Year: 2023

NO SURPRISE Wins J/111 Great Lakes Championship
(Harbor Springs, MI)- Hosted by Little Traverse YC in Harbor Springs, MI, the 61st annual Ugotta Regatta was blessed with simply spectacular sailing conditions for all three days of the regatta. No matter what the weather prognosticators foreordain for the day, the fabled “sea breeze” almost always develops just after noon time and builds into the 10 to 15 kts range IF there is any semblance of sun. Well, there was plenty of sun all three days. And, each day the fabled sea breeze “engine” kicked into high gear and drew whatever gradient breeze from the southwest or northwest into the bay into the 265 to 300-degree range. The sailors weren’t complaining, that’s for sure!
The regatta is popular for J/sailors since it included the J/70, J/120, and J/111 one-design classes (celebrating their  Great Lakes Championship). In addition, strong participation of J/Teams in ORC & PHRF handicap racing. 

The fourteen-boat J/70 class was a fight to the very end by the two Lake Minnetonka teams from Wayzata, MN. In the end, it was Dick Kalow’s SUPERIOR 1 team over Bryce Kalow’s SUPERIOR 2 for the top of the podium. Taking third was Chicagoan John Heaton’s EMPEIRIA, followed by Texan Bruno Pasquinelli’s STAMPEDE in 4th and Laura Sigmond’s Chicago crew on NORBOY in  5th place. 
With seven boats, the J/120s had very close one-design racing. The winner was determined by a tie-breaker with both teams posting 1-2 finishes. By winning the Sunday finale, Ken Brown’s J-HAWKER won the class over Mike & Bob Kirkman’s HOT TICKET. Third went to John Harvey’s SLEEPING TIGER with two 3rds. 

The huge turnout of J/111s for their Great Lakes Championship of a dozen boats produced very tight competition. It all came down to the final race. Winning was Scott Sellers’s NO SURPRISE, with Blane Shea’s STRIKING BACK taking the silver medal. Third place was determined by a tie-breaker between Ed Kriese’s WILDCAT and George Golder’s TERRIER. Winning that countback to take the bronze medal was Kriese’s WILDCAT. 
In the ORC C Division of eight boats, Matt Schaedler’s J/122 BLITZKRIEG took the bronze medal, while Matt Songer’s J/122 EVVAI ended up in 5th place. 
The eleven-boat PHRF C Division saw the J/88s dominate the top five. Second was Andy Graff’s EXILE, followed by Lindsey Duda’s SIN DUDA in 3rd, Dan Floberg’s MISTY in 4th, and Justin Acker’s McQUEEN in 5th place. SAILING PHOTO CREDITS- Gretchen Dorian. For more Little Traverse YC Ugotta Regatta sailing information 

