was made by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from Australia.
After a few setbacks, Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub secured their spot in the Final Four during the last race before the cut-off, leading to a thrilling finish. The competition was fierce, with just a few points separating the top teams. Ultimately, the Final Four included the Danish Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub, Norway’s T@nsberg Yacht Club, and two Finnish clubs- Alandska Segelsdllskapet and Esbo Segelférening.
It’s astonishing to see how fast the Scandinavian teams have improved racing their J/70s! Much to the surprise of everyone in the regatta, this set the stage for an epic Scandinavian showdown. 
While the Danes dominated overall, Tonsberg took the first race. The excitement escalated when Esbo won the second race, but Tonsberg Yacht Club took risks in the third race and stumbled at the start. Remarkably, they recovered and claimed victory, making them the champions. Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub came second and Esbo Segelférening came third.
The event was accompanied by a two-day livestream broadcasted by WedoTV in collaboration with SailTracks, allowing viewers to experience the excitement up close. The live coverage captured the intense racing action, allowing fans to follow their favorite teams as they fought for a spot in the Final Four.
“Our initial goal was simply to break into the top 10, so winning this race feels absolutely out of this world. Capturing the last mark turn was an unforgettable moment!”, explained Tonsberg Yacht Club.  About the J/70 SAILING Champions League.  For more J/70 SAILING Champions League sailing information.

SIN DUDA Crushes J/88 North American Championship!
(Macatawa Bay, MI)- The Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Lake Michigan hosted the 2024 J/88 North American Championship for a fleet of eleven very competitive teams. The four-day regatta took place from September 25th to 29th on Macatawa Bay. 
After the nine-race one-toss race series over the four days of sailing, it was apparent there was a “new sheriff in town”; a new champion emerged from the clouds of battle on Lake Michigan. Starting with an impressive 1-1-6-1 to lead the regatta after the first day, there was no turning back for Lindsey Duda’s SIN DUDA team, finishing the regatta with just 19 pts net! Behind them, it was a real battle for the balance of the podium and the top five for four other teams. Taking the silver medal was Ben Marden’s BANTER with 26 pts net. The bronze went to Dave Tufts’s GAUCHO with 31 pts net. Then, rounding out the top five was Dave Dennison’s PIRANHA with 33 pts net and Andy Graff’s EXILE with 38 pts net, finishing 4th and 5th, respectively. 
CORINTHIANS DivisionWinning Corinthians was Dennison’s PIRANHA, followed by Graff’s EXILE in second, and John Leahey’s DUTCH in third place.  For more J/88 North American Championship sailing information

MANDATE Crowned J/105 North American Champions- 4th Time!

