Year: 2025

Two Division Sweeps, 15 Trophies Total!(Stamford, CT)- Stamford Yacht Club’s 2025 edition of the Vineyard Race proved to be a light to medium breeze challenge, with key decisions being made on how to enter and exit the infamous, treacherous tidal narrows known as “The Race”. The 238-mile course stretched from inside Long Island Sound at Shippan Point in Stamford, Connecticut, to the light tower at the entrance to Buzzard’s Bay, and then returned to the finish in Stamford Harbor, leaving Block Island to starboard on the way out and back. Those who were successful credited their local knowledge of the infamous “The Race” at the opening of Long Island Sound, most going through Plum Island Gut outbound, and coming back through the main Race channel inbound to Long Island Sound.
The race has been popular with many offshore J/Teams for decades, with many sporting multiple divisional wins, and some J/Teams even achieving overall race wins. This year’s event featured over a dozen J’s across multiple ORC and PHRF handicap divisions. And, top J/Teams again garnered lots of silverware. Here’s the breakdown of those sailing the race.
PHRF Doublehanded DivisionThe J/105 YOUNG AMERICAN from American Yacht Club, sailed by Peter Becker & Adrien Blanc, again repeated another great performance by getting the silver medal. She was followed by a trio of well-sailed J/99 duos- Doug McKeige’s SAVE THE SOUND in third place, Mike Kohler’s EVENTYR in 4th place, and Kevin Marks’s VELOCITY 2 in 5th place.
ORC 7 DivisionWinning this fleet was Todd Aven’s J/99 THIN MAN, followed by Ned Jobson’s J/105 SLEEPER, taking the bronze medal.
ORC 9 DivisionThe two J/122s (Andrew Clark’s ZIG ZAG & David Rosow’s LOKI) had their usual two-boat battle for the duration of the race. This time, Clark’s ZIG ZAG got the bronze medal on the podium, missing the gold medal by a mere 5.5 minutes and the silver medal by 61 seconds! Taking fourth was Rosow’s LOKI, while Albrecht Goethe’s J/46 HAMBURG II finished sixth.
ORC 11 Division- J/Sweep I!Half of this dozen-boat fleet was J/teams, many with loads of offshore experience, and with many Vineyard Race veterans amongst those teams. It’s not surprising the J/teams swept the podium!
The two J/121s led the sweep, with Steve Losik’s HABIRU winning by 10 minutes corrected time over Trevor Roach’s TOUCH OF GREY. Third place went to Steve Brownlie’s J/133 ASSARAIN IV, just one minute behind TOUCH OG GREY! Finishing in fifth place was yet another J/133- Ove Haxthausen’s RUMBA.
PHRF 8 DivisionFresh from a near-win at the recent J/109 North Americans in Chicago, the betting odds were that John Greifzu’s GROWTH SPURT team would finish near the top of the leaderboard. In the end, they lived up to their reputation as a hot offshore team, earning a well-deserved silver medal for their 1 day, 15 hrs, 33 min corrected time efforts!
PHRF 10 Division- J/Sweep II!As we mentioned in our preview to this race, one has to feel some empathy for the four competitors up against a quintet of very experienced J/120 teams entered in this fleet. True to form, the experienced offshore teams on the J/120s led a sweep of their division. After 1 day and 11+ hours of sailing, just 40 minutes separated the top four boats. Winning was Richard West’s CHARLOTTE, 13 minutes behind was Brian Spears’s MADISON, taking second, another 20 minutes back was William Klein’s SPECK, taking third, and just 6 minutes further in arrears was Andrian Lubimov’s DUET, taking fourth place.
PHRF 12 Division- Repeat Winners!Not surprisingly, the “Four J/Horsemen of the Apocalypse” in this fleet cashed in their chips for ever more silverware to fill their groaning trophy shelves. Leading the charge and first across the line was Len Sitar’s magnificent blue J/160 COUGAR, finishing in time for “last call” at the local pubs at 10:46 PM Saturday night. Next boat to finish was Bill & Jackie Baxter’s J/111 FIREBALL at “0 dark hundred” Sunday morning at just 10 past 12:00 AM. While missing last call, the Baxter’s FIREBALL crew celebrated yet another victory in the Vineyard Race, winning PHRF 12 Division and taking 10th overall, not far off their time of winning PHRF Overall in 2024! Second on corrected time was Sitar’s J/160 COUGAR. Then, rounding out the top five were Peter Chirlian’s J/111 CIAO BABY in fourth place and Constantine Baris’s J/122 DIRE WOLF in fifth place.
For more Vineyard Race sailing informationhttps://www.stamfordyc.com/Sailing/Vineyard_Race_(1)

As the northern hemisphere shifts from summer breezes to autumn winds, the pace of sailing certainly hasn’t slowed down. While kids head back to school and sports fans tune into the fall line-up, J/Teams around the world are keeping the racing action alive— from Europe’s biggest championships to North America’s most iconic offshore classics.This week’s issue brings you highlights from a packed late-summer calendar: Brazil’s impressive run at the J/70 Europeans in Sweden, silverware galore for J/Crews at the Vineyard Race, and inspiring performances at women’s regattas in Annapolis, Berlin (Germany), Davos (Switzerland), and beyond. You’ll also find stories from local club favorites like the Red Fox Regatta in Michigan, to offshore adventures such as a solo J/105 passage to Bermuda.And with boat show season upon us, it’s the perfect time to dream, plan, and see the latest J/Models up close. Whether you’re racing hard, cruising easy, or just thinking ahead to next summer, there’s plenty here to keep your sailing spirit warm as the seasons change.

