J/111 Speedster Update

HOT and Getting Hotter

(Bristol, RI)- The J/111 first hull is molding and the deck plug is complete.  The project is on track for sailing in June. Interest continues to grow, with two dozen orders from Europe, New Zealand, America and China.  Perhaps more importantly, some of the key specifications have been determined to provide state-of-the-art performance and affordable racing for a grand prix one-design class. The J/111 will sport a carbon pre-preg Hall Spar.  The spar design and tube section make use of ZyVex Corp’s Arovex carbon nano-tube technology– a first for the sailboat industry. The technology promises a rig that is both stronger and lighter than comparable carbon rigs.  For superior lift, low VCG and maximum righting moment, the J/111 has a vertical L-shaped bulb keel comprised of a 316L formed stainless steel fin and an antimony-reinforced bulb attached to the hull with a broad SS flange.  The deck plan is ultra-simplistic for maximum ease-of-use for a crew of just six people.  The large 60″ wheel affords superior visibility of wind, waves and the leading edge of the jib.  The interior for the American market has simple cruising accommodations, a functional galley and navigation station.  For more J/111 one-design sailboat information.

J/80 European Circuit Update

J/80 European Events ready to roll with strong competition.  Less than three months away are the J/80 Europeans on the famous Lago di Garda.  Leading up to the Europeans are national events that are not to be missed!  Starting with France’s SPI OUEST Regatta off La Trinite, you will be treated to excellent sailing and 100+ boat fleets.  Next up are the J/80 UK Nationals in Cardiff Bay where the hearty competition, 50+ boat fleets and “dogs blown off chains” wind conditions can test the heartiest of souls.  For some R&R, you can then relax after these two marquee events with a trip to the Costa del Sol in southern Spain for the Copa de Espana in Barcelona for some tapas, sangria and Latin-inspired flamenco/ salsa dancing to the wee hours of the morning. See below for appropriate links to each event.

J/80 Best Practices – Part II

Since publishing J/80 Best Practices Part I, many J/80s have undergone the seven-step inspection recommended annually for the keel/keel floor area.  If you have not conducted this inspection, we strongly urge you to do so before the coming season. Part II documents the damage found on a 1994 J/80 as a result of this inspection as well as the subsequent repair.  The subject boat is a 1994 J/80 that was purchased by its current owner in the fall of 2008 after 14 seasons of sailing with at least two previous owners.  The boat was run through the seven-step inspection process at International Marine, in Bristol, RI…. link to rest of article.

Regatta & Show Schedules:

Mar 19-21- San Diego NOOD- San Diego YC- San DIego, CA- http://www.sailingworld.com
Apr 1-5- SPI OUEST- La Trinite, France- http://www.spi-ouestfrance.com
Apr 8-11- Charleston Race Week- Charleston, SC- http://www.charlestonraceweek.com
Apr 9-11- J/Fest San Francisco- St. Francis YC- San Francisco, CA- http://www.stfyc.org
Apr 15-18- Strictly Sail Show- Alameda, CA- http://www.strictlysailpacific.com
May 5-8- J/80 UK Nationals- Cardiff Bay YC, England- http://www.j-80.co.uk
May 10-14- J/22 South African Nationals- False Bay YC, South Africa- http://www.j22.co.za/
May 14-16- Seattle NOOD- Seattle YC- Seattle, WA- http://www.sailingworld.com/nood_regatta.jsp
May 18-23- J/24 North Americans- Seattle YC- Seattle, WA- http://www.j24northamericans.com/
May 27-30- J/80 Copa Espana- Barcelona, Spain- http://www.rcnb.com/regata_copa_esp_j80-2010_eng.asp
Jun 5-6- Sprit Fest Regatta- Breakwater YC- Sag Harbor, NY- http://www.spritfest.org
Jun 10-13- J/80 Italian Championship- Lake Garda, Italy- http://www.j80euro2010.it/
Jun 21-26- J/80 European Championship- Lake Garda, Italy- http://www.j80euro2010.it/
Jun 20-26- Block Island Race Week- Block Is, RI- http://www.blockislandraceweek.org
Jun 25–27- Long Beach Race Week/ J/120 NAS- Long Beach YC- Long Beach, CA- http://www.lbrw.org
For additional J/Regatta and Event dates in your region, please refer to the on-line J/Sailing Calendar.