Long-time J/Boats Fan & Leader of a Top J/Boats Dealer
(Harbor Springs, MI)- Irish Boat Shop announced this week that company President Michael Esposito will be retiring at the end of 2023. Esposito joined the staff of Irish Boat Shop in 1994 and has served as President since 2007. Esposito has sailing in his blood. According to a news release issued by Irish Boat Shop (see full release below), he was born in Westerly, Rhode Island. His early sailing experiences, such as serving as a Sailing Instructor at the University of Rhode Island, quickly grew into major involvements in competitive sailing.  
These sailing experiences included being part of the team of AMERICA II with John Kolius, the New York Yacht Club’s entry in the 1986 America’s Cup competition. His early years in Rhode Island included prominent events such as the Midget Ocean Racing Conference (MORC) Nationals, Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC), Block Island Race Week, the Newport-Bermuda Race, and the Onion Patch series. 
Given that sailing experience and the fact that he has been a part of nearly 30 Ugotta Regattas in Harbor Springs, this newspaper asked Esposito to reflect on the big sailing weekend here in Harbor Springs. 
HARBOR: You will have been at Irish Boat Shop for almost 30 Regattas. What, if anything, has changed over those years? What has stayed the same? 
ESPO: The level of competition has increased, not so much that today’s sailors are better, but the introduction of One-Design classes into the event has naturally raised the bar and brought top-level competition from literally around the world. The Little Traverse Yacht Club, the City Marina, and Irish have worked hard to streamline the running of this event; LTYC on the water, and IBS and the City Marina with land-side support. The same, it’s still a bunch of people going out to race sailboats and coming back to celebrate and tell stories together. 
HARBOR: You came to Irish Boat Shop, and Dave Irish, with your strong sailing background. How important was that background to the career you made at Irish Boat Shop? 
ESPO: It was important to Dave Irish, and really what else mattered? Irish Boat Shop was for many years a sailboat yard, which has changed over the years as people and boats have changed. But, being the sailboat experts in Northern Michigan is still something that makes us special. Nothing highlights this fact better than our team’s ability to keep 80-year-old wooden NMs sailing and actively racing on Little Traverse Bay year after year. 
HARBOR: Reflecting on the late Dave Irish, what do you recall about the man, the sailor, the citizen that he was, and how did he influence the way you moved forward in your turn at the helm of IBS? 
ESPO: Big question. I had the pleasure of working almost every day with Dave for about 27 years before he “gybed away”; and I learned a lot. Dave wasn’t perfect, but he was honest, trustworthy, worked on a handshake, was direct, he was a teacher and Mentor. Dave truly cared about the people that work at The Boat Shop. I don’t know how many times we would talk through some situation, with me hoping he would tell me what to do, or tell me the right decision. But, that’s not how it worked. I would leave knowing that if I did my homework, my decision would be the best possible. Mostly, he was an accomplished and passionate sailboat racer that gave back to the sport and the community 10 times over. 
HARBOR: Irish Boat Shop, along with the Little Traverse Yacht Club, has always been kind of the center of the Regatta – the Friday night welcoming party and custom regatta t-shirts are part of the long tradition. Was that a legacy of Dave’s? He was a sailor at heart and obviously raced in many regattas and Mac races. How important is it to continue that tradition? How have you embraced the Regatta on the part of Irish Boat Shop over the years as President? 
ESPO: Dave’s legacy includes many things, but I think the Friday night party and custom regatta t-shirts are just something we do because people seem to enjoy them. Although both predate me, I do believe they are an important part of the Irish identity and hope they will continue in future years. I have embraced the regattas, as it’s something we do very well. I’ve done my best to make them safe, fun, and memorable for those sailing as well as the community. Over the years we have fine-tuned the “dance” that is regatta, there are a lot of moving parts that week and my goal was for the event to go off seamlessly for the participants while having a positive impact on the community. 
HARBOR: What is it about sailing, about seeing those spinnakers and full sails on the Bay, that makes it special to you? 
ESPO: What LTYC does each year is impressive. Our job at Irish is to provide any support they might need to make it all work. Of course, it’s a beautiful sight and sometimes I wish I was out there sailing (do you know I have never sailed in the regatta?). But, at least while working at Irish Boat Shop, my responsibilities were on land. You know, Dave hired me so he could go sailing; that was pretty much my job description: “Run the place, so I can go sailing”! 
Irish Boat Shop release:Mike Esposito is set to retire as President of Irish Boat Shop at the end of 2023. Esposito joined the staff of Irish Boat Shop in 1994 and has served as President since 2007. 
“It was a privilege to have worked with Dave Irish daily and then be given the opportunity to serve and lead Irish Boat Shop for these many years,” said Esposito. “It’s also been an absolute blast. I believe Irish Boat Shop has made a difference in the lives of its employees, and the communities we work in, and in protecting the waters of Lake Michigan and the Great Lakes basin. There is no better place to work, play and raise a family,” said Esposito. “I’ll miss coming to the Boat Shop every day to engage with our team and customers after almost 30 years, and I’m proud that Irish Boat Shop is prepared for another 60+ years of helping people have fun with their boats.” 
Esposito’s leadership of Irish Boat Shop was a key element of growth for the company. During his time as President, marina facilities in both Harbor Springs and Charlevoix were modernized and improved for customers, employees, and the communities in which the company operates. 
Under Esposito’s leadership, a new Irish Boat Shop sales and service facility was started in Traverse City, Michigan. Esposito was hired by the late Dave Irish, who started Irish Boat Shop in 1961. 
After serving as Vice President & General Manager, Esposito was chosen by Irish and the Irish Boat Shop Board of Directors to become President and succeed Irish in the role. 
“Michael has done a wonderful job of carrying on with the goals and values of my father, Dave Irish,” said Irish Boat Shop Board Chair Susan Irish Stewart. “My dad wanted the Boat Shop to care for boats so people can have fun boating. Michael has made this his principal focus in leading the company so the Boat Shop can continue this mission into the future.”
Esposito was born in Westerly, Rhode Island. His early sailing experiences, such as serving as a Sailing Instructor at the University of Rhode Island, quickly grew into major involvements in competitive sailing. These sailing experiences included being part of the team of ‘America II,” the New York Yacht Club’s entry in the 1986 America’s Cup competition. 
His early years in Rhode Island included prominent events such as the Midget Ocean Racing Conference (MORC) Nationals, Southern Ocean Racing Conference (SORC), Block Island Race Week, the Newport-Bermuda Race, and the Onion Patch series. 
After earning a BA degree in Economics from the University of Rhode Island, Esposito was hired by J/World  in Newport, RI as a sailing instructor and taught racing in J/24 sailboats, a popular sailboat produced by worldwide sailboat producer J/Boats. Irish Boat Shop is a J/Boat dealer to this day. 
During his time with J/World, Esposito qualified for racing in the Mallory Cup, J/24 North American Championships, and J/24 World Championships. In fact, “Espo” sailed US Sailing’s Mallory Cup with brothers Stu and Drake Johnstone, sailing J/24s at Chicago Yacht Club on Lake Michigan. It was a great regatta for them, taking second place in the men’s national offshore championship- the Mallory Cup- was a memorable adventure for Mike. 
After some deferred travel, Esposito and his wife, Deborah Esposito plan to keep Harbor Springs their home. 
“It’s great to be a part of a long line of distinguished retirees from Irish Boat Shop,” said Esposito. “It is something we take pride in, caring for our employees while they work here, and helping to set them up for success in a well-deserved retirement. I’m happy to have spent my career in the marine industry and, specifically, with Irish Boat Shop.” 
Irish Boat Shop operates full-service marinas with service, repair, restoration, dockage, and storage in Harbor Springs and Charlevoix, Michigan. The company operates a sales, service, and storage facility in Traverse City, Michigan. The company is a dealer of premium brand boats including Boston Whaler, Nautique, Chaparral, Premium Pontoons, J/Boats, RS Sailing, and Zodiac. The company is a major broker of previously owned boats on the Great Lakes. Irish Boat Shop is a Great Lakes Service Center for Hinckley Yachts. Irish Boat Shop is an American Marine Industry Certified “Clean Marina.” 

