This past week’s J/Newseltter saw the conclusion of thrilling regattas as some of the world’s top teams fought fiercely for prestigious titles. The 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League ended on a high note in Vilamoura, Portugal, with Tonsberg YC claiming victory after an intense four days of world-class racing. Meanwhile, SIN DUDA dominated the J/88 North American Championship on Lake Michigan, and Canada’s MANDATE secured their fourth J/105 North American Championship title on the challenging waters of Lake Erie.

As we celebrate these amazing performances, we now look forward to even more excitement. The upcoming J/24 World Championship in Seattle promises to be a spectacular event, with international teams gathering to compete in Puget Sound for the 45th anniversary of this storied competition. And in Germany, the J/70 National Championship is set to take place on the beautiful Lake Starnbergersee, where 26 teams will battle for top honors.

Fall Boat Shows Calendar!

(Newport, RI)- Amazingly enough, the summer is coming to a close in the northern hemisphere. This summer seemed to simply fly by! Kids are back in school, family back to work. But, it’s also a time to dream about the future! Fall boat shows are about to begin in both Europe and the USA. Here are the highlights for you to consider in both places.

USA

Annapolis Sailboat Show- Annapolis. MD – October 10th to 14th, 2024
This show will mark the USA debut of the extraordinary NEW J/40 performance cruising yacht. An exciting collaboration between J/Boats design team, J/Composites in France, and an inspired interior design influenced by French designer Isabelle Racoupeau. In addition, there will be the J/9 daysailer, and the J/45 offshore performance cruising yacht.

J/45 Video by Mike Coe- Experience the Performance & Luxury!
In Annapolis, MD, Mike Coe and 410 Films take us on an informative tour of the J/45 luxury performance offshore cruising yacht. Enjoy and watch it here on YouTube.

For more Annapolis Sailboat Show information.

EUROPE

Grand Pavois- La Rochelle, France- October 3rd to 6th, 2024
The La Rochelle boat show is one of the most enjoyable events for various reasons. First, La Rochelle is a famous French seaport renowned for its culture and amazing variety of restaurants, pubs, shopping, and nightclubs! Like Annapolis, this show will mark the European debut of the new J/40 offshore performance cruising yacht. In addition, the J/99 offshore shorthanded racer, the J/112E offshore performance yacht, and the J/45 offshore performance cruising yacht will be on display.. For more Grand Pavois La Rochelle boat show information

Valencia Boat Show- Valencia, Spain- October 23rd to 27th, 2024
At this spectacular marina that was significantly updated for the America’s Cup back in the AC75 days will be the 2024 Valencia Boat Show. On display will be the J/99 offshore shorthanded speedster that has been the stuff of legend in its short history of sailing across the world’s oceans. Learn more about it at the show! For more Valencia Boat Show information

Tonsberg YC Crowned 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League Winners!

(Vilamoura, Portugal)- The grand season finale for the 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League was held in the picturesque coastal town of Vilamoura, Portugal this past weekend. For four days, from the 26th to the 29th of September, the 24 best sailing teams from around the world competed for the coveted title. Teams from countries including Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Austria, France, USA, Poland, Netherlands, and Australia delivered nail-biting performances until the final moments.

Each day started with light winds, but by midday, the conditions on the Atlantic off the Algarve coast turned into perfect “Champagne Sailing”— an ideal setting for a late-September event.

The Danish Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub dominated from the start, but the Norwegian champion T@nsberg Yacht Club fought back fiercely. Both teams, known for their years of experience and tight teamwork, battled for the top spot.

The 2023 champions, Alandska Segelsdllskapet, struggled on the first day but managed a comeback on day two. Also notable was the Richmond Yacht Club from the USA, participating for the first time after securing a wildcard thanks to the introduction of the league format this year in the USA. The longest journey to Vilamoura was made by the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club from Australia.