J/Regatta News

The Sun Never Sets on J’s Sailing Worldwide

The spring sailing continues at a breakneck pace in the Caribbean, Mexico, Australia, America and Europe.  The Mexican J/24 class is hosted a fabulous event, the Regata Copa Mexico in Puerto Vallarta.  The Australian J/24s sailed a fun regatta off Adelaide.  The British have dialed up their Warsash Spring Series on the Solent with J/80s, J/92s, J/105s, J/109s, J/122s and J/133s.  Their continental European counterparts have started J/80 racing in earnest with the J/80 Grevelingen Cup in Belgium and the spring series off Spain in Bilbao, Santander and Palma Mallorca.  Finally, the Americans battled at the J/22 Midwinters and J/24 Bacardi Cup in Florida and the Islands Race from Long Beach to San Diego.  The J/95 also had a successful race debut off Naples. Read on! More importantly, if you have more J/Regatta News, please email it or upload onto our J/Boats Facebook page!  Below are the summaries.

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.

J/22 Midwinters Won by Fisher

(New Orleans, LA- Mar 14)- Greg Fisher secured a victory at the J/22 Midwinter Championship, beating his closest competition by 10 points.  Sailing with wife Jo Ann, daughter Martha and Jeff Eiber, the team sealed the standings with a bullet in Sunday’s first race.  They finished with 29 points, followed by John Loe (39), Max/Jake Scott (64), Chris Doyle and Glenn Darden (tied with 67).  Conditions on Lake Pontchartrain were beautiful for the regatta’s conclusion, with winds about 7-8 knots, clear skies and warm temperatures.  After Fisher won the first race, Flip Wehrheim won the final race of the regatta.  
Greg Fisher moved to the front of the fleet on Day 2 of the J/22 Midwinter Championship at Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans, LA. With 25 points after seven races (one discard), Fisher leads second-place Jeff Todd (32 points), John Loe (33) and Max/JakeScott and Travis Odenbach (tied with 38). Sustained winds at 20 knots and large waves tested the 39 teams on Saturday. Multiple wipe-outs plagued the fleet on Lake Pontchartrain, including several equipment malfunctions and crew injuries. By the day’s third race, nearly half of the fleet had returned to the dock. Conditions calmed down for the regatta conclusion on Sunday. Saturday’s race winners were Max/Jake Scott who got two bullets and Jeff Todd who won the sixth race.  Full J/22 Midwinters results and sailing 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.

/80 Grevelingen Cup

(Oosterschelde, Belgium- Feb 7)- The J/80s started off their 2010 season in Belgium.  Here’s the regatta reports from Faber Münker on J/80 NED524:  “Sunday morning. The alarm rings at 5am. Three hours later, we’re onboard our J80, Faber Münker (NED524). On the way we see the wind turbines next to the Zeeland Bridge barely turning, the Oosterschelde has the appearance of a mirror, and the car thermometer marks 2.5°C. That does not promise well.
After we changed the halyard of the genoa, we chug from our home port Brouwershaven towards Port Zélande. A porpoise accompanies us from the exit of the port until we dock in the marina. A good omen? During the palaver we’re informed that we’ll be sailing three windward-leeward races, that we’ll share our race course with the First 31.7 fleet and that we’ll be starting at 11.40am us usual. So we have some time to reheat ourselves and share a cup of coffee with our fellow J80 sailors.
Prior to undocking, we tune the mast in light weather setting to generate enough power in these light conditions. A half hour before the warning signal, a 13 boat strong fleet is present. A new crew on board Jachtig is fully prepared to make things hot for the rest of us.
The wind is blowing steadily 6 knots (90-100°). After the more than 100 boats of the different tour and race classes have started and the 31.7s have shown us the way towards the windward mark, it’s our turn. A quick wind and start line check learns us that the pin end is slightly favored. We win the pin with speed and gain immediately several meters on our closest competitors. We round the windward mark in first place followed closely by Joie de Vivre, Jachtig, Jalapeño and Juul. We are able to establish a loose cover on our pursuers during the three windward-leeward loops and finish the race in first place.
The second race turns out to be identical to the first one. We get off to a good start. The unpredictable shifts seem to favour the middle of the race course. However, based on local knowledge, Jalapeño and Jachtig head for the left layline. Their gamble works out fine and they round the mark in front of us. Sailing downwind we try to sail as a team: we (try to) minimize the usage of the rudder by weight-steering the boat and everybody has his specific task to keep the concentration level high: the gennaker trimmer informs the helmsman on the pressure in the chute; the forward crew member looks back for puffs and keeps track off the closest competitors; the mainsheet trimmer looks forward and weighs the different tactical choices; and the helmsman steers the boat for optimal VMG based on all the information. During the final leg, we gain a few places and we obtain our second bullet. Jachtig ends in second place, followed by Jalapeño and Joie De Vivre. In the middle of the fleet, the fight is just as fierce. Yes, Juul and Jippie J all finish within 30 seconds difference.
For the final race, the committee decides to relocate the pin end and to restrict the number of legs to two due to the freezing conditions. An overeager start gets All Ears an individual recall. The rest of the fleet is clear to start. Jippie J together with Jachtig and Jalapeño lead the way toward the windward mark. A good mark rounding and quick hoist enable us to fight back to first place which we maintain until the finish line.  We close the day with several meat croquettes – a local delicacy- and beers in Le Bateau together with the rest of the J80 fleet. The highs and lows of the day are discussed and tips and tricks are shared.  Results of this race, which is part of an unofficial J80 Benelux winter championship can be found here.

