J/Boats News & Reviews

J/125 Crushes Overall! J/Crews Clean House and Silver in Various Divisions
(San Francisco, CA)- An annual favorite in the bay, the SSS (Singlehanded Sailing Society) Three Bridge Fiasco is the biggest yacht race in the USA west of the Mississippi River, with 300+ boats every year. The race is a pursuit race (slowest boats start first), starts and finishes on the city front at the Golden Gate Yacht Club, and the course involves the Blackaller Buoy (by the Golden Gate Bridge), Yerba Buena Island/Treasure Island (Bay Bridge), and Red Rock (by the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge). The marks can be rounded in any order and any direction, providing the crazy appeal of this race.
There were 303 keelboat entries for this year’s edition of the 3BF!! And, there are 54 J/Teams entered as mostly doublehanded teams- 18.0% of the fleet! Here’s the shocker, the wind conditions were so light this year that just 40 boats in total finished the race! Amazingly, J/crews nearly cleaned house and silvered in several divisions! Here is how it all went down.
This year’s event lived up to its “Fiasco” name, with sailors making varied – and sometimes opposite – choices and experiencing diverse conditions. This year’s edition was characterized by light winds and a strong ebb tide, particularly at the start. Many sailors struggled with the current, with some boats being “flushed” out of the gate. Weather conditions varied throughout the race, including fog, sun, and even a squall later in the day on their way back to Richmond.
As usual, sailors adopted different strategies, some going clockwise and others counterclockwise. Key decision points included whether to round Blackaller first or head directly to Red Rock. Many participants had to adapt their plans due to changing conditions.
Overall, this year’s event provided a challenging and memorable experience for the participants, with finishing considered a significant achievement given the challenging conditions.
Latitude 38’s publisher/editor- John Arndt- provided his usual entertaining perspective on the proceedings on San Francisco Bay. As he described…
“Plans are useless, but planning is essential.” – quote by Dwight D. Eisenhower.
“This is one of our favorite quotes. We always show up at the already busy docks early on the morning of the Three Bridge Fiasco with a working theory on how we might actually win the race. The plans are usually tossed overboard as we approach the starting line to see the actual conditions and observe the boats starting ahead of us.
This year was no different. It would be ebbing solidly all day. Wind predictions were anywhere from 2 knots to 22 knots, though we never saw that latter figure in our brief pre-race planning searches. Regardless, as we joined hundreds of boats approaching the starting area, there was some breeze from the north and some of the early starters were actually heeling. A little bit.
Naturally, that early morning breeze began to fade as the reverse handicap starts progressed. Most boats were choosing to attempt to cross, reaching from the west against the already well-established ebb and staying close to the pin where there was a bit more breeze than along the shore. It was crowded.
We chose to cross on starboard so we could go with the flow and then button-hook back onto port tack. That left us facing dozens of port tackers trying to head across the line. Somehow we found a path through the phalanx of port tackers. Amid the mess, we lost steerage and almost flopped to port, but were able to rush forward to hold our jib to weather and push our bow back down onto starboard. Phew!
We crossed the line and optimistically joined the 300 other boats, looking for a breeze while the current built toward max ebb at 12:10. While we sailed out to the middle looking for some of the fading flood, a large group of determined port tackers were hugging the shore to the west trying to fight the flood to start. Many never made it.
We felt hopeful as we slowly worked toward Alcatraz while seeing many boats along the Cityfront vainly hoping to start. It all fell apart from there. Occasional ripples, cat’s paws, and zephyrs passed our way. The building northwesterly we’d held in our dreams remained a dream. We were getting sucked and suckered to the north looking for that breeze and closing on the ebbing river out of Raccoon Strait. Forward motion vanished and we began to hear the loud flushing sound while doing unplanned donuts near Horseshoe Cove and the North Tower.
Many boats had already been sucked (pushed?) well outside the Golden Gate. Our race ended abruptly when we fired up the engine as the rocks under the North Tower rapidly approached. Oh, well. We started the long motor against the ebb and passed many skippers determined to persevere. We tied up at the Corinthian Yacht Club, put the boat away, had a sandwich, and were all done by 12:30, pretty sure that nobody would finish. (The good news was we were home in time to get to the 7:30 showing of the Ron Holland film in Mill Valley.) Suddenly, some spinnakers appeared over the breakwater, heading down Raccoon Strait. Could it be? Sure enough, a light westerly was filling in and boats were gaining on the ebb.
We’re not yet sure how they did it, but about 40 boats out of the 300+ that started, or attempted to start, finished before the 7 p.m. cutoff. Congratulations to all of them! Patience, perseverance, and some damn good sailing must have made it happen. Six or eight boats missed the 7 p.m. cutoff by minutes. Well over 200 boats had to withdraw, and we were among those.”
Read more of John Arndt’s Three Bridge Fiasco story on LATITUDE 38 here:https://www.latitude38.com/lectronic/drifted-three-bridge-fiasco/
In fact, just thirteen of thirty-five divisions had one or more finishers!
J/105 DoublehandedJust three boats finished in the dozen-boat J/105 doublehanded fleet. Winning was Laurence Bekins & Mike Stephens’s JOSE CUERVO. Taking the silver medal was Bill Woodruff’s ROULETTE, followed by Richard & Graham Deane’s NANTUCKET SLEIGHRIDE garnering the bronze medal.
PHRF Doublehanded Spin Division 13Winning this ten-boat fleet was Andrew Picel & Leland Hubble’s J/125 ARSENAL by over 30 minutes, plus winning the whole enchilada Overall!! Then, Rufus Sjoberg & Dylan Benjamin’s J/125 took fourth place, while Shane Riehl & Irina Potekhina’s J/133 DEFIANT took fifth place.
PHRF Doublehanded Spin Division 16Winning this eight-boat fleet was Dan Brousseau & Tracy Usher’s J/109 TANGAROA.
PHRF Doublehanded Spin Division 19This eleven-boat fleet saw just two finishers. Winning was Tim Roche’s J/92 ZAFF by over 40 minutes elapsed time.
PHRF Doublehanded Sportboat Division 25This thirteen-boat class saw a clean sweep of the podium by J/Teams. Winning was Mark Howe & Laura Parent’s J/88 SPLIT WATER. Taking the silver medal was Peter Cameron & Brett Dewire’s J/80 KANGAROO JOCKEY. Then, rounding out the podium taking the bronze medal was Steve Gordon & Charlie King’s J/88 INCONCEIVABLE.
For more 3-Bridge Fiasco Race sailing informationhttps://www.jibeset.net/JACKY000.php?RG=T006291399