(Santa Barbara,    CA)- The end of July in Southern California offshore circles marks the traditional start for the 90.0nm sprint down the SoCal coastline from Santa Barbara to King’s Harbor on Point Vicente/ Palos Verdes off Los Angeles. The race is hosted by Santa Barbara Yacht Club and Kings Harbor Yacht Club. This particular year was yet another astonishing example of how climate change is affecting our environment. While wildfires are burning all over Canada and California, the hot dry air sweeping inland is also affecting offshore winds. 
As a result, winds died overnight and longer into the morning than anticipated. So, boats that projected 10-12 hours actually took 18-20 hours! Over 30 of the 85 entered boats retired due to the lack of wind. Here is how it all went down in the various divisions. 
ULDB B DivisionThe J/125 JAVELIN sailed by Dan Murphy beat the J/125 ARGO 4, sailed by the duo of Kenny Kieding & John Vincent, by 2 minutes to win the class. JAVELIN also placed 5th in ORR and Overall.
ULDB C DivisionThis fleet was the domain of the J/111s. Second was Doug & Jack Jorgensen’s PICOSA, followed by John Staff’s black OBSIDIAN in 3rd, Brian Ganz’s ZOOM in 4th, and Derek Heeb’s GURLI in 6th place. So, the simple math follows- 90.0nm and 23.9 hours of sailing = 3.77 kts average! Just rippin’ up that race track, hahaha. The J/125s were only 2 hours faster on elapsed time, just say’in.  
PHRF A DivisionIn the eight-boat fleet, it was Mark Stratton’s J/122 CHEEKY that took the bronze medal. 
PHRF B DivisionIn the nine-boat fleet, it was David Gorney’s J/105 NO COMPROMISE that took home the silver medal, while Jack Mayer’s J/109 ZEPHYR missed “the chocolates” by a mere 3 minutes corrected time to settle for 4th place!
PHRF C DivisionThe nine-boat group saw Tom Bollay’s J/105 ARMIDA take the silver, while David Bew’s J/100 KANANI took 4th and Robert Kraak’s J/105 SOPHIA finished 5th. j
PHRF D DivisionThe ten-boat class saw Dave Newland’s J/92 DREAMLINE take 2nd and their sistership DOUBLE DOWN sailed by Brian Kerr took 5th place. 
ORC DivisionSeveral boats that had ORC certificates were scored as a fleet overall. J/Teams faired quite well under the ORC handicap calculations, perhaps a bit more fair than the SoCal PHRF numbers!  
Five J/crews finished in the top 10 in ORC Overall. Seconds went to the J/92 DREAMLINE, third to J/92 DOUBLE DOWN, fifth to J/125 JAVELIN, eighth to J/111 OBSIDIAN, and tenth to the J/122 CHEEKY. That is truly an interesting distribution of a variety of designs!  Sailing photo credits- Lisa Bronitt Photography   For more Santa Barbara to Kings Harbor Race sailing information

