J/111 North Americans 2025 Preview

Key West Southernmost Regatta Preview(Key West, FL)- The 2025 edition of the Southernmost Regatta is featuring the 2025 J/111 North American Championship, along with an ORC handicap fleet. Sponsored by SAILING Inc. from Cleveland, OH, the regatta is hosted at the infamous Galleon Hotel Tiki Bar, where the sailors enjoy a fun, quaint, easy-going regatta in the rustic atmosphere of Key West.
J/111 North AmericansA remarkably strong eleven-boat contingent of J/111s will be vying for 2025 North American Championship honors over the five-day series running from Monday to Friday, January 20th to 24th, 2025.
There are a number of “virgin” teams sailing their first J/111 NA’s as well as enthusiastic participants to sail in the gorgeous aquamarine-blue waters off Key West. The teams are all hoping for “classic” Key West conditions with breezes from the East/ Southeast, lumpy waves, and warm trade wind-like sailing conditions.
Certain to be a factor at the top of the leaderboard will be three-times past J/111 NA Champion Peter Wagner and his SKELETON KEY crew from San Francisco, CA. Chasing them hard will be a quartet of teams that have proven to be contenders on the podium in past J/111 regattas. Those teams include Rob Ruhlman’s SPACEMAN SPIFF from Cleveland, OH; Andrew & Sedge Ward’s BRAVO for Shelter Island, NY; Bill & Jackie Baxter’s FIREBALL from Riverside, CT; and Jeff Davis’s SHAMROCK from Cleveland, OH.
ORC DivisionIn this seven-boat fleet are two well-sailed J/Teams. Matt Schaedler’s J/122 BLITZKRIEG just earned a bronze medal in the Ft Lauderdale to Key West Race. Then, Ove Haxthausen’s J/133 RUMBA is expecting to excel in the windward-leeward race course format over the five days.
For more J/111 North Americans and Southernmost Regatta sailing informationhttps://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu/16411

SAVASANA Leads J/70 Winter Series II- Tampa Bay

(Tampa, FL)- Thirty-three J/70 teams participated in the Winter Series at Davis Island Yacht Club (DIYC) in Tampa, Florida on January 10-12. While the Series has traditionally been held over three weekends annually, DIYC had to cancel the December event due to ongoing recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left widespread damage throughout the Tampa Bay area. Racers were grateful to return to this popular location. Saturday’s conditions were breezy at 12-18 knots, however, the moving cold front sucked out the wind on Sunday, leaving the standings at four races.
Nevertheless, there were some familiar faces at the top of the leaderboard, including the 2024 Winter Series Champion! Winning was Brian Keane’s SAVASANA from Marblehead, MA; followed by Doug Rastello’s GOOD TO GO team from Newport Beach, CA in second place; and Bruno Pasquinelli’s crew on STAMPEDE from Ft Worth, TX in third place. A notable performance was registered by the German PAINT IT BLACK team led by Michael Grau, their first appearance in the Davis Island Winter Series!
Corinthians DivisionJim Gary’s AYACUCHO won the Corinthians, followed by Fernando Gutierrez’s WOODSTOCK in second place and Mie Sabinash’s SABOTAGE in third.
Mixed-Plus DivisionNotably, two top women’s helms were featured on the podium in this division. Winning was Kelly Hansen’s 7th HEAVEN, followed by Roy Lamphier’s BEAT MACHINE in second, and Christina Petrea’s DEVIL INSIDE in third place!
Competitors enjoyed practicing on Friday as part of the Sail22 Porch Series and a post-race Saturday debrief in the DIYC clubhouse. The Series concludes on February 8-9.
For more Davis Island YC J/70 Winter Series sailing informationhttps://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu/16863

BOOT Dusseldorf Displaying New J/40, J/99, and J/70!