(Key West, FL)- The 2025 J/111 North American Championship was sailed on the gorgeous aquamarine waters off Key West. Sponsored by SAILING Inc. from Cleveland, OH, the regatta was hosted at the Galleon Hotel Tiki Bar, where the sailors enjoyed a fun, easy-going regatta in the rustic atmosphere of Key West.
A strong ten-boat contingent of J/111s experienced a challenging four days of racing with mostly overcast skies and northerly breezes. With shifty, streaky winds, it was a game of “chutes & ladders” for the top five on the leaderboard. In the end, winning was Peter Wagner’s SKELETON KEY team from San Francisco, CA- Seadon Wijsen (tactician), Ryan Kern (spinnaker trimmer), Cory Schillaci (pit), John Collins (bow), John Hayes (mast), Dave Lyons (spinnaker trimmer) and Nicholas Gibbens (headsail trimmer). They climbed to the top of the podium on the last day to be crowned J/111 North American Champion for the fourth time!

The fifth and final day of racing delivered a thrilling conclusion to an incredible week of racing. With the course axis set at 000° and wind velocities holding at 17 knots, gusting to 24 kts, the conditions brought a fittingly dramatic finale to this year’s competition.
Under the direction of Chip Till and his efficient Race Committee, the 10th race was turned around seamlessly, ensuring competitors got the best possible conclusion to the regatta. The tight leaderboard in the J/111 fleet saw just 3 points separating the top three finishers, with SKELETON KEY on top with. 29 pts. They were followed by Bill & Jackie Baxter’s FIREBALL in second place and Jeff Davis’s SHAMROCK in third place.
A special thanks to the Race Committee, organizers, event supporters, and the fantastic teams at Galleon Marina and Tiki Bar for their hospitality and seamless operations.
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of sponsors: Mount Gay Rum, The Sailing Inc., Rob & Abby Ruhlman, J/Boats, Evolution Sails NZ, Harken/Harken Derm, EWE Spirit Foundation, Blue Aqua Productions, AA Dive Services and the Greater Key West Chamber of Commerce.
For more J/111 North Americanshttps://www.sailwave.com/results/NYC/j111.htm
Southernmost Regatta sailing informationhttps://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu/16411