After a few setbacks, Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub secured their spot in the Final Four during the last race before the cut-off, leading to a thrilling finish. The competition was fierce, with just a few points separating the top teams. Ultimately, the Final Four included the Danish Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub, Norway’s T@nsberg Yacht Club, and two Finnish clubs- Alandska Segelsdllskapet and Esbo Segelférening.

It’s astonishing to see how fast the Scandinavian teams have improved racing their J/70s! Much to the surprise of everyone in the regatta, this set the stage for an epic Scandinavian showdown.

While the Danes dominated overall, Tonsberg took the first race. The excitement escalated when Esbo won the second race, but Tonsberg Yacht Club took risks in the third race and stumbled at the start. Remarkably, they recovered and claimed victory, making them the champions. Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub came second and Esbo Segelférening came third.

The event was accompanied by a two-day livestream broadcasted by WedoTV in collaboration with SailTracks, allowing viewers to experience the excitement up close. The live coverage captured the intense racing action, allowing fans to follow their favorite teams as they fought for a spot in the Final Four.

“Our initial goal was simply to break into the top 10, so winning this race feels absolutely out of this world. Capturing the last mark turn was an unforgettable moment!”, explained Tonsberg Yacht Club. About the J/70 SAILING Champions League. For more J/70 SAILING Champions League sailing information.

SIN DUDA Crushes J/88 North American Championship!

(Macatawa Bay, MI)- The Macatawa Bay Yacht Club on Lake Michigan hosted the 2024 J/88 North American Championship for a fleet of eleven very competitive teams. The four-day regatta took place from September 25th to 29th on Macatawa Bay.

After the nine-race one-toss race series over the four days of sailing, it was apparent there was a “new sheriff in town”; a new champion emerged from the clouds of battle on Lake Michigan. Starting with an impressive 1-1-6-1 to lead the regatta after the first day, there was no turning back for Lindsey Duda’s SIN DUDA team, finishing the regatta with just 19 pts net! Behind them, it was a real battle for the balance of the podium and the top five for four other teams. Taking the silver medal was Ben Marden’s BANTER with 26 pts net. The bronze went to Dave Tufts’s GAUCHO with 31 pts net. Then, rounding out the top five was Dave Dennison’s PIRANHA with 33 pts net and Andy Graff’s EXILE with 38 pts net, finishing 4th and 5th, respectively.

CORINTHIANS Division
Winning Corinthians was Dennison’s PIRANHA, followed by Graff’s EXILE in second, and John Leahey’s DUTCH in third place. For more J/88 North American Championship sailing information

MANDATE Crowned J/105 North American Champions- 4th Time!

(Cleveland, OH)- This year’s J/105 North Americans was hosted by Edgewater Yacht Club at their wonderful facilities on the waterfront of Cleveland on Lake Erie from September 24th to 29th. For four days, the twenty-six-boat fleet enjoyed great sailing and awesome weather racing on the choppy waters of shallow Lake Erie. In the end, it was past Canadian Olympic Gold Medallist Terry Mclaughlin’s team on MANDATE from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto, Ontario that took home the J/105 North American Championship title for the fourth time! Here is how it all went down day by day.

Day 1- Gorgeous Opener
The was delighted by winds of 8-17 knots to launch the four-day series. Local Chip Schaffner’s FALL LINE leaped to the initial advantage with a pair of bullets and a 7 for 9 points. Building weather conditions on Lake Erie challenged teams at the event hosted by Edgewater Yacht Club.

2021 North America Champion Tim Russell’s NE*NE was only one point back in second place after tallying 7-2-1 for second place. Multiple North American champions Terry McLaughlin & Rod Wilmer’s MANDATE were another notch behind in third.

Schaffner’s FALL LINE kicked off the regatta with their first of two wins on Thursday, trailed by McLaughlin/Wilmer’s MANDATE and David Butcher’s HIGHLANDER. Following FALL LINE in the second contest were Russell’s NE*NE and Thomas Cliffel’s RAPSCALLION. NE*NE took home the day’s final victory, ahead of McLaughlin & Wilmer’s MANDATE and Bill Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO.