J/Boats Boat Show Schedule
(Newport, RI)- It’s that time of the year in the northern hemisphere. Summer’s over. Kids are back to school. Back to work to pay for those summertime extravagances. But, there’s a silver lining in that fall/ winter/ spring time period… best time for sports TV fanatics (baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey, & lacrosse). Additionally, it’s fall/ winter boat show time, with major events in Europe and the USA. Dreaming about a new boat for next summer? Now’s the time to plan and browse the latest J/models at the shows. Here’s the schedule of the major shows:September 11-14- Newport Boat Show- Newport, Rhode Island On display: NEW J/7, J/9, NEW J/36, and J/40 Newport International Boat Show information (https://www.newportboatshow.com)September 23-28- Grand Pavois Boat Show- La Rochelle, France On display- NEW J/7, J/99, NEW J/36, and J/40 Grand Pavois La Rochelle Boat Show information (https://grand-pavois.com)October 9-12- Annapolis Sailboat Show- Annapolis, Maryland On display- J/7, J/9, J/36, J/40 Annapolis Sailboat Show information (https://www.annapolisboatshows.com/sailboat-show/)January 17-25, 2026- BOOT Düsseldorf- Düsseldorf, Germany On display- NEW J/7, J/99, NEW J/36, and J/40 BOOT Düsseldorf 2026 boat show information (https://www.boot.com/)Here are links for each J/Boat model that will be on display: J/7- https://jboats.com/boats/j7 J/9- https://jboats.com/j9 J/99- https://jboats.com/j-99-new J/36- https://jboats.com/boats/j36-2025 J/40- https://jboats.com/j40

Brazilians Win Open J/70 European ChampionshipSOLYD of Portugal Crowned European J/70 Champion!(Sandhamn, Sweden)- From August 26th to 30th, the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) had a wonderful time hosting the J/70 European Championship at their large island “summer camp” in Sandhamn, Sweden for nearly 400 sailors in a fleet of sixty-four boats from seventeen nations (AUS, BRA, DEN, ESP, FIN, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, ITA, MON, NOR, POR, SUI, SWE, TUR, USA). The very experienced and capable KSSS RC/ PRO team was able to complete the ten races planned for the event, and Mother Nature cooperated by throwing a wide variety of challenging conditions at the fleet over the five days of sailing. It was a topsy-turvy battle for the top of the leaderboard; here’s how it all went down to determine the “open” championship winner and the European Champion winners.  READ MORE HERE.

J/Teams Win Lotta Silver in Vineyard Race!Two Division Sweeps, 15 Trophies Total!(Stamford, CT)- Stamford Yacht Club’s 2025 edition of the Vineyard Race proved to be a light to medium breeze challenge, with key decisions being made on how to enter and exit the infamous, treacherous tidal narrows known as “The Race”. The 238-mile course stretched from inside Long Island Sound at Shippan Point in Stamford, Connecticut, to the light tower at the entrance to Buzzard’s Bay, and then returned to the finish in Stamford Harbor, leaving Block Island to starboard on the way out and back. Those who were successful credited their local knowledge of the infamous “The Race” at the opening of Long Island Sound, most going through Plum Island Gut outbound, and coming back through the main Race channel inbound to Long Island Sound.The race has been popular with many offshore J/Teams for decades, with many sporting multiple divisional wins, and some J/Teams even achieving overall race wins. This year’s event featured over a dozen J’s across multiple ORC and PHRF handicap divisions. And, top J/Teams again garnered lots of silverware. Here’s the breakdown of those sailing the race.  READ MORE HERE.

Marie Klok Crump Tops Annapolis J/105 Women’s Regatta(Annapolis, MD)- As they have for several years, the Sailing Club of the Chesapeake in Annapolis, MD, hosted eighteen women’s teams from all points of the compass. Sandy Grosvenor provided yet another amazing year taking on the duties of Race Committee and PRO for the regatta. The event was appropriately described by longtime Chesapeake Bay veteran racer, now turned awesome yachting photographer, Wilbur Keyworth: “What is the Recipe for Fun for this regatta? Simple. Add 10-15 knots of NE breeze with a healthy dose of sunshine, gently stir while adding a sprinkle of colorful costumes, and let this simmer in the warm morning sunshine.  Select eighteen beautiful J/105 sailboats and fill them with 120+ amazing women sailors. Add these ingredients with an appropriate portion of seasoned Chesapeake Bay weather. Stir aggressively and serve with a side of big smiles and a heaping slice of fun!! Don’t forget the Great Party for dessert!! The Sailing Club of the Chesapeake has used this “recipe” with huge success to host their Annual J/105 Women’s Regatta, which is one of the premier events of the season. It was awesome, Race Committee and PRO team work (Thank You- Sandy!) for banging off three perfect races and congratulations to the winners as well as all of the amazing teams for demonstrating how colorful and fun sailboat racing can be with a bit of creative imagination!!” READ MORE HERE.

Deutscher Touring YC Take Women’s J/70 SAILING Champions League Title!(Berlin, Germany)- For the last weekend of August, all eyes in international club sailing turned to Lake Wannsee in Berlin, Germany, as the Women’s J/70 SAILING Champions League (WSCL) hosted its World Finals.Twenty-seven all-women teams from ten nations (Austria, Denmark, Spain, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, & Great Britain) went head-to-head in short, high-intensity races to crown the “Best Women’s Sailing Club of the Year.” Different wind directions between 5–10 knots were expected across the weekend, perfect for tight tactical racing, and fast legs on the WSCL’s short-course format. Combined with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, everything pointed to three spectacular days of sailing onLake Wannsee.Mother Nature didn’t disappoint, and the expectant weather forecasters were not let down. The 120+ women sailors raced across three days with tricky, light winds and flat-as-glass water conditions. Despite long waits and unpredictable winds, the atmosphere stayed lively, full of laughs, shared meals, and friendly competition.  READ MORE HERE.

Sondeborg YC Leads Danish J/70 Sailing League- Lemvig(Lemvig, Denmark)- The fourth act of the Danish J/70 Sailing League took place in Lemvig, Denmark. Playing host to the twenty-one best sailing clubs from across Denmark was the Lemvig Sejlklub. Over the two-day weekend of sailing, the Lemvig SC Race Committee and PRO team were blessed with good sailing conditions, enough to permit every sailing club team to sail twelve races. READ MORE HERE.

