J/Newsletter- November 29th, 2023
Sailing, a symphony of wind and waves, beckons adventurers and competitors to its ever-changing stage. Across the globe, regattas not only test skill and endurance but also celebrate the rich tradition and evolving innovation within the world of yachting.
From the sleek and appealing J/45, a marvel of modern design aimed at the cruising market, to the competitive fervor at the Dutch J/70 Championship in the picturesque waters of Muiden, Netherlands, each event unfolds its tale.
In Hamble, England, sailors brace against the chill of the Winter Series, embracing the true essence of a British winter at sea. Meanwhile, in the snowy embrace of Charlevoix, Michigan, the J/22 Cranberry Cup Regatta transforms the Round Lake Yacht Basin into a winter wonderland of competitive sailing.
And further south, the Wirth M. Munroe Miami to Palm Beach Yacht Race, a revered fixture in the North American sailing calendar, challenges sailors to navigate the capricious Gulf Stream and early winter fronts, culminating in a much-anticipated seafood feast.
These stories, from different corners of the world, share a common thread – a love for the thrill of sailing, the camaraderie among sailors, and the relentless pursuit of excellence on the water.
J/45 Yacht Test- Fast Cruiser With Plenty Of Appeal
Yachting Monthly’s Theo Stocker takes the latest yacht to be announced from J/Boats- the J/45- for an in-depth boat test. As Theo explained, “The J/45 is firmly aimed at the cruising market- though it should maintain the performance for which this marque is so highly regarded.” Watch this well-researched boat test video of the J/45 on a nice bright sunny day, sailing in a northeasterly 8 to 14 kts breeze.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6ah9vPl6uw
ALMERE CENTRAAL Crowned Dutch J/70 Champion
(Muiden, Netherlands)- Over the past weekend, the Netherlands J/70 fleet held their 2023 Dutch J/70 National Championship in Muiden, Netherlands. The seventeen-boat fleet saw spirited competition in the seven races run over the weekend of sailing.
In the end, it was John den Engelsman’s team on ALMERE CENTRALE (Willem Jan Van Dort, and Nik Smit) that started fast out of the blocks on the first day of competition with three straight bullets to ultimately win the championship. After posting a 1-1-1, they finished the regatta with a 5-2-2-DNF, not sailing the last race to win with 12 pts net. Read more
Hamble Winter Series Report- Week 7
(Hamble, England)- Hamble River Sailing Club PRO Peter Bateson described the conditions on week seven of the Hamble Winter Series as “cool but not cold.” He must have been hiding inside on Wetwheels Hamble, as Ian Handley on Banter was experiencing a Sunday that was “By far the coldest, a true Hamble Winter series experience.” One thing is for sure, it was a bit grey and miserable in the drizzle.
Race officers Rupert Wolloshin and the aforementioned Peter Bateson fretted over where to send the boats. No change there! They decided on starting the four classes off in the direction where the wind was coming from at the time; and then rotated the courses to the right with each new leg. They had to guess exactly when the veer(s) would happen the forecast may have said between 1100 and 1200 but could it be believed? Well, the wind stayed roughly where it was for much of the first beat but veered steadily, by about 70 degrees, during the latter part of the leg. This affected IRC 4 the most as they started 20 minutes after the first boats. Read more
J/22 Cranberry Cup a Snowy Affair!
(Charlevoix, MI)- The Charlevoix Yacht Club is hosting the 36th Anniversary of Arena Sailing and the Cranberry Cup Regatta on the Round Lake Yacht Basin in Charlevoix, Michigan. This past weekend marked the conclusion of the series for both events. And, it was also the first snow of the season, while racing! Read more
Wirth M. Munroe Miami to Palm Beach Yacht Race Preview
(Palm Beach, FL)- The annual Wirth M. Munroe Ocean Race is among the oldest regattas in North America and one of four events in the Islands in the Stream regatta series. First sailed in 1957 and named for the renowned Miami naval architect, the Wirth M. Munroe pits skippers and their crews against the vagaries of the Gulf Stream and the early winter frontal systems along Florida’s southeastern coast. The race, sailed the first Friday in December, is affectionately known by participants as the “Race to the Buffet,” a nod to the sponsoring Sailfish Club of Florida’s legendary seafood dinner, reception, and awards ceremony offered to all skippers and their crews. Read more
J/Gear Holiday 20% Off Specials
(Newport, RI)- From November to December 15th, the J/Gear Store is offering multiple 20% off specials on all kinds of J/Gear; ranging from bags to hat, jackets to sweaters, and shells to vests. Check there often for gift ideas.
Remember- you can customize ALL J/Gear with your model, name, so forth!
Click here to order your Holiday J/Gear now!