(Dusseldorf, Germany)-  The world-famous Boot Dusseldorf Boat Show will take place from January 18th to 26th, 2025, in Dusseldorf, Germany, at the sprawling Messe Conference & Exhibit Center.
With over 300 sailboat-related exhibitors, there is no question that the world’s largest sailboat show in the heart of Europe is an exciting place to visit.
Renowned as one of the major “arts” centers in Europe, Dusseldorf is both a cultural attraction along the gorgeous Rhine River as well as an amazing boat show to attend- truly one of those cultural events the entire family can enjoy!
On display in Hall 16/ Booth D21 will be the latest J/99 shorthanded offshore speedster, the world’s largest international sportsboat class- the J/70, and the magnificent new J/40 performance cruising yacht!
For more BOOT Dusseldorf boat show informationhttps://www.boot.com/

Barbados Sailing Week Preview 2025

(Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay, Barbados)- Yet again, the Barbados Cruising Club is welcoming sailors from near and far across the Caribbean to their gorgeous corner of the Earth. Barbados is the easternmost of the Windward Islands and sailors are looking for a long weekend of “fun in the sun”! Starting with Coastal Offshore Races this weekend, the finale will be the famous Mt. Gay Round Barbados Race.
In the CSA Monohul Racing 1 division of seven boats will be Peter Lewis’s J/121 WHISTLER.
The J/24s are enjoying their 35th-plus year of racing on the island. This year a quartet will be doing battle for class honors, including Cyril Lcecrenay’s BUNGA BUNGA, Bob Povey’s FLY, Gus Reader’s GLORY DAZE, and Greg Webster’s PHOENIX.
For more Barbados Sailing Week sailing informationhttps://www.roundbarbados.com/

J/Newsletter- January 15th, 2025

The 2025 sailing season is off to a thrilling start, with races and regattas showcasing the best of what the sport has to offer. From the competitive spirit in Tampa Bay’s J/70 Winter Series II to the high-speed drama of the Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race, sailors are already making waves— both literal and figurative. Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing for events like the J/111 North Americans at the Southernmost Regatta in Key West and the sun-soaked festivities of Barbados Sailing Week in the eastern Caribbean.  
This month’s stories bring you the excitement of returning to beloved venues like Davis Island Yacht Club post-storm recovery, exhilarating accounts of high-performance racing in the Florida Keys, and a look ahead at what promises to be an unforgettable regatta season. Whether you’re seeking speed, strategy, or the camaraderie of the sailing community, there’s something for everyone on the horizon.

BOOT Dusseldorf Displaying New J/40, J/99, and J/70!

(Dusseldorf, Germany)- The world-famous Boot Dusseldorf Boat Show is taking place from January 18th to 26th, 2025 in Dusseldorf, Germany at the sprawling Messe Conference & Exhibit Center.
With over 300 sailboat-related exhibitors, there is no question that the world’s largest sailboat show in the heart of Europe is an exciting place to visit.
Renowned as one of the major “arts” centers in Europe, Dusseldorf is both a cultural attraction along the gorgeous Rhine River as well as an amazing boat show to attend- truly one of those cultural events the entire family can enjoy!
On display in Hall 16/ Booth D21 will be the latest J/99 shorthanded offshore speedster, the world’s largest international sportsboat class- the J/70, and the magnificent new J/40 performance cruising yacht! For more BOOT Dusseldorf boat show information.  Read more here.  

SAVASANA Leads J/70 Winter Series II- Tampa Bay

(Tampa, FL)- Thirty-three J/70 teams participated in the Winter Series at Davis Island Yacht Club (DIYC) in Tampa, Florida on January 10-12. While the Series has traditionally been held over three weekends annually, DIYC had to cancel the December event due to ongoing recovery from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, which left widespread damage throughout the Tampa Bay area. Racers were grateful to return to this popular location. Saturday’s conditions were breezy at 12-18 knots, however, the moving cold front sucked out the wind on Sunday, leaving the standings at four races.  Read more here.

J/125 Overall Winner SORC Ft Lauderdale to Key West Race!