J/112E JACK RABBIT Silvers @ Breskens Sailing Weekend (Breskens, Netherlands)- The Jachthaven Breskens in Breskens, Netherlands, hosted the annual Breskens Sailing Weekend for the leading offshore yachts in the Benelux region. Over three days of sailing, the IRC handicap fleet enjoyed great sailing in a variety of weather conditions, with five races run, permitting a discard race for the final scores. It was a closely fought battle for the podium between a custom Ker 46, a J/112E, and a J/122E.  READ MORE HERE.

Regattaclub Oberhofen Dominates Swiss J/70 Women’s Challenge- Swiss Sailing League !(Davos, Switzerland)- The second act of the Swiss J/70 Women’s Challenge Swiss Sailing League Series took place in Davos, Switzerland, on the gorgeous, quite spectacular Davosersee Lake high up in the Swiss Alps. The host club was the Davoser Segel-und Surfclub in Davos-Dorf along the lake. Their DSS Race Committee and PRO team, supported by an army of the amazing “RoboMarks” developed by local hero Chris & Dani Raast, managed to run thirteen races for each of the twelve women’s teams sailing!After winning their first four races, it was evident that one team stood head & shoulders above all the rest, the Regattaclub Oberhofen II team led by skipper Michelle Fluck and her crew of Selina Adam, Karin Fankhauser, and Anja Liener.  READ MORE HERE.

The Thrilla from Da Middle- the Red Fox Regatta(Charlevoix, MI)- Hosted by the Charlevoix Yacht Club for more than 50 years, the premier event of the local racing season takes place every Labor Day weekend on Lake Charlevoix in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan- the Red Fox Regatta.  The weekend event comprises two events. It kicks off with the NuCore Triangle race on Friday evening and concludes with a two-day race the length of Lake Charlevoix from Charlevoix to Boyne City and back. READ MORE HERE.

Brockerhoff Kids Win J/22 Cup Germany”Old Man” Brockerhoff Wins Travemünde Week(Duisberg, Germany)- For the German J/22 class in the month of August, it was the tale of two regattas and two generations of the reigning Brockerhoff family! One event was the very famous 50+ year old Travemunde Week sailed on the Baltic Sea with over 1,000 sailors and 500,000+ spectators watching all forms of sailing taking place in the harbors and near shore. The other was the J/22 Cup, sailed on Duisburg Lake and hosted by the Duisburger Yacht Club. READ MORE HERE.

J/Crews Enjoy Lovely Conanicut YC Round Island Race(Jamestown, RI)- The Around the Island Race (ATI) is the flagship sailing event for the Conanicut Yacht Club and the crown jewel of Narragansett Bay yacht racing. Held annually since 1927, the ATI sails the classic 18.0nm course around the scenic Conanicut Island, typically drawing close to 100 boats in both racing and cruising classes. And, what a spectacular day it was for the 98th Around the Island Race! 86 boats took on the full lap of Jamestown on Sunday, August 31, after a morning that looked doubtful on the forecast— a light NW breeze fading before a SE fill. With shortened-course marks prepped at the Jamestown Bridge and Beavertail, the fleet launched off Conanicut Yacht Club in 8–10 knots and a flooding tide.Up the first beat, it was all about connecting the puffs and staying patient. After the northern turn, kites went up, until the wind dropped out near the Jamestown Bridge and clocked southeast— a full-on “restart.” A few savvy calls paid big, namely several boats that slipped inside Dutch Island to find pressure first. Soon, a beautiful southeasterly cool breeze blew in from the temperate waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and Rhode Island Sound, to grace the fleet with a fast port tack fetch to Beavertail Lighthouse point and Newton Rock red bell. Then, it was a quick tack, and another fast reach on starboard to the finish line just off Conanicut YC inside Narragansett Bay. In the end, it was a colorful day of upwind work, downwind parades, and tactical calls all around the island. Overall, J/Teams faired quite well in the classic round island race.  READ MORE HERE.

Alone to Bermuda on a J/105- My Bermuda 1-2 Race Experience(Rye, New York)- Adrien Blanc recounts his first solo sail to Bermuda during the 2025 Bermuda 1-2 Race last June. Challenging, thought-provoking, and above all, inspirational.Adrien has been racing for several years with Peter Becker of the American Yacht Club. This summer, Adrien and Peter competed in the Bermuda 1-2 Race. In this race, one person sails the boat from Newport to Bermuda solo. The solo sailor returns to Newport doublehanded. Adrien did the solo leg, and Peter joined him for the return. Here’s Adrien’s story:”There is a unique thrill taking on the wind and waves shorthanded. Over the past 5 years, I have logged over 5,000nm sailing offshore on the modified J/105 YOUNG AMERICAN, developing a passion for shorthanded sailing, while learning to share responsibilities and decisions with a trusted partner. However, lately I’ve become hooked on the raw intensity and personal challenge of solo sailing.  READ MORE HERE.

J/Gear September Special- 20% off!(Newport, RI)- The J/Marmot vest is just in time for a few cool days sneaking in at the end of the season…..The J/Marmot Tempo Vest is a combination of performance and comfort. Light enough for easy stowage but formidable for weather changes.Material:6.8 oz/yd, softshell double-weave 97% polyester, 3% elastane stretchM3 SoftshellWater-repellent and breathableFeatures:Zippered chest pocketZippered handwarmer pocketsElastic drawcord hemChoose your J/Class logo and customize with boat name and sail number as an option. The Ladies 9591 is a companion to the men’s 9602.J Marmot Vesthttps://jgear.vsport.biz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_16&products_id=401J Marmot Ladies Arctic Vesthttps://jgear.vsport.biz/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_17&products_id=321