For the second year in a row, Spyros Papantoniou sailed his J/11S AIOLIA in the 605.0nm Aegean 600. They were also joined again by the J/109 CHESTRESS sailed by Leonardo Petti & Giorgio Anserini. Here is what Spyros had to say about their experience:
“We had a lot of good sailing in the Aegean 600, no damages! We had up to 19.0kts boat speed in Beaufort Force 7! We did very well until the last day when we run out of wind and parked. At that time we felt we were easily winning our IRC/ORC 3 Divisions. However, everybody from back in the pack caught up to us… oh well, this is how it goes in sailing … right? Here are some fun photos from the race…” 
We’re zooming along inside the Santorini Caldera doing 15 kts boatspeed with a spinnaker.
Us at the start and the first buoy.
Here’s another nice moment, when we crossed some 300 miles after the start with the Italian J/109 CHESTRESS… just in front of the Colossus of Rhodes! 

  
(Palma Mallorca, Spain)- The 2023 edition of the Copay del Rey MAPFRE Regatta will again be hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP). The event will again feature the J/70 class and the J/80s for the Women’s Cup Trophy! The event is taking place from July 31st to August 2nd, 2023 on the gorgeous azure-blue waters of the Bay of Palma.     

HERBALIFE J/70 DivisionThe J/70 class will once again be sponsored by Herbalife, which will give the category its name. The J/70 is probably the most numerous modern one-design keelboat in the world and has not stopped gaining followers since it arrived in Spain in 2015 due to its speed, agility, and stability. Among the nine teams registered this year, there will be the current Spanish champion, Mon Cañellas’ HANG TEN, and Luis Albert’s PATAKIN- 4th in the 2022 J/70 Worlds in Monaco.
Manu Fraga, RCNP manager, explains the importance of the Herbalife J/70 class in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE. “Summoning the J/70 is betting on a class that we think is one of the best in level and several teams both in Europe and in the world. In Spain, the number of teams and owners continues to grow, at a very high level. I think it is a good complement to the J/80, which we have dedicated to the Women’s Cup Trophy. Having them in the Copa del Rey is a bet for the future.”   
From the Spanish J/70 class, Ricardo Terrades appreciates the efforts of the Mallorcan club. “It’s great news that the RCNP once again invites the J/70 class, the world’s most fashionable one-design class. In Spain, we have two solid fleets, one in Barcelona and the other in Vigo, which was the pioneer in Spain. In Majorca, a small fleet is being created, motivated by the fact that Palma will host the 2024 J/70 World Championship next year!”
2024 J/70 World Cup updateThe RCNP will host the J/70 World Championship from September 14 to 21, 2024. In Fraga’s opinion, “including them in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE is a way of learning about the idiosyncrasies of the class to ensure that we are prepared to host the international fleet.” The 2022 edition of the J/70 World Championship, held in Monaco, brought together 90 teams of 23 nationalities. The 2023 World Cup, which will be held from October 30 to November 5 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida, United States, has 95 pre-registered teams.
“Everyone wants to sail in the Bay of Palma, and the fact that the World Cup is being held in this water is excellent news”, points out Terrades. “Everything that is sailed in Palma is positive for the teams ahead of the World Cup, so being in this Copa del Rey is an excellent opportunity to continue adding hours of sailing on this magnificent race course.”
The HERBALIFE J/70 class program in the 41 Copa del Rey MAPFRE will consist of a maximum of six races in the Preliminary Series (from August 1-2) and eight races in the Final Series (from August 3-5).
The 41st Copa del Rey MAPFRE is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, with the sponsorship of MAPFRE and the institutional collaboration of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Palma City Council, the Balearic Islands Port Authority and the Balearic Sailing Federation. 