(Ft Lauderdale, FL)- This week, the Storm Trysail Club is hosting the renowned Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race, covering a distance of 160.0 nautical miles around the Florida Keys. 
The owner of the Maxi 72 BELLA MENTE- Hap Fauth- called the race an “exciting sleigh ride!” No wonder, as they reached a top speed of 27 knots on the way to Key West. J/24 World Champion tactician Terry Hutchinson added, “It was a great race to start 2025 out in a positive way. Moderate Nor’easterly winds greeted the fleet at the start of Ft. Lauderdale. Then, the 160-mile ride south/southwest around the Florida Keys was awesome! We had everything from 27 to 10 knots of true wind speed and managed the course in 11 hours and 16 minutes, with an average boat speed of 15.3 knots. You could not have asked for better conditions!”
Several J/Teams participated in the race and collected a roomful of silverware! Read more here.

J/111 North Americans 2025 Preview

Key West Southernmost Regatta Preview(Key West, FL)- The 2025 edition of the Southernmost Regatta is featuring the 2025 J/111 North American Championship, along with an ORC handicap fleet. Sponsored by SAILING Inc. from Cleveland, OH, the regatta is hosted at the infamous Galleon Hotel Tiki Bar, where the sailors enjoy a fun, quaint, easy-going regatta in the rustic atmosphere of Key West. 
J/111 North AmericansA remarkably strong eleven-boat contingent of J/111s will be vying for 2025 North American Championship honors over the five-day series running from Monday to Friday, January 20th to 24th, 2025. 
There are a number of “virgin” teams sailing their first J/111 NA’s as well as enthusiastic participants to sail in the gorgeous aquamarine-blue waters off Key West. The teams are all hoping for “classic” Key West conditions with breezes from the East/ Southeast, lumpy waves, and warm trade wind-like sailing conditions.
 Read more here.

Barbados Sailing Week Preview 2025

(Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay, Barbados)- Yet again, the Barbados Cruising Club is welcoming sailors from near and far across the Caribbean to their gorgeous corner of the Earth. Barbados is the easternmost of the Windward Islands and sailors are looking for a long weekend of “fun in the sun”! Starting with Coastal Offshore Races this weekend, the finale will be the famous Mt. Gay Round Barbados Race.
Read more here.

 

J/Gear January 20% Off Specials
(Newport, RI)-  The January 20% off specials will feature 2 items.
J Soft Shell VestThe 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. Here are basic specifications:

1000 mm waterproof rating
96% polyester, 4% spandex bonded to 100% polyester microfleece
Wind- and water-resistant
Interior storm flap with chin guard
Open hem with dropped back bottom

Order the J Soft Shell Vest here
J Brim HatThe J Brim Hat is a rugged full-brim hat that protects from the sun and fits snugly with the assistance of a chin strap. This cap is manufactured by Columbia and features a breathable circumference. Here are basic specifications:

Omni-Shade™ 100% textured nylon poplin on top, sides and brim
Omni-Wick™ sweatband and mesh vents
Omni-Shade™ UPF 50 protects you from the sun’s harmful rays
Omni-Wick sweatband and mesh venting actively breathe and pull moisture away from your skin to keep you cool.
Adjustable drawcord and toggle at the back
Fits most head bans: 21.5″ – 24.5″
3″ brim

Order the J/ Brim Hat here

J/70 Winter Series II- Tampa Bay Preview

(Tampa, FL)- For the first time in years, the Davis Island Yacht Club’s J/70 Winter Series is not fully subscribed. There are just thirty-three teams entered in the 2025 edition to go sailing on the infamously light Tampa Bay. That’s nowhere close to the maximum sixty boats permitted where, in past years, the entry list was over-subscribed with a waiting list. The December 7-8 regatta was canceled due to extreme weather conditions, similar to what was experienced across the state of Florida for the Bacardi Winter Series in Miami, FL.
Nevertheless, there is a highly competitive fleet of international teams sailing in this weekend’s event from January 11th to 12th, 2025.
Some of the teams that should factor at the top of the leaderboard include past winner Brian Keane’s SAVASANA from Marblehead, MA; Doug Rastello’s GOOD TO GO team from Newport Beach, CA; Laura Sigmond’s NORBOY from Chicago YC; Ian Hill’s SITELLA from Hampton YC; and Bruno Pasquinelli’s crew on STAMPEDE from Forth Worth, TX.
For more Davis Island YC J/70 Winter Series sailing informationhttps://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu/16863