(Hong Kong, China)- The annual Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Around the Island Race is one of the biggest inshore events in Hong Kong. It is a 26nm race around Hong Kong Island involving Class Keelboats, Dinghies, Beach Cats, and Cruisers.
With an entry list of 200+ boats entered, and more than 1,500+ participants from all major yacht, sailing, and rowing clubs in Hong Kong, the regatta is as much about racing as it is about socializing ashore to catch up with “long-time, no-see” friends from the region.
J/80 Class- 8 boatsFirst was the duo of De Angelis & Lucchini on J-CHI, winning by just over 4 minutes elapsed. Second was Henry Wong’s FOOTLOOSE in an elapsed time of 6 hr:28 min: 54 sec. Third about 15 minutes behind them was BK Lim’s LILA.
IRC 8 DivisionThe eight-boat fleet was eclipsed by two J/Teams. Winning was Nick Southward’s J/109 ADMIRALTY HARBOUR- WHISKEY JACK with a corrected time of 5 hr:42 min: 42 sec. Just under 14 min. corrected time behind to take the silver medal was Andrew Pidden’s J/99 JUICE.
IRC 9 DivisionIn this ten-boat fleet, it was Nico Cohen-Addad’s J/122E JINN that garnered the bronze medal with a corrected time of 6 hrs: 7 min: 9 sec!
For more Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Around the Island Race sailing informationhttps://www.rhkyc.org.hk/sailing/races-and-regattas/local-racing/aroundtheislandrace

(Key West, FL)- The 2025 edition of the Southernmost Regatta features the 2025 J/111 North American Championship that is sailing on the gorgeous aquamarine waters off Key West. Sponsored by SAILING Inc. from Cleveland, OH, the regatta is being hosted at the Galleon Hotel Tiki Bar, where the sailors enjoy a fun, quaint, easy-going regatta in the rustic atmosphere of Key West.
A strong ten-boat contingent of J/111s has been vying for 2025 North American Championship honors. So far, it has been a game of “chutes & ladders” for the top five on the leaderboard.
Day 1- MondayIt was a classic Key West day of sailing on the sky-blue waters of the Florida Keys. Dawning with a gorgeous sunny day and 13 to 20 kt northerly winds, the fleet was eager to get rocking and rolling. For anyone who has sailed in those conditions, the northerly winds blowing offshore always provide very shifty, streaky winds.
Surprising everyone with their speed and solid tactics, Jeff Davis’s crew from Cleveland, OH on SHAMROCK roared out of the starting gates with a trio of bullets in the first three races to handily lead the extremely competitive fleet by a wide margin.
Trailing behind them in second place was Andrew & Sedgewick Ward’s BRAVO with Bill Hardesty on tactics from Shelter Island YC on eastern Long Island, NY. BRAVO had a 3-3-2 for 8 pts. Then, sitting in third was Steve Young’s DIABLO from Bayview YC in Detroit, MI with a 2-7-3 for 12 pts.
Day 2- TuesdayWOW! Shocking outcomes and performances on the second day of competition. Unquestionably, Mother Nature was probably 90% responsible for such screw-ball finishes by the fleet as it was a dying northerly that was due to swing into the ESE late afternoon. That wildly variable wind produced a seismic shift at the top of the leaderboard, like the classic board game- “chutes & ladders”.
Loving the Long Island Sound type of conditions, it was Bill Baxter’s FIREBALL from Riverside YC (with multiple World Champion sailor Steve Benjamin on mainsheet and tactics) that crushed the day. By winning both races, FIREBALL rocketed up the standings from 6th on day one to first place by one point! Suffering the flipside of that scenario was SHAMROCK, sending themselves down the proverbial “mine shaft” and posting an 8-10 tally to drop to 4th place!
Day 3- WednesdayThe third day was canceled by 0900 hrs due to a forecast of 20 to 35 kts winds from the north due to a passing cold front. Flying “AP over A”, the fleet was told to take a “lay day” and explore all Key West and Duval Street had to offer on a cool, grey, overcast, very windy day! In short, many sailors, not surprisingly, gravitated to a popular sailor’s dive bar during the early evening- the infamous “Green Parrot Bar”- an institution since 1890… a “watering hole” known for featuring a huge, oblong-shaped bar, a jukebox, and frequent live music at the intersection of Whitehead and Southard Streets.
Day 4- ThursdayThe forecast for Thursday’s racing was for 10 to 15 kts NNW with very shifty winds and overcast skies. That made for fast racing in flat waters to leeward of Key West and the Northwest Channel. Re-igniting their afterburners after a decidedly mediocre day on Tuesday was Davis’s SHAMROCK crew from Cleveland, OH. With three races run, they posted a 3-3-2 tally to race to the top of the leaderboard again to take over first place with a 3-point lead. Now counting their drop races, this also enabled past 3x J/111 NA Champion- Peter Wagner’s SKELETON KEY from San Francisco, CA- to also leap onto the podium in the provisional silver medal position. Wagner’s crew posted an impressive 1-4-1 for the day for 22 pts net. Slipping back in the provisional standings to third place was Baxter’s FIREBALL team from Long Island Sound, posting a teeth-gnashing 7-2-7 for 26 pts net.
Friday will be the final day of racing with at least two races scheduled.
For more J/111 North Americanshttps://www.sailwave.com/results/NYC/j111.htm
Southernmost Regatta sailing informationhttps://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu/16411