It’s an exciting time to be part of the J/Boats community! As summer turns to fall, the season is only picking up speed, with new designs debuting and J/Teams excelling in races worldwide. 
From Newport to La Rochelle, Annapolis to Düsseldorf, J/Boats will be front and center at the world’s premier boat shows. The spotlight is on the dazzling new J/7 daysailer, the refined J/9, and the highly anticipated offshore duo— the all-new J/36 with twin wheels and the powerful J/40 performance cruiser. These boats are not just evolutions; they’re bold new statements in design, built to deliver the joy of sailing for every kind of sailor.
On the racing front, the J/Spirit is alive and thriving. From dramatic duels at the J/109 North Americans in Chicago to the thundering J/70s at the Verve Cup, J/Teams are proving once again why our one-design and offshore fleets are among the most competitive and enduring in the sport. The excitement only builds from here, with the J/70 Europeans in Sweden, the Corinthian J/70 Worlds in Marblehead, the J/24 Nationals in San Diego, and the J/24 Worlds in Plymouth— each event a showcase of talent, teamwork, and passion. Offshore, the legendary Vineyard Race promises another epic chapter as J/Crews take on its challenging 238-mile course steeped in tradition over this Labor Day holiday weekend.
Whether you’re discovering the latest designs at a show, trimming sails in a championship fleet, or setting off on a classic offshore course, one thing is clear: J/Sailors everywhere are writing the next great chapter of our story. We can’t wait to share it with you— and we’ll see you on the water!

Newport Boat Show- J/7, J/9, NEW J/36, and J/40 on Display

(Newport, RI)- Mark your calendars now! It’s that time of year to catch up with friends and discuss the current line-up of J/Boats at the Newport International Boat Show. The event runs from Thursday, September 11, to Sunday, September 14. 
On display will be the daysailer sisterships- the J/7 and the J/9. In addition, the HOT new offshore cruiser-racers will be on display- the NEW J/36 with twin-wheels and the J/40.  Read more here.

Grand Pavois Boat Show- NEW J/7, J/99, NEW J/36, and J/40 on Display

(La Rochelle, France)- The Grand Pavois La Rochelle Boat Show will be taking place from September 23rd to 28th at the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle, France. As in past years, over 750 boats are on display and at least 80,000 visitors are expected to attend the six-day show, one of the most popular in Europe due to the wonderful fall weather often experienced at this time of year. 
Be sure to explore the new J/7 daysailer, it’s the European introduction of this extremely popular little daysailer! Then, enjoy the race-winning potential of our new line of offshore racer-cruisers- the J/99, the new J/36 (a J/112E with a new deck and twin-wheel cockpit), and the J/40.  For more Grand Pavois La Rochelle Boat Show information.

Annapolis Sailboat Show- J/7, J/9, NEW J/36, and J/40 on Display

(Annapolis, MD)- The 2025 edition of the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, will run from October 9th to 12th. J/Boats is excited to feature one of its largest displays in years, showcasing our latest designs with four boats on display.
All J/Sailors and J/Lovers are invited to join us on the J/Stand in Annapolis, where we will be displaying the new J/7 daysailer, the J/9 daysailer, the new J/36 performance cruiser/racer (pictured above), and the magnificent J/40 offshore performance cruising yacht. For more Annapolis Sailboat Show information

BOOT Düsseldorf- NEW J/7, J/99, NEW J/36, and J/40 on Display
(Düsseldorf, Germany)- The world-famous BOOT Düsseldorf Boat Show is taking place from January 17th to 25th, 2026, in Düsseldorf, Germany, at the sprawling Messe Conference & Exhibit Center along the gorgeous Rhine River.
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, Düsseldorf 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 debut of the new J/7 daysailer, the latest J/99 shorthanded offshore speedster, the new J/36 twin-wheeled racer-cruiser, and the magnificent J/40 performance cruising yacht!  For more BOOT Düsseldorf 2026 boat show information

DAYBREAK Crowned 2025 J/109 North American Champions!
(Chicago, IL)- The Chicago Yacht Club played host to the 2025 J/109 North American Championship for a fleet of nine  J/109s from across the Midwest, West, and East Coasts. The fleet was treated to a magnificent three days of sailing on the often boisterous Lake Michigan waters off the spectacular Chicago city lakefront. 
The Chicago YC RC and PRO team managed to run eight races over the three days. The racing produced a very challenging experience for the top three teams, all of them enjoying an exasperating game of “chutes & ladders” as their fortunes and misfortunes waxed and waned every race. Read more here.

STAMPEDE’s Thundering Hooves Romp @ Verve Cup J/70 Regatta

(Chicago, IL)- The end-of-summer sailing season extravaganza off the famous Chicago lakefront, the Verve Cup Inshore Regatta, took place last weekend on Lake Michigan. Blessed with unusually gorgeous weather, the fleet of thirteen J/70 one-designs enjoyed great racing and a total of eight races on the choppy waters.
Perhaps making Chicago his new summer home, Bruno Pasquinelli’s STAMPEDE team from Fort Worth Boat Club in Fort Worth, TX, sailed “lights-out” all three days of the event, posting four bullets, three deuces, and a DNS (not having to sail the last race) for a total of 24 pts to handily win the regatta! Sailing with Bruno was an all-star cast that included Ron Weed and Greiner Hobbs. Read more here.

J/70 European Championship Preview

(Sandhamn, Sweden)- From August 26th to 30th, the Royal Swedish Yacht Club (KSSS) will be hosting the J/70 European Championship at their large “summer camp” in Sandhamn, Sweden for a fleet of sixty-four boats from seventeen nations (AUS, BRA, DEN, ESP, FIN, FRA, GBR, GER, IRL, ITA, MON, NOR, POR, SUI, SWE, TUR, USA). Given that the sun almost never sets in Scandinavia in the summer months, it should be a given that the very experienced and capable KSSS RC/ PRO team will be able to complete the ten races planned for the event.. Read more here.

J/70 Corinthian World Championship Preview

(Marblehead, MA)- From September 22nd to 28th, 2025, the magnificent Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, MA, will be hosting the J/70 Corinthian World Championship for a fleet of thirty-seven teams from seven nations (BER, BRA, CAN, CHINA, ITA, MEX, & USA). Read more here.