Day 2- Wild Day!
Lake Erie delivered fierce conditions Friday. Winds were consistent at 14-18 knots with gusts in the mid-20s and waves well above six feet. The Race Committee persevered for two races, bringing the total to five in the no-discard series. Tim Russell’s NE*NE rose to the top with a 1-4 on the day for 15 points. McLaughlin/ Wilmer’s MANDATE stood only one point behind in second. Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO moved into third with 21 points.

Russell’s NE*NE racked up their second bullet in race four, with MANDATE and THE USUAL SUSPECTS following. Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO succeeded in the next battle, including in the top three were Bruce Stone & Nicole Breault’s ARBITRADE and MANDATE.

Day 3- Penultimate Day
McLaughlin/ Wilmer’s MANDATE ascended to the top of the leaderboard. Three more races were completed Saturday in winds of 8-12 knots in choppy seas, bringing the current total to eight races. MANDATE scored 5-2-2 for 25 points in the no-discard series. Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO won the day with a 3-3-1 for second place at 28 points. Russell’s NE*NE stood another three points back in third.
 Russell’s NE*NE racked up their third bullet of the Championship in race six, pursued by James Rathbun’s HEY JUDE and Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO. Bruce Stone & Nicole Breault’s ARBITRADE claimed Saturday’s next victory, with MANDATE and DEJA VOODOO rounding out the top trio. Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO led the fleet back to shore, trailed by McLaughlin/ Wilmer’s MANDATE and Rathbun’s HEY JUDE.

Day 4- Glamma Finale
Consistency proved to be the highlight, as four-time winner McLaughlin/ Wilmer’s MANDATE came out on top. Their crew of Fraser Howell, Ian Howes, Andrew Kenny, and John Millen from the Royal Canadian Yacht Club in Toronto accomplished the feat without a first-place finish! Zartler’s DEJA VOODOO was a close second and Russell’s NE*NE, a competitive third. For more J/105 North American Championship sailing information.

Upcoming Events

45th Anniversary J/24 World Championship Preview

(Seattle, WA)- The Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle and the Port of Seattle’s Shilshole Bay Marina welcome J/24 sailors from around the world to Washington State and the beautiful Puget Sound for the 2024 J/24 World Championship presented by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese- the 45th anniversary!

The event’s debut in the Pacific Northwest will pair world-class racing with one of the most unique and popular sailing venues in North America. In addition to racing, the event will include several Northwest-themed social functions including a unique Opening Ceremony and can’t miss post-race refreshments and daily awards.

The Seattle J/24 Worlds has attracted competitors from Europe, South America, North America, Australia, and Asia in addition to the United States and Canada.

The week of racing will see 56 teams racing against each other on challenging courses set by renowned International Race Officer- Mark Foster from Austin/ Corpus Christi, Texas. The regatta will see close-quarters, competitive racing with regional, national, and international level sailors, along with many professional sailmakers fighting it out for the elusive title of 2024 J/24 World Champion.

Since the 1977 launch of the J/24; the first J/24 Midwinters in 1978 in Key West, FL; and the first J/24 Worlds in Newport, RI in 1979; the J/24 class worldwide has continued to enjoy a remarkable passion amongst its aficionados no matter where they are on the world’s five continents. This year’s J/24 Worlds in Seattle will see teams from ten nations; including the USA, Australia, Puerto Rico, Italy, England, Germany, Japan, Canada, Ireland, and Greece. Perhaps the most surprising “non-participants” are any teams from South America- Argentina, Chile, Peru, Uruguay, Brazil- a perennial J/24 “power” in J/24 sailing.