J/80 AVEGA TROPHY

(Santander, Spain- Mar 14)- With a spectacular sunny day and a strong east wind around 25 knots average, the twenty four J/80s simply flew around the course.  Continuing their leadership in the J/80 Santander fleet, ECC VIVIENDAS raced by Pichu Torcida and YATES&COSAS sailed by Tono Piris lead the overall standings tied at three points each. Tied for third overall with nine points are Ignacio Camino sailing NEXTEL ENGINEERING and Javier Lopez-Vazquez skippering BANCAJA.  Fifth lies Alberto Padron aboard MABLE V with thirteen points.  For more Spanish sailing information.  Photo credits- ChapiFoto

Australian J/24s Race SA States

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.

SCOUT’S PRIDE Wins Bacardi Cup

(Miami, FL- Mar 14)- For the first time ever, the fabled Star class was joined by several one-design fleets for the expanded Bacardi Miami Sailing Week.  The J/24 Class had a small, but very competitive fleet.  The conditions were good considering the passage of some fronts, making it challenging to sail consistently over the six race series.  At the end, Patricia Walker sailed SCOUT’S PRIDE to four first to win by three points over Enrique Quintero, sailing SCOUT’S HONOR.  Six points further back was Gerd Pedersen sailing SUMMERTIME.   For more Bacardi Cup/ Miami Sailing Week information.

J/Community

What friends, alumni and crew of J/Boats are doing worldwide

* Become Better J/80 Sailors? If so, suggests Peter Sundelin, former Olympic medalist and experienced J/80-sailor, you sail Lasers four days at Svartlöga! He says that sailing and boat-handling dinghies like Lasers are the foundation to be able to sail all types of boats. In a dinghy, you get immediate response when you are doing right and wrong. Training is intensive and provides quick results.  Says Peter, “On Svartlöga we have 10 top well-equipped Lasers. We lend any personal equipment you need, wet suit, hanging trousers, shoes, etc. Several J/80-sailors have also been with us at Svartlöga. Happy to hear from them, you’ll hear what they thought about the workout!  On 17-20 June, we have a course that focuses on racing. You who want to participate on the course, must be comfortable with the laser. The situations we are experiencing on the track in a J/80 in a day, you will meet in half an hour in a Laser.”  You can read more on Peter Sundelin’s website – http://www.sundelin.org.  Or, for more J/80 Sweden sailing info.
* Seth Hall, racing his J/124 MARISOL from Newport Beach, CA provided this report on the inaugural “Islands Race” from Long Beach to San Diego this past weekend.  “The Islands Race goes from LB to SD, leaving Catalina and San Clemente Islands to port, about 120 miles.  Lots of J’s participating.  J/160, J/44, J/124 J/35 and J/92S.  Great race with several J’s placing.  The J/44 was first in their division and won 3rd place overall.  Our J/124, MARISOL, took 3rd in our division and 12th overall. This was a great race and bet there will be an even bigger turn out for next year.  
Current List of Boats For Sale – Go to our Blog – Go to our Facebook Page – www.MurrayYachtSales.com – Go to Our J/Boats Page – Go to Our Beneteau Page – Go to Our Beneteau Power Page