J/24 USA Corinthian Nationals Preview

(San Diego, CA)- From September 3rd to 7th, 2025, the Southwestern Yacht Club in San Diego, CA, will play host to the 2025 J/24 USA Corinthian National Championship. So far, twelve teams have registered to compete for the Corinthian National Title. The event is being attended by a predominantly Southern California fleet of boats. Read more here.

J/24 Worlds Championship Preview

(Plymouth, England)- This coming September 6th to 14th, 2025, the Plymouth Yacht Club in Plymouth- Great Britain’s Ocean City- is to host the 45th edition of the J/24 World Championship in 2025. The Club will play host to fifty-one teams from eleven nations (ARG, AUS, FRA, GBR, HUN, IRL, ITA, JPN, NED, SWE, & USA). Event co-director Sam Marshall said, “We are absolutely delighted to have been given the privilege and honor of hosting the 2025 World Championship.” Read more here.

The Vineyard Race 2025 Preview

(Stamford, CT)- Stamford Yacht Club is the proud sponsor and host of the Vineyard Race. This classic yachting event began in 1932 and typically attracts over 100 boats of all sizes from all over New England. The 238-mile course stretches from inside Long Island Sound at Shippan Point in Stamford, Connecticut, to the light tower at the entrance to Buzzard’s Bay, and then returns to the finish in Stamford Harbor, leaving Block Island to starboard on the way out and back. Those who are successful often credit local knowledge of these tricky waters going in and out of the infamous “The Race” at the opening of Long Island Sound to the treacherous waters of the north Atlantic Ocean, along with a good deal of luck.  The Vineyard Race was described in Yachting Magazine as follows: “The greatest distance races of the world have several things in common – a challenging course, competitive fleets, and an interesting array of famous yachts. By those standards, the Stamford Yacht Club’s Vineyard Race rates close to the top. Like a miniature Fastnet, the Vineyard has a combination of coastal cruising, where currents play a big role, a stretch of ocean sailing, and a mark to round – the Buzzards Bay tower – before returning.” 
The race has been popular with many offshore J/Teams for decades. This year’s event will feature over a dozen J’s across the many ORC and PHRF handicap divisions. Here’s the breakdown of those sailing the race.  Read more here.

J/Gear- September 20% off Special
The J/Marmot vest is just in time for a few cool days sneaking in at the end of the season. The J/Marmot Tempo Vest is a combination of performance and comfort. Light enough for easy stowage, but formidable enough for weather changes.
Material:

6.8 oz/yd, softshell double-weave 97% polyester, 3% elastane stretchM3 Softshell
Water-repellent and breathable

Features:

Zippered chest pocket
Zippered handwarmer pockets
Elastic drawcord hem
Choose your J/Class logo and customize with boat name and sail number as an option. The Ladies 9591 is a companion to the men’s 9602.

J Marmot Mens Vest-click here. || J Marmot Ladies Arctic Vest- click here.

(Düsseldorf, Germany)- The world-famous BOOT Düsseldorf Boat Show is taking place from January 17th to 25th, 2026, in Düsseldorf, Germany, at the sprawling Messe Conference & Exhibit Center along the gorgeous Rhine River.
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, Düsseldorf 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 debut of the new J/7 daysailer, the latest J/99 shorthanded offshore speedster, the new J/36 twin-wheeled racer-cruiser, and the magnificent J/40 performance cruising yacht!
For more BOOT Düsseldorf 2026 boat show informationhttps://www.boot.com/

(Annapolis, MD)- The 2025 edition of the United States Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, will run from October 9th to 12th. J/Boats is excited to feature one of its largest displays in years, showcasing our latest designs with four boats on display.
All J/Sailors and J/Lovers are invited to join us on the J/Stand in Annapolis, where we will be displaying the new J/7 daysailer, the J/9 daysailer, the new J/36 performance cruiser/racer, and the magnificent J/40 offshore performance cruising yacht.
For more Annapolis Sailboat Show informationhttps://www.annapolisboatshows.com/sailboat-show/

(La Rochelle, France)- The Grand Pavois La Rochelle Boat Show will be taking place from September 23rd to 28th at the Port des Minimes in La Rochelle, France. As in past years, over 750 boats are on display and at least 80,000 visitors are expected to attend the six-day show, one of the most popular in Europe due to the wonderful fall weather often experienced at this time of year.

Be sure to explore the new J/7 daysailer, it’s the European introduction of this extremely popular little daysailer! Then, enjoy the race-winning potential of our new line of offshore racer-cruisers- the J/99, the new J/36 (a J/112E with a new deck and twin-wheel cockpit- see above), and the J/40.
For more Grand Pavois La Rochelle Boat Show informationhttps://grand-pavois.com/en/homepage/

(Newport, RI)- Mark your calendars now! It’s that time of year to catch up with friends and discuss the current line-up of J/Boats at the Newport International Boat Show. The event runs from Thursday, September 11, to Sunday, September 14, along the waterfront in Newport, RI.
On display will be the daysailer sisterships- the J/7 and the J/9. In addition, the hottest new offshore cruiser-racers will be on display: the new J/36 with twin wheels and the J/40.
Come join us and catch up on the latest happenings in the world of J/Boats! We hope to see you there!
Newport International Boat Show informationhttps://www.newportboatshow.com/en/home.html

(Stamford, CT)- Stamford Yacht Club is the proud sponsor and host of the Vineyard Race. This classic yachting event began in 1932 and typically attracts over 100 boats of all sizes from all over New England. The 238-mile course stretches from inside Long Island Sound at Shippan Point in Stamford, Connecticut, to the light tower at the entrance to Buzzard’s Bay, and then returns to the finish in Stamford Harbor, leaving Block Island to starboard on the way out and back. Those who are successful often credit local knowledge of these tricky waters going in and out of the infamous “The Race” at the opening of Long Island Sound to the treacherous waters of the north Atlantic Ocean, along with a good deal of luck. The Vineyard Race was described in Yachting Magazine as follows: “The greatest distance races of the world have several things in common – a challenging course, competitive fleets, and an interesting array of famous yachts. By those standards, the Stamford Yacht Club’s Vineyard Race rates close to the top. Like a miniature Fastnet, the Vineyard has a combination of coastal cruising, where currents play a big role, a stretch of ocean sailing, and a mark to round – the Buzzards Bay tower – before returning.”
The race has been popular with many offshore J/Teams for decades. This year’s event will feature over a dozen J’s across the many ORC and PHRF handicap divisions. Here’s the breakdown of those sailing the race.