J/80 SOTHEBYS Women’s CupSince the Real Club Náutico de Palma included the women’s class in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE in 2019, three teams have shared the three titles to date: Helena Alegre’s FEDRACION BELEAR in 2019, Nuria Sánchez’s DORSIA COVIRAN in 2021 and María Bover’s TEAM BALEARIA in the latest edition. 
For the 2023 edition, the regatta adds new crews to the Mallorca SOTHEBYS Women’s Cup who all hope to inscribe their names on the list of winners of this great event in the Mediterranean.
Among the eleven registered crews, there will be no shortage of defending champions. Under the baton of the Balearic sailor María Bover, the TEAM BALEARIA managed to win in 2022 accumulating a total of four victories and another four podium finishes. They were closely followed by the DORSIA COVIRAN team, which had Natalia Vía-Dufresne at the helm. Both will be on the starting line again this year and are, without a doubt, two clear contenders to battle for the title again.
“We really can’t wait to start the regatta and we are very motivated,” explained Bover. “This year we have been able to do a few regattas on the Mediterranean circuit, so we have been able to get to know each other a bit more as a crew and that has been very good for us.”.
Nine other teams representing the regions of Cantabria, the Balearic Islands, Galicia, Catalonia, and Valencia, will be participating this year. Those teams include Helena Alegre’s SAL, Eva González’s ZONA NORTE from Santander, María Perelló’s HERBALIFE NUTRITION-FBV, Patricia Suárez’s CITANIAS, Inés Ferrer’s CN ARENAL, Elena Raga’s BANDIDO, Laura Tamani’s REPSOL FM GRUPO TECNOLOGICO and two crews from the Monte Real Club de Yates de Baiona and the Club Náutico Cambrils.
“There is a high level like every year and in the end, when there is such a competitive fleet, the team that is most inspired and makes the fewest mistakes is the one with the best chance of winning”, affirms the owner of TEAM BALEARIA.
The competition program of the Mallorca Sotheby’s Women’s Cup, which will be held aboard the J/80 one-designs, includes a maximum of 14 races spread over five days of the regatta, starting on Tuesday, August 1st.
Everything indicates that the victory of the women’s class will once again be very tight in this 41st edition of the most anticipated event of the Mediterranean regatta season.
The 41st Copa del Rey MAPFRE is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, with the sponsorship of MAPFRE and the institutional collaboration of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Palma City Council, the Balearic Islands Port Authority and the Balearic Sailing Federation.  For more Regatta Copa del Rey sailing information

  
(Palma Mallorca, Spain)- The 2023 edition of the Copay del Rey MAPFRE Regatta will again be hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Palma (RCNP). The event will again feature the J/70 class and the J/80s for the Women’s Cup Trophy! The event is taking place from July 31st to August 2nd, 2023 on the gorgeous azure-blue waters of the Bay of Palma.     

HERBALIFE J/70 DivisionThe J/70 class will once again be sponsored by Herbalife, which will give the category its name. The J/70 is probably the most numerous modern one-design keelboat in the world and has not stopped gaining followers since it arrived in Spain in 2015 due to its speed, agility, and stability. Among the nine teams registered this year, there will be the current Spanish champion, Mon Cañellas’ HANG TEN, and Luis Albert’s PATAKIN- 4th in the 2022 J/70 Worlds in Monaco.
Manu Fraga, RCNP manager, explains the importance of the Herbalife J/70 class in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE. “Summoning the J/70 is betting on a class that we think is one of the best in level and several teams both in Europe and in the world. In Spain, the number of teams and owners continues to grow, at a very high level. I think it is a good complement to the J/80, which we have dedicated to the Women’s Cup Trophy. Having them in the Copa del Rey is a bet for the future.”   
From the Spanish J/70 class, Ricardo Terrades appreciates the efforts of the Mallorcan club. “It’s great news that the RCNP once again invites the J/70 class, the world’s most fashionable one-design class. In Spain, we have two solid fleets, one in Barcelona and the other in Vigo, which was the pioneer in Spain. In Majorca, a small fleet is being created, motivated by the fact that Palma will host the 2024 J/70 World Championship next year!”
2024 J/70 World Cup updateThe RCNP will host the J/70 World Championship from September 14 to 21, 2024. In Fraga’s opinion, “including them in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE is a way of learning about the idiosyncrasies of the class to ensure that we are prepared to host the international fleet.” The 2022 edition of the J/70 World Championship, held in Monaco, brought together 90 teams of 23 nationalities. The 2023 World Cup, which will be held from October 30 to November 5 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida, United States, has 95 pre-registered teams.
“Everyone wants to sail in the Bay of Palma, and the fact that the World Cup is being held in this water is excellent news”, points out Terrades. “Everything that is sailed in Palma is positive for the teams ahead of the World Cup, so being in this Copa del Rey is an excellent opportunity to continue adding hours of sailing on this magnificent race course.”
The HERBALIFE J/70 class program in the 41 Copa del Rey MAPFRE will consist of a maximum of six races in the Preliminary Series (from August 1-2) and eight races in the Final Series (from August 3-5).
The 41st Copa del Rey MAPFRE is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, with the sponsorship of MAPFRE and the institutional collaboration of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Palma City Council, the Balearic Islands Port Authority and the Balearic Sailing Federation. 