(Cleveland, OH)- This year’s J/105 North Americans was hosted by Edgewater Yacht Club at their wonderful facilities on the waterfront of Cleveland on Lake Erie from September 24th to 29th. For four days, the twenty-six-boat fleet enjoyed great sailing and awesome weather racing on the choppy waters of shallow Lake Erie. In the end, it was past Canadian Olympic Gold Medallist Terry Mclaughlin’s team on MANDATE from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto, Ontario that took home the J/105 North American Championship title for the fourth time! Here is how it all went down day by day. 
Day 1- Gorgeous OpenerThe was delighted by winds of 8-17 knots to launch the four-day series. Local Chip Schaffner’s FALL LINE leaped to the initial advantage with a pair of bullets and a 7 for 9 points. Building weather conditions on Lake Erie challenged teams at the event hosted by Edgewater Yacht Club. 
2021 North America Champion Tim Russell’s NE*NE was only one point back in second place after tallying 7-2-1 for second place. Multiple North American champions Terry McLaughlin & Rod Wilmer’s MANDATE were another notch behind in third. 
Schaffner’s FALL LINE kicked off the regatta with their first of two wins on Thursday, trailed by McLaughlin/Wilmer’s MANDATE and David Butcher’s HIGHLANDER. Following FALL LINE in the second contest were Russell’s NE*NE and Thomas Cliffel’s RAPSCALLION. NE*NE took home the day’s final victory, ahead of McLaughlin & Wilmer’s MANDATE and Bill Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO.
Day 2- Wild Day!Lake Erie delivered fierce conditions Friday. Winds were consistent at 14-18 knots with gusts in the mid-20s and waves well above six feet. The Race Committee persevered for two races, bringing the total to five in the no-discard series. Tim Russell’s NE*NE rose to the top with a 1-4 on the day for 15 points. McLaughlin/ Wilmer’s MANDATE stood only one point behind in second. Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO moved into third with 21 points.
Russell’s NE*NE racked up their second bullet in race four, with MANDATE and THE USUAL SUSPECTS following. Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO succeeded in the next battle, including in the top three were Bruce Stone & Nicole Breault’s ARBITRADE and MANDATE.
Day 3- Penultimate DayMcLaughlin/ Wilmer’s MANDATE ascended to the top of the leaderboard. Three more races were completed Saturday in winds of 8-12 knots in choppy seas, bringing the current total to eight races. MANDATE scored 5-2-2 for 25 points in the no-discard series. Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO won the day with a 3-3-1 for second place at 28 points. Russell’s NE*NE stood another three points back in third.
Russell’s NE*NE racked up their third bullet of the Championship in race six, pursued by James Rathbun’s HEY JUDE and Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO. Bruce Stone & Nicole Breault’s ARBITRADE claimed Saturday’s next victory, with MANDATE and DEJA VOODOO rounding out the top trio. Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO led the fleet back to shore, trailed by McLaughlin/ Wilmer’s MANDATE and Rathbun’s HEY JUDE.
Day 4- Glamma FinaleConsistency proved to be the highlight, as four-time winner McLaughlin/ Wilmer’s MANDATE came out on top. Their crew of Fraser Howell, Ian Howes, Andrew Kenny, and John Millen from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto accomplished the feat without a first-place finish! Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO was a close second and Russell’s NE*NE, a competitive third. For more J/105 North American Championship sailing information. 

Upcoming Events

45th Anniversary J/24 World Championship Preview

(Seattle, WA)- The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle and the Port of Seattle’s Shilshole Bay Marina welcome J/24 sailors from around the world to Washington State and the beautiful Puget Sound for the 2024 J/24 World Championship presented by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese- the 45th anniversary!
The event’s debut in the Pacific Northwest will pair world-class racing with one of the most unique and popular sailing venues in North America. In addition to racing, the event will include several Northwest-themed social functions including a unique Opening Ceremony and can’t miss post-race refreshments and daily awards. 
The Seattle J/24 Worlds has attracted competitors from Europe, South America, North America, Australia, and Asia in addition to the United States and Canada.
The week of racing will see 56 teams racing against each other on challenging courses set by renowned International Race Officer- Mark Foster from Austin/ Corpus Christi, Texas. The regatta will see close-quarters, competitive racing with regional, national, and international level sailors, along with many professional sailmakers fighting it out for the elusive title of 2024 J/24 World Champion.
Since the 1977 launch of the J/24; the first J/24 Midwinters in 1978 in Key West, FL; and the first J/24 Worlds in Newport, RI in 1979; the J/24 class worldwide has continued to enjoy a remarkable passion amongst its aficionados no matter where they are on the world’s five continents. This year’s J/24 Worlds in Seattle will see teams from ten nations; including the USA, Australia, Puerto Rico, Italy, England, Germany, Japan, Canada, Ireland, and Greece. Perhaps the most surprising “non-participants” are any teams from South America- Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil- a perennial J/24 “power” in J/24 sailing. 
The leading teams that should be a factor on the leaderboard include; Paul Abdullah/ Nick Turney’s TEAM TARHEEL, Ignazio Bonnano’s Italian team on LA SUPERBA, the Constants family (Al, Dave, Steve, Mike, Dave Jr) on BLITZ, the Australians John Crawford’s INNAMINCKA, Pietro Diamanti’s team on MAGICA FATA, Kurt Dammier’s AMUSE BOUCHE (with local genius sailor Ron Rosenberg on-board), Mike Goldfarb’s WAR CANOE, Japan’s Nobuyuki Imai’s SIESTA, Mike Ingham’s USA 5443 (past 2-time J/24 World Champion), Mark Laura’s  BABA LOUIE (watch out for these hot locals!), Scott Milne’s TREMENDOUS SLOUCH, Travis Odenbach’s HONEYBADGER, Susie Taylor’s TAKE FIVE, and San Francisco’s Jasper Van Vliet’s EVIL OCTOPUS. So cool to see such HOT teams sailing in this year’s J/24 Worlds since 1979… Your editor knows most of them as personal friends… very competitive sailing teams! For more J/24 World Championship sailing information.