PHRF Doublehanded DivisionIn this five-boat fleet are four J/crews! Perhaps a sweep is possible by these teams! LOL! Sailing is a past winner, the J/105 YOUNG AMERICAN from American Yacht Club. They will be challenged by a trio of well-sailed J/99 duos- Mike Kohler’s EVENTYR, Kevin Marks’s VELOCITY 2, and Doug McKeige’s SAVE THE SOUND.
ORC 7 DivisionIn this four-boat fleet is Ned Jobson’s J/105 SLEEPER and Todd Aven’s J/99 THIN MAN.
ORC 9 DivisionHalf of this eight-boat fleet is J/Teams; e.g., that spells bad news for everyone else! Those boats include John Sutherland’s J/111 19th NERVOUS BREAKDOWN, two J/122s (Andrew Clark’s ZIG ZAG & David Rosow’s LOKI), and Albrecht Goethe’s J/46 HAMBURG II.
ORC 11 DivisionHalf of this dozen-boat fleet are J/teams, many with loads of offshore experience and, especially, dozens of Vineyard Race veterans amongst those teams. For starters, there is a trio of J/121s racing- Steven Levy’s EAGLE, Steve Losik’s HABIRU, and Trevor Roach’s TOUCH OF GREY. Joining them are twin J/133s- Steve Brownlie’s ASSARAIN IV and Ove Haxthausen’s RUMBA. Then, staring them all in the face at the start and hoping to sail away from everyone is Macrae Sykes’s J/125 GOOD NEWS. This will be one tough class to win! Guaranteed!
PHRF 6 DivisionSailing this five-boat fleet is Steve Landy & Derek Soohoo’s J/100 SANGUINE.
PHRF 8 DivisionThis quartet of boats will feature two hot J/109s- John Greifzu’s GROWTH SPURT and Cary & Hannah James’s SUNNY SIDE. Fresh from a near-win at the recent J/109 North Americans in Chicago, the betting odds are that Greifzu’s GROWTH SPURT team finishes on top.
PHRF 10 DivisionOne has to feel some empathy for the four competitors up against a quintet of very experienced J/120 teams entered in this fleet. It wouldn’t surprise anyone that the J/120s sweep the class. Sailing are Brian Spears’s MADISON, John Sartorius’s ALIBI, Richard West’s CHARLOTTE, Andrian Lubimov’s DUET, and William Klein’s SPECK.
PHRF 12 DivisionFour of the seven teams in this fleet are J/Teams, and virtually all of them have won silver in various races over time. To say it’s the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” waiting to cash in for more silverware would not be an understatement. Leading the charge should be Len Sitar’s magnificent blue J/160 COUGAR. However, charging hard on their heels will be Constantine Baris’s J/122 DIRE WOLF and two J/111s- Bill & Jackie Baxter’s FIREBALL and Peter Chirlian’s CIAO BABY.
For more Vineyard Race sailing informationhttps://www.stamfordyc.com/Sailing/Vineyard_Race_(1)

Late summer was electric for the J/Community this past week, with new boats, big regattas, and plenty of silverware. Newport buzzed, first at the Sail Newport Gala where the new J/7 daysailer turned heads, and soon at the Newport International Boat Show, where sailors can see the full lineup— from the J/7 and J/9 to the new J/36 and J/40.
On the race course, J/Teams have been busy racking up results on both sides of the Atlantic. From distance racing glory in the Round Long Island and Ida Lewis Distance Races to blustery one-design battles in Hood River, Chester, and San Francisco Bay, the action has been non-stop. Across Europe, the J/70 Sailing Leagues in Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Austria are heating up—with national pride, bragging rights, and tight racing on the line.
It’s also been inspiring to watch women’s sailing take center stage, with top performances at the USA Women’s Match Racing Championship in San Francisco and strong youth competition in Newport.

J/7 Daysailer Stars @ Sail Newport Gala!
(Newport, RI)- The annual summer gala for the Sail Newport organization in Newport, RI took place this past week. Featured at the docks in front of the huge “marquee” tent and the Sail Newport building was the new J/7 daysailer, resplendent in “dress ship” style. Next year, a new fleet of J/7s will become the new training boat for the Sail Newport keelboat programs!.  Read more here.

Newport Boat Show- J/7, J/9, NEW J/36, and J/40 on Display

(Newport, RI)- Mark your calendars now! It’s that time of year to catch up with friends and discuss the current line-up of J/Boats at the Newport International Boat Show. The event runs from Thursday, September 11, to Sunday, September 14. 
On display will be the daysailer sisterships- the J/7 and the J/9. In addition, the HOT new offshore cruiser-racers will be on display- the NEW J/36 with twin-wheels and the J/40.  Read more here.

J/Teams Garner Boatloads of Silverware @ Round Long Island Race

Sweep Top 5 PHRF 9 and Top 2 in PHRF 10 Divisions!(New York, NY)- “Our ACADIA had a successful start to distance racing last week! I sailed the 209-mile Around Long Island Race with my cousins and some longtime friends,” commented Erik Asgeirsson, owner/ skipper of the J/45 ACADIA.
“We got 2nd in our competitive division and were 5th overall out of a 50-plus fleet of boats. It was a few races in one, and we did well in each leg. We led our division beating to windward out of New York Harbor and have some great pictures with the Statue of Liberty. We then had an exciting code zero and spinnaker run to Montauk in a 20-knot-plus southerly. We achieved a new top speed of over 16 knots! 
A well-sailed J/121 HARIBU passed us on the way to Montauk. They had an A3 spinnaker, which they deployed a couple of hours before we set our A4 spinnaker.  Read more here.