J/80 SOTHEBYS Women’s CupSince the Real Club Náutico de Palma included the women’s class in the Copa del Rey MAPFRE in 2019, three teams have shared the three titles to date: Helena Alegre’s FEDRACION BELEAR in 2019, Nuria Sánchez’s DORSIA COVIRAN in 2021 and María Bover’s TEAM BALEARIA in the latest edition. 
For the 2023 edition, the regatta adds new crews to the Mallorca SOTHEBYS Women’s Cup who all hope to inscribe their names on the list of winners of this great event in the Mediterranean.
Among the eleven registered crews, there will be no shortage of defending champions. Under the baton of the Balearic sailor María Bover, the TEAM BALEARIA managed to win in 2022 accumulating a total of four victories and another four podium finishes. They were closely followed by the DORSIA COVIRAN team, which had Natalia Vía-Dufresne at the helm. Both will be on the starting line again this year and are, without a doubt, two clear contenders to battle for the title again.
“We really can’t wait to start the regatta and we are very motivated,” explained Bover. “This year we have been able to do a few regattas on the Mediterranean circuit, so we have been able to get to know each other a bit more as a crew and that has been very good for us.”.
Nine other teams representing the regions of Cantabria, the Balearic Islands, Galicia, Catalonia, and Valencia, will be participating this year. Those teams include Helena Alegre’s SAL, Eva González’s ZONA NORTE from Santander, María Perelló’s HERBALIFE NUTRITION-FBV, Patricia Suárez’s CITANIAS, Inés Ferrer’s CN ARENAL, Elena Raga’s BANDIDO, Laura Tamani’s REPSOL FM GRUPO TECNOLOGICO and two crews from the Monte Real Club de Yates de Baiona and the Club Náutico Cambrils.
“There is a high level like every year and in the end, when there is such a competitive fleet, the team that is most inspired and makes the fewest mistakes is the one with the best chance of winning”, affirms the owner of TEAM BALEARIA.
The competition program of the Mallorca Sotheby’s Women’s Cup, which will be held aboard the J/80 one-designs, includes a maximum of 14 races spread over five days of the regatta, starting on Tuesday, August 1st.
Everything indicates that the victory of the women’s class will once again be very tight in this 41st edition of the most anticipated event of the Mediterranean regatta season.
The 41st Copa del Rey MAPFRE is organized by the Real Club Náutico de Palma and the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, with the sponsorship of MAPFRE and the institutional collaboration of the Government of the Balearic Islands, Palma City Council, the Balearic Islands Port Authority and the Balearic Sailing Federation.  For more Regatta Copa del Rey sailing information