The leading teams that should be a factor on the leaderboard include; Paul Abdullah/ Nick Turney’s TEAM TARHEEL, Ignazio Bonnano’s Italian team on LA SUPERBA, the Constants family (Al, Dave, Steve, Mike, Dave Jr) on BLITZ, the Australians John Crawford’s INNAMINCKA, Pietro Diamanti’s team on MAGICA FATA, Kurt Dammier’s AMUSE BOUCHE (with local genius sailor Ron Rosenberg on-board), Mike Goldfarb’s WAR CANOE, Japan’s Nobuyuki Imai’s SIESTA, Mike Ingham’s USA 5443 (past 2-time J/24 World Champion), Mark Laura’s BABA LOUIE (watch out for these hot locals!), Scott Milne’s TREMENDOUS SLOUCH, Travis Odenbach’s HONEYBADGER, Susie Taylor’s TAKE FIVE, and San Francisco’s Jasper Van Vliet’s EVIL OCTOPUS. So cool to see such HOT teams sailing in this year’s J/24 Worlds since 1979… Your editor knows most of them as personal friends… very competitive sailing teams! For more J/24 World Championship sailing information.

German J/70 National Championship Preview

(Tutzing, Germany)- The German J/709 National Championship will take place from October 3rd to 6th at the Deutscher Touring Yacht Club (DTYC). Twenty-six top-class boats from all over Germany will compete against each other in this exciting and dynamic class on the gorgeous Lake Starnbergersee. The host club DTYC is particularly pleased that two teams from their club are taking part, including an all-women team with Anna Seidl, Monika Linder, Ann-Christin Goliaß, and Francisca Gründobler.

The J/70 class has become the world’s largest and most popular sportsboat class in recent years. These 7-meter-long boats impress with their speed, maneuverability, and the demanding teamwork that is required on board. With their easy gliding capabilities and high speeds, especially in good winds, they offer sailing at the highest level.

International participation creates excitement.
In addition to the best German teams, participants from China, Denmark, and Switzerland have also arrived, which creates an international flair and additional excitement. Sailors from all corners of the world have recognized that the J/70 is in a class of its own- on and off the water.

Exciting races and strong competition
The races promise to be nerve-wracking. With top-class crews and tactically demanding sailing, it is never certain in the J/70 who will come out on top at the end. Good starts, clever maneuvers, and the right timing at the buoy will be crucial. Wind shifts and gusts on Lake Starnberg could also demand a lot from the teams.

A well-rehearsed team on land
Race director Wolfi Stückl and his experienced team are looking forward to the coming days and are well-prepared to ensure fair and smooth racing. All eyes are on Lake Starnberg, where exciting competitions will take place.

The importance of the J/70 class
The J/70 not only offers thrilling regatta sport but is also a class that requires team spirit and precision. With a crew of four, perfect coordination is essential. Every move has to be perfect, whether steering, trimming the sails, or in the breakneck maneuvers that can make the difference between victory and defeat. It’s no wonder this class is becoming increasingly popular around the world- it demands everything from the sailors and offers spectators pure excitement! For German J/70 Nationals sailing results For more Germany J/70 Nationals sailing information

J/Soft Shell- October 20% Off Special

(Newport, RI)- The 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.

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

The J/Class logo is embroidered and you may customize it for the whole crew. Customize with your yacht detail as an option. Order your J/Soft Shell vest top here.

About J/Boats

The story of J/Boats is a classic entrepreneurial tale. With a $20,000 investment and a speedy 24-foot sailboat that Rod Johnstone built in his garage, Rod and his brother Bob Johnstone went into business in 1977. The boat they built, the J/24, has become the most popular recreational offshore keelboat in the world. The Johnstone family has made an undeniable mark on the sailing world. In addition to the 5,500 J/24s cruising the waves, there are over 9,500 more J/Boats, ranging from the International J/22 to the J/65, that sailing enthusiasts have bought at prices ranging from $10,000 to $2,000,000. Read more

You can read Bob Johnstone’s 2023 memoir, “MAVERICK MARKETER”, which Gary Jobson described as “A compelling, page-turner, with uplifting, fascinating stories.” The memoir includes background on how J/Boats got started and how many of its designs were created. It is available in ebook, softcover, hardcover, and audiobook formats on Amazon.

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J/Newsletter- October 2nd, 2024