(Punta del Este, Uruguay)- There were great expectations for the 2024 URUFARMA South American J/70 Championship that was held at Yacht Club Punta del Este from November 18th to 24th, 2024.

Thirty J/70 teams from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay were looking forward to the four days of competition on the southeastern reaches of the Rio de la Plata in the gorgeous and world-famous international resort city of Punta del Este. For many, it was a “practice race” for the teams wishing to qualify for six spots in the 2025 J/70 World Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina!  Read more here. 

(San Diego, CA)- The annual fun-loving fall regatta series in San Diego known as the “Hot Rum Series” saw the San Diego Yacht Club host the second race this past weekend. 

A fleet of 131 boats participated last Saturday. The race is a simple “pursuit style” event, where the slowest boats start first and the fastest boats start last; whoever crosses the finish line first boat-for-boat is declared the winner.  As has been the case over time, the classic building seabreeze often benefits the bigger faster boats that start late. There were thirty-five J/Teams (29.0%) in the fleet  Read more here. 

(Fort Lauderdale, FL)- The first of the SORC’s “Islands in the Stream Series” took place this past weekend- the Sailor’s Choice Race. J/Teams swept the top two spots of the podium in the ORC Overall Division. The SORC Islands in the Stream Series consists of four races. Read more here. 

(San Francisco, CA)- The annual University California- Berkeley vs. Stand University rivalry regatta held each fall on San Francisco Bay took place last Wednesday. With hot and heavy racing taking place literally within a stone’s throw off St. Francis Yacht Club’s famous waterfront porches, the school’s alumni and students and huge football cheerleading teams will be screaming and yelling their heads off in support of their favorite teams!  Read more here. 

(Houston, TX)- Here is a very entertaining and informative story about a woman’s first boat- a J/29! Thanks for this contribution from Elizabeth Quintanilla.

Lakewood Yacht Club’s J/Fest Southwest 2024 in Galveston Bay stands as a testament to grit, determination, and the strength of the community. It’s not just about the result but the incredible journey to get there. Coming in last place at J/Fest Southwest 2024 might sound disappointing to some. But for me, it was a triumph in proving the joy and accessibility of sailboat racing on a budget. 

I’ve spent countless hours on the water, fueled by passion and a strong competitive spirit. With my fantastic crewmates across various teams, we’ve formed a bond that only comes from facing the challenges of sailboat racing head-on. Each race is a story of resilience, from reading the wind shifts to executing flawless tacks and gybes. It’s not just about the thrill but the connection we feel with the sea, the boat, and each other. We are driven by the desire to win and the shared experiences that bring us closer, one sail at a time.  Our journey is one of constant learning. We embrace both triumphs and setbacks as we navigate the competitive sailing world, especially if we come from non-traditional backgrounds. We are grateful for every moment on the water, chasing new horizons and racing toward our next adventure. Read more here.