(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- Nearly half of the impressive fleet of nearly 90 boats in IRC Three come from the drawing board of three tried and tested designs: Sun Fast 3200, JPK 1010, and J/109. Also in the mix are some of the latest production yachts such as the J/99, as well as historic boats and sailors from years gone by. While the majority of the boats in IRC Three are about 10 meters in length, the sheer size of the armada means that the total waterline length is greater than the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa!!
The J/99’s IRC Rating is generally a few points higher than both the Sun Fast 3200 and the JPK 1010, but the more modern hull shape, longer bowsprit, and minimalistic deck layout make the J/99 a real downwind flyer. The J/99 DISKO TROOPER CONTENDER SAILCLOTH (AUS) is definitely on a mission, raced by Jules Hall & Jan Scholten, a pair of Laser sailors from Sydney, Australia. DISKO TROOPER will be racing with over 100 double-handed teams throughout the IRC classes. Note, the pair did not ship their boat from Australia, the duo will be racing Wayne Palmer’s Hamble-based J/99 JAM. This will be DISKO TROOPER’s first big race since winning the inaugural IRC Double-Handed class in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the boat now has a symmetric option for the first time. DISKO TROOPER is one of four J/99s in action, including Emigdio Bedia GORILON (ESP), Phillipe Guennal’s JIN MOTION (FRA), and Mark Kendall & Tom Holloway’s JIRO (GBR).
J/109 Class (within the IRC 3 Division)The J/109 Class has its prize for the Rolex Fastnet Race and twelve of the 35ft (10.67m) bowsprit design are eligible for the J/109 RORC Trophy, as well as class and overall honors under IRC.
Mike & Susie Yates’ JAGO (GBR) competes both fully-crewed inshore and doublehanded offshore. For the Rolex Fastnet Race, Mike Yates will be double-handed with Will Holland, a rigger for Pip Hare’s IMOCA team. For Mike Yates, the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race is to resolve some unfinished business from 2021 when his doublehanded entry had to retire. “We retired for many reasons,” he recalls. “Not least by putting my knee through the oven door which meant no food – kind of important for a doublehanded crew!”
Mike Yates will compete Two-Handed on JAGO with Will Holland © Rick Tomlinson
Wim van Slooten & Jochem Nonhebel will be racing J/109 FIRESTORM (NED). They are a highly experienced double-handed team from Jachtclub Scheveningen. Wim has been competing Two-Handed and this is the fifth Rolex Fastnet Race for Firestorm. Rob Cotterill’s J/109 MOJO RISIN’ (GBR), fully crewed by family and friends, is having a superb season with RORC. MOJO RISIN’ is in third place for the RORC Season’s Points Championship.
The Royal Engineer Yacht Club raced in the first edition in 1925 and the long association continues with J/109 TROJAN (GBR), crewed by servicemen and women from the Royal Engineers YC. The Royal Armoured Corps YC, formed in 1949, will also be racing a J/109 WHITE KNIGHT 7 (GBR). The RACYC has a long history in the Rolex Fastnet Race including the team lying a hull 50 yards from the Fastnet Rock on the tragic 1979 race. They were swept many miles away from the Rock, and then they sailed home unscathed. 
The Royal Engineer Yacht Club’s J/109 TROJAN (GBR) © ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi
Experts may agree that the winner of IRC Three may well be the best IRC corrected time, such as a J/109, and only that class victory can secure a chance of winning overall. For the previous five editions of the Rolex Fastnet Race, the elation of overall victory has been enjoyed by a team racing a yacht of less than 40ft, so the dream of lifting the Fastnet Challenge Cup is more than a possibility for the winner of IRC Three.  The 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race starts from Cowes, Isle of Wight on Saturday 22nd July.   For more Rolex Fastnet Race sailing information.