German J/70 National Championship Preview 

(Tutzing, Germany)- The German J/709 National Championship will take place from October 3rd to 6th at the Deutscher Touring Yacht Club (DTYC). Twenty-six top-class boats from all over Germany will compete against each other in this exciting and dynamic class on the gorgeous Lake Starnbergersee. The host club DTYC is particularly pleased that two teams from their club are taking part, including an all-women team with Anna Seidl, Monika Linder, Ann-Christin Goliaß, and Francisca Gründobler. 
The J/70 class has become the world’s largest and most popular sportsboat class in recent years. These 7-meter-long boats impress with their speed, maneuverability, and the demanding teamwork that is required on board. With their easy gliding capabilities and high speeds, especially in good winds, they offer sailing at the highest level.
International participation creates excitement.In addition to the best German teams, participants from China, Denmark, and Switzerland have also arrived, which creates an international flair and additional excitement. Sailors from all corners of the world have recognized that the J/70 is in a class of its own- on and off the water.
Exciting races and strong competitionThe races promise to be nerve-wracking. With top-class crews and tactically demanding sailing, it is never certain in the J/70 who will come out on top at the end. Good starts, clever maneuvers, and the right timing at the buoy will be crucial. Wind shifts and gusts on Lake Starnberg could also demand a lot from the teams.
A well-rehearsed team on landRace director Wolfi Stückl and his experienced team are looking forward to the coming days and are well-prepared to ensure fair and smooth racing. All eyes are on Lake Starnberg, where exciting competitions will take place.
The importance of the J/70 classThe J/70 not only offers thrilling regatta sport but is also a class that requires team spirit and precision. With a crew of four, perfect coordination is essential. Every move has to be perfect, whether steering, trimming the sails, or in the breakneck maneuvers that can make the difference between victory and defeat. It’s no wonder this class is becoming increasingly popular around the world- it demands everything from the sailors and offers spectators pure excitement! For German J/70 Nationals sailing results  For more Germany J/70 Nationals sailing information

J/Soft Shell- October 20% Off Special
(Newport, RI)- The J/Soft Shell Vest introduces new performance features welcomed under diverse sailing conditions. The soft shell offers warmth from bonded layers of microfiber and spandex for ease of movement while protecting from windy, rainy, and chilly conditions.
Features:- 1000 mm waterproof rating- 96% polyester, 4% spandex bonded to 100% polyester micro-fleece- Wind and water-resistant – Interior storm flap with chin guard- Open hem with dropped back bottom.
The J/Class logo is embroidered and you may customize it for the whole crew. Customize with your yacht detail as an option.  Order your J/Soft Shell vest top here.

About J/Boats
The story of J/Boats is a classic entrepreneurial tale. With a $20,000 investment and a speedy 24-foot sailboat that Rod Johnstone built in his garage, Rod and his brother Bob Johnstone went into business in 1977. The boat they built, the J/24, has become the most popular recreational offshore keelboat in the world. The Johnstone family has made an undeniable mark on the sailing world. In addition to the 5,500 J/24s cruising the waves, there are over 9,500 more J/Boats, ranging from the International J/22 to the J/65, that sailing enthusiasts have bought at prices ranging from $10,000 to $2,000,000.  Read more

You can read Bob Johnstone’s 2023 memoir, “MAVERICK MARKETER”, which Gary Jobson described as “A compelling, page-turner, with uplifting, fascinating stories.” The memoir includes background on how J/Boats got started and how many of its designs were created. It is available in ebook, softcover, hardcover, and audiobook formats on Amazon.

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