Big Winds for J/70s @ Hood River One-Design Regatta!

(Hood River, OR)- The Columbia River Gorge is a wind seeker’s paradise. The river marks the boundary between Oregon and Washington. Windsports of all kinds gather here during the summer for thrilling high-wind rides. With launch sites like Doug’s Beach or Swell City, you might think it’s a Pacific beach, but it’s where coastal rain meets desert sun. The desert heats to 90+ degrees, creating predictable thermal westerly winds funneled up the Gorge. Windshifts occur, and wind can slant NW, W, or SW. Here’s Janet Laffitte’s story of wild sailing on their J/70 in 20 to 35 kts conditions!
“For one weekend in the summer, the boarders share the river with intrepid J/70 and Moore 24 sailors who seek the same thrills- short upwind legs flowing with the river and long wild planing downwind sleigh rides against the river’s current. Run by the small but mighty, tight but friendly Hood River Yacht Club, the Hood River One-Design Regatta (HR1D) draws sailors from as far south as San Francisco and north up to Seattle. The Gorge is home base for many professional and Olympic-class sailors. They are also HRYC members who are more than happy to share local knowledge or donate their time to boost the junior sailing program. Let’s be clear- regardless of sailing level, the local sailors are not wallflowers. Race night is game on, even in the 25-30 kts wind range, which the locals call a  normal race day. Forget the J/70 class rule wind limit because they would never go out otherwise!!. Read more here.

J/Teams Eclipse Chester Race Week 2025!
(Halifax, Nova Scotia)- The beautiful little seaside village of Chester, Nova Scotia, played host to another wonderful Chester Race Week. The Chester Yacht Club played host to over 100 yachts that competed on three different courses over the four-day event, which is billed as the largest keelboat regatta in Canada. Boats were registered from all over Nova Scotia, plus boats from Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick. For those viewing the racing from shore or on the water, they were treated to a kaleidoscope of color with the spinnakers billowing and pulling the boats to the finish lines. 
Near Perfect WeatherThe opening day began under calm conditions, with glassy waters and light air delaying the action. By mid-afternoon, a sunny day with a light breeze filled in across Mahone Bay, setting the stage for competitive racing. On day 2, it dawned with steady morning breezes, a welcome change from the calmer start on the first day. Crews took to Mahone Bay ready for another round of fierce competition across all courses, with close mark roundings, tactical duels, and shifting wind conditions keeping tacticians on their toes. Then, on the final day, the crews experienced lively conditions on Mahone Bay, with steady winds fueling fast-paced racing across all divisions. Crews pushed hard into the weekend, with overall standings tightening, and several fleets setting up for thrilling final day showdowns. Read more here.

Sarpsborg SA Crushing Norwegian J/70 Sailing League 2025!
(Arendal, Norway)- The Norwegian Sailing Association and the Arendals Sailing Club hosted the third stage of the 2025 Norwegian J/70 Sailing League in Arendal, Norway. Eighteen clubs from across the mountainous peninsula of Norway competed for “best sailing club” honors over the three-day event. Each club sailed fourteen races!
In the end, the regatta became a tightly fought battle between Sarpsborg Sailing Association, Trondhjems Seilforening, and Kongelig Norsk Seilforening. Just three points separated the three teams after the clouds had cleared in the fog of war. Winning was the Sarpsborg SA team with 18 pts, followed by Trondhjems SC in second place with 20 pts, then just one point in arrears for the bronze medal was KNS (Royal Norwegian Yacht Club) with 21 pts. Read more here.

Roskilde Sejlklub Tops Danish J/70 Sailing League- Hellerup 

(Hellerup, Denmark)- The Hellerup S ejlklub hosted the twenty-one sailing clubs from across Denmark for the third event of the Danish J/760 Sailing League in Hellerup, Denmark. 
After a tightly fought battle, the Roskilde SC team pulled off the regatta win. They were followed by the Kalovig Badelaug team in second place and the Sonderborg Yacht Club in third place. The balance of the top five saw the Royal Danish YC teams (Kongelig Dansk Sejlklub) take fourth place, with Sejlklubben Neptune Vejle take fifth place. Read more here.

Stenungsunds SC Wins Swedish J/70 Sailing League- Ekero

(Jungfrusund (Ekerö BK), Sweden)- The third event in the Swedish J/70 Sailing League series took place in Ekero, Sweden, for the eighteen teams competing for the title of Best Sailing Club in Sweden. Each team sailed fifteen races over the two-day weekend that was blessed with great sailing weather! Both Saturday and Sunday offered fresh gusty winds. All the crews coped with this well, but the unpredictable wind shifts meant there were constant, quick reversals in the races and in the results list!
After fifteen preliminary rounds, fifteen races per crew, Åmålsviken was in the lead ahead of Strängnäs, Stenungsund, GKSS, Halmstad, and Ekerö. These six clubs then qualified to participate in the grand finale race. Here, Halmstad was best, but closely followed by Stenungsund and Strängnäs. This meant that Stenungsund and Strängnäs ended up on the same final points of 5 each. The final victory was then awarded to the Stenungsund team (Jonas Berntsson, Clara Svensdotter, Herman Andersson, and Doris Lagergren), due to the better result in the final race. Rounding out the podium was determined by another tiebreaker at 6 pts each. Winning that countback was Halmstads Segelsallskap team over Segelsallskapet Amalsviken team. Read more here.