(Cowes, Isle of Wight, England)- Nearly half of the impressive fleet of nearly 90 boats in IRC Three come from the drawing board of three tried and tested designs: Sun Fast 3200, JPK 1010, and J/109. Also in the mix are some of the latest production yachts such as the J/99, as well as historic boats and sailors from years gone by. While the majority of the boats in IRC Three are about 10 meters in length, the sheer size of the armada means that the total waterline length is greater than the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa!!
The J/99’s IRC Rating is generally a few points higher than both the Sun Fast 3200 and the JPK 1010, but the more modern hull shape, longer bowsprit, and minimalistic deck layout make the J/99 a real downwind flyer. The J/99 DISKO TROOPER CONTENDER SAILCLOTH (AUS) is definitely on a mission, raced by Jules Hall & Jan Scholten, a pair of Laser sailors from Sydney, Australia. DISKO TROOPER will be racing with over 100 double-handed teams throughout the IRC classes. Note, the pair did not ship their boat from Australia, the duo will be racing Wayne Palmer’s Hamble-based J/99 JAM. This will be DISKO TROOPER’s first big race since winning the inaugural IRC Double-Handed class in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race and the boat now has a symmetric option for the first time. DISKO TROOPER is one of four J/99s in action, including Emigdio Bedia GORILON (ESP), Phillipe Guennal’s JIN MOTION (FRA), and Mark Kendall & Tom Holloway’s JIRO (GBR).
J/109 Class (within the IRC 3 Division)The J/109 Class has its prize for the Rolex Fastnet Race and twelve of the 35ft (10.67m) bowsprit design are eligible for the J/109 RORC Trophy, as well as class and overall honors under IRC.
Mike & Susie Yates’ JAGO (GBR) competes both fully-crewed inshore and doublehanded offshore. For the Rolex Fastnet Race, Mike Yates will be double-handed with Will Holland, a rigger for Pip Hare’s IMOCA team. For Mike Yates, the 2023 Rolex Fastnet Race is to resolve some unfinished business from 2021 when his doublehanded entry had to retire. “We retired for many reasons,” he recalls. “Not least by putting my knee through the oven door which meant no food – kind of important for a doublehanded crew!”
Mike Yates will compete Two-Handed on JAGO with Will Holland © Rick Tomlinson
Wim van Slooten & Jochem Nonhebel will be racing J/109 FIRESTORM (NED). They are a highly experienced double-handed team from Jachtclub Scheveningen. Wim has been competing Two-Handed and this is the fifth Rolex Fastnet Race for Firestorm. Rob Cotterill’s J/109 MOJO RISIN’ (GBR), fully crewed by family and friends, is having a superb season with RORC. MOJO RISIN’ is in third place for the RORC Season’s Points Championship.
The Royal Engineer Yacht Club raced in the first edition in 1925 and the long association continues with J/109 TROJAN (GBR), crewed by servicemen and women from the Royal Engineers YC. The Royal Armoured Corps YC, formed in 1949, will also be racing a J/109 WHITE KNIGHT 7 (GBR). The RACYC has a long history in the Rolex Fastnet Race including the team lying a hull 50 yards from the Fastnet Rock on the tragic 1979 race. They were swept many miles away from the Rock, and then they sailed home unscathed. 
The Royal Engineer Yacht Club’s J/109 TROJAN (GBR) © ROLEX/Carlo Borlenghi
Experts may agree that the winner of IRC Three may well be the best IRC corrected time, such as a J/109, and only that class victory can secure a chance of winning overall. For the previous five editions of the Rolex Fastnet Race, the elation of overall victory has been enjoyed by a team racing a yacht of less than 40ft, so the dream of lifting the Fastnet Challenge Cup is more than a possibility for the winner of IRC Three.  The 50th edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race starts from Cowes, Isle of Wight on Saturday 22nd July.   For more Rolex Fastnet Race sailing information.

  
(Valencia, Spain)- The 2023 edition of the J/80 Copa de Espana was organized by the Real Club Marítimo del Abra- Real Sporting Club, with the sponsorship of BMW LURAUTO and the collaboration of El Correo, Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, Basque and Biscay Federation of Vela, and the Spanish J/80 Association.

On the final day of the competition, organized by the RCMA-RSC during its 125th anniversary year, the twenty-seven participating crews enjoyed northwesterly, shifty winds of 8-10 kts. 

Nuria Sánchez’s DORSIA COVIRAN, with José Manuel Ruiz as skipper, finally finished at the top of the podium after years of climbing up the ladder at major events, their most recent triumph being at the Copa Del Rey in Palma Mallorca, Spain. DORSIA COVIRAN posted a 3-2-6-1-4-7-5-1 record for 22 pts net in the single discard, eight-race series. Just two points back were Jose Azqueta’s BIOBIZZ team, the local heroes, that had an enviable record of 1-1-1-BFD-6-5-7-3 for 24 pts net. Then, rounding out the podium earning the bronze medal was Jose Maria “Pichu” Torcida sailing FREDO LA ESTRELLA DEL NORTE with a 6-8-4-2-1-1-3-8 tally for 25 pts net. It was a really exciting battle between the top three boats. In fact, this was the first regatta in years where past J/80 World Champion “Pichu” Torcida managed to contend for the top of the leaderboard! With the upcoming J/80 World Championship in Spain, that’s good for Spain, but not so good for any other competitors! 

Rounding out the top five was determined on a tiebreaker at 47 pts each, with David Madrazo’s ZONA France SANTANDER winning the countback to take fourth, while Manuel de Tomas’s ISER had to be content with fifth position.  
The victory for the best MIXED TEAM also was awarded to Nuria Sánchez’s DORSIA COVIRAN. The best FEMALE TEAM was the Gipuzkoan’s aboard  Olatz Muñoz’s DECOEXSA. Finally, the best JUNIOR TEAM was the Vizcayan’s sailing HIBLAB- ESCUELA VELA DEL UGARTE, skippered by Tomás Trueba.  For more J/80 Copa del Espana- BMW Lurauto sailing information.  For more Spanish J/80 Class sailing information