G-SPOT Leading J/70 Monaco Winter Series 2025

(Monte Carlo, Monaco)- The very popular YC Monaco J/70 Winter Series commenced in November 2024 and will continue until the fourth and final regatta at the 41st Primo Cup- Trohpee UBS this spring in March 2025. The event has proved to be a very successful format, with more than 350 sailors coming from across Europe to set up their winter training base in the Principality of Monaco based out of the famous Yacht Club de Monaco to prepare for the upcoming season’s big meetings.
Here is the 2024/ 2025 Monaco J/70 Winter Series schedule:Act I: 7-10 November 2024Act II: 5-8 December 2024Act III: 6-9 February 2025Act IV: 6-9 March 2025 Primo Cup – UBS Trophy
Act I ReportIt was a great start for this first day, contestants pulled out all the stops during an intense day of racing that saw the level of the competitive J/70 fleet go up a notch, with strategic starts and tight duels all along the course.
The spotlight was now on the Monegasque teams, led by Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio and his crew on G-SPOT who top the provisional ranking. In their wake is CHARISMA V helmed by Samuel Poons who delivered a solid performance to keep them in the top three and a pugnacious Graeme Peterson on MOONLIGHT in third, which bodes well for tight contests ahead. Stefano Roberti’s PICCININA, winner of Act 1 is in 4th this evening but his talent and perseverance could well see him back in the running for a podium finish.
In the Corinthian (amateur) category, the Swiss on RHUBARBE currently tops the leaderboard, ahead of the Italians on WHY NOT, with Matteo Scandolera’s IRRUENZA representing the YCM in 3rd.
Act II ReportAct II of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series produced a lovely weekend of racing in Monaco’s Hercules Bay. Variable conditions saw the thirty J/70 teams from seven nations having to combine strategy, precision, and flexibility to stay in the game. But, one thing is for certain, they were set on widening the gap in the rankings.
Hierarchy confirmed at the topIn a strategic duel, YCM’s Giangiacomo Serena di Lapigio at the helm of G-SPOT held his own with remarkable consistency. In the end, they won three of the five races completed through wise tactics and total mastery of their local race area.
Behind him, the battle for the podium was intense. While Samuel Poons’s CHARISMA V clinched a solid 2nd place, Stefano Roberti’s PICCININA grabbed 3rd place after a tightly fought tussle with MOONLIGHT II led by Graeme Peterson, also representing YCM. Indeed, the Yacht Club de Monaco can be proud of this collective performance with six member-run teams in the top ten.
In the Corinthian category (amateurs), the French on EURO-VOILES managed to overtake and make a difference to beat YCM’s Matteo Scandolerau’s IRRUENZA into 2nd with the Swiss on RHUBARBE coming in 3rd.
International reputation confirmedWhile the locals pulled out all the stops, visiting teams have much to be proud of. The Swiss teams came in the first 15 alongside the Italian boats. As for the Hungarians on Rosszcsont, they made big progress and show real potential for the next stages of this winter championship. With teams from all over Europe, the circuit continues to provide a tactical challenge and training ground ahead of major events in 2025.
Technology pays offIntegration of the Vakaros ATLAS II tracking system again helped both the organizers and contestants to monitor their progress in real time during races and make adjustments. It was an innovation that is part of Yacht Club de Monaco’s ongoing quest to push the boundaries of technology to improve sailing regattas on every level.
Next meetingNext up is Act III of the Monaco Sportsboat Winter Series scheduled for 6-9 February 2025. With the rankings still close, the stakes and suspense level are high. Who will succeed in maintaining their lead or cause an upset? Answers next month!
For more YC Monaco J/70 Winter Series sailing informationhttps://yacht-club-monaco.mc/en/ycmevents/monaco-sportsboat-winter-series/