J/109 Wins Youth Challenge @ Ida Lewis Distance Race

(Newport, RI)- The 20th anniversary of the Ida Lewis Distance Race delivered an unforgettable offshore challenge for 35 teams that took to the starting line Friday morning (August 15) in blustery east northeasterly winds. With a demanding downwind start in 12-15 knots, crews had to precisely time their spinnaker hoists – a thrilling sight just outside of Newport Harbor – as they launched into the 24-hour endurance race.
“Hosted by the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, this year’s edition stayed true to its reputation, serving up the full spectrum of offshore sailing: strong breezes, tidal currents, and sometimes frustrating stretches of light to no wind at all,” said Event Chair Anselm Richards. “The racecourse tested both seamanship and strategy, keeping crews and tacticians on their game from start to finish.”
The fleet featured two ORC, one Doublehanded, and three PHRF (Aloha, Bagheera, Coronet) classes. From seasoned veterans to ambitious newcomers, all teams faced the demanding conditions that have made this race a classic on the northeast sailing calendar.
All was not easy, however, on the track to victory that sent the fleet from Narragansett Bay to Rhode Island Sound and as far as Block Island Sound. Stretches of little to no wind pushed wits and determination to the edge, extending the 24-hour race to between 25 and 27 hours for some and giving 10 boats reason to retire before finishing. Read more here.

Breault Dominates Women’s USA Match Race Championship!

(San Francisco, CA)- The USA Women’s Match Racing Championship was hosted last weekend by the eponymous St. Francis Yacht Club. This match race regatta was sailed in the club’s matched J/22 one-design sailboat, with ten all-women’s teams participating. The format includes a series of Qualifying Round Robins, Semi-Finals, and a Finals Series.
Posting sharp tactics and blistering boatspeed for all three days of the event, Nicole Breault’s team from the host St. Francis YC (Molly Vandemoer, McKenzie Wilson, and Hailey Thompson) virtually ran the table, losing only twice in races for the entire weekend!. Read more here.

Nautic Club Austria Tops Austrian J/70 Sailing League- Achensee

(Achensee, Austria)- The Nautic Club Austria celebrated its first victory at the final stop of the Austrian Sailing League on Lake Achensee. The Styrian team prevailed ahead of the Union Yachtclub Wörthersee and the home team, SCTWV Achensee. It was the third and penultimate event before the final on Lake Mattsee in September. The 18 best Austrian sailing clubs will be competing for the championship title in six identical J/70 sailboats.
On the first two days of the regatta, the wind didn’t arrive until late afternoon. However, at the end of the race, Lake Achensee showed off its best side: a steady northerly wind of around 15 knots set in by midday, allowing a total of 18 races to be sailed until the final whistle.
“Our goal is to compete in the Sailing Champions League long-term. We train with our J/70 class boats in Punat, we have reliable sponsors, and we sail with a well-coordinated team in fixed positions, which brings stability. Lake Achensee also suits us,” said NCA team captain Mischa Strobl, explaining their success. Read more here.

J/Gear- August 20% off Special
The J Diamond Polo is a mild departure from the solid colors. This fun diamond pattern is featured on a quality shirt by Adidas. Soft uniform collar and available with your J Class logo. Specify your option imprints and location.
Features:- 3.5 oz./yd², 100% recycled polyester- All-over diamond jacquard pattern- Three-button placket
Get your J/Gear 20% off special here- ORDER your special discount items here. 

 

 

(Newport, RI)- The 20th anniversary of the Ida Lewis Distance Race delivered an unforgettable offshore challenge for 35 teams that took to the starting line Friday morning (August 15) in blustery east northeasterly winds. With a demanding downwind start in 12-15 knots, crews had to precisely time their spinnaker hoists – a thrilling sight just outside of Newport Harbor – as they launched into the 24-hour endurance race.
“Hosted by the Ida Lewis Yacht Club, this year’s edition stayed true to its reputation, serving up the full spectrum of offshore sailing: strong breezes, tidal currents, and sometimes frustrating stretches of light to no wind at all,” said Event Chair Anselm Richards. “The racecourse tested both seamanship and strategy, keeping crews and tacticians on their game from start to finish.”
The fleet featured two ORC, one Doublehanded, and three PHRF (Aloha, Bagheera, Coronet) classes. From seasoned veterans to ambitious newcomers, all teams faced the demanding conditions that have made this race a classic on the northeast sailing calendar.
All was not easy, however, on the track to victory that sent the fleet from Narragansett Bay to Rhode Island Sound and as far as Block Island Sound. Stretches of little to no wind pushed wits and determination to the edge, extending the 24-hour race to between 25 and 27 hours for some and giving 10 boats reason to retire before finishing.
An Impressive Youth/ Collegiate TurnoutOf the 35 teams competing, five were dual-scored for the Youth Challenge and six were dual-scored for the Collegiate Challenge, each having the required allotment of 40% youth or collegiate sailors, respectively, as crew. Furthermore, a total of 11 boats (roughly 31% of the fleet) included at least one or more high school sailors (22 total) in their crews, and nine boats (25% of the fleet) had collegiate sailors (20 total) aboard.
Bill Kneller’s (Newport, RI) J/109 VENTO SOLARE, third in its PHRF Coronet class, won the Arent H. Kits van Heyningen Trophy for the Youth Challenge, while William Denker’s (Hull, MA) J/99 FALCON, second in Coronet class, won the Tuthill Collegiate Trophy for the Collegiate Challenge.
“It was an outstanding showing of the next generation of sailors,” said one of the race’s Youth/ Collegiate coordinators, Adam Witham.
ORC 2 DivisionIn this six-boat fleet, Bob Manchester’s J/133 VAMOOSE took the bronze medal, while Ned Jobson’s J/105 SLEEPER finished in 6th place.
PHRF Coronet DivisionIn this fleet of eight yachts, Denker’s J/99 FALCON was second, followed by Kneller’s J/109 VENTO SOLARE in third, and Jim Phyfe’s J/44 DIGGER in 6th place.
Ida Lewis Distance Race Gold Sponsors were Hogan Associates/ Christie’s International Real Estate, Palm Beach Motor Yachts, and Van Liew Trust Company. Silver Sponsor was Contender Sailcloth, and Bronze Sponsors were the Brenton Hotel and Hilb Group. Contributing Sponsors were Gosling’s Black Seal Rum, Safe Harbor Newport Shipyard, Stella Artois, Toni Mills Graphic Design, and Mac Designs.
For Ida Lewis Distance Race sailing informationhttp://www.ilyc.org/distancerace