From the exotic offshore scenery of Hong Kong to the aquamarine waters of Key West and the vibrant shores of the Caribbean, the 2025 sailing season is off to a thrilling start. The J/111 North American Championship in Key West has sailors battling for glory in a game of “chutes and ladders,” while across the globe, J/Teams are making waves in iconic regattas like Hong Kong’s Around the Island Race and Barbados Sailing Week. As we dive into these exciting updates, prepare for tales of camaraderie, competition, and the pure joy of sailing. 
For this upcoming weekend, whether navigating the famous Three Bridge Fiasco in San Francisco or chasing the breeze at the Bacardi J/70 Winter Series in Miami, these events showcase the incredible spirit and versatility of the global sailing community. Let’s hoist the sails and explore the latest!  

NEW J/36 Performance Cruising Yacht Announcement

(Les Sables d’Olonne, France)- The NEW J/36 offers the style and comfort of a well-appointed cruiser with the race-winning performance of the J/112E – a design that’s been winning hearts and silverware worldwide since 2016. The new name comes with a new deck, new cockpit, and new styling to provide more cruising appeal and sailing versatility.

Twin-wheel CockpitThe evolution of the J/36 lies in its newly designed deck. The cockpit features fingertip twin-wheel steering, same-level walk-thru transom boarding, and comfortable cockpit seating. The same refined ergonomics that make the J/36 ideal for cruising also improve crew efficiency for racing. All essential sail controls lead to the cockpit. And, as with all J’s, the helmsperson can also trim the mainsail for easy solo sailing. Read more here.  

The NEW J/40 Awarded “European Yacht of the Year” 2025- Performance Cruiser Category!

 (Dusseldorf, Germany)- What a truly amazing few months since her introduction! The new J/40 performance cruiser has won all of the major 2025 “Boat of the Year” awards!
After winning three awards for Best Boat of the Year from the American Sail Magazine, the French Voile Magazine, and the British Yachting World, the J/40 has now been voted European Yacht of the Year 2025 by a dozen leading European yachting journalists! Here’s the EBOTY 2025 introduction:
“Its timeless aesthetics make it stand out from the crowd. When the sails are up, it’s even more impressive: with awesome performance and an almost inspiring lightness of feel.
J/Boats, which manufactures in the Vendée Globe stronghold of Les Sables-d’Olonne, was an early pioneer. It was one of the first shipyards to use Gurit’s advanced Sprint process for hull construction, in which pre-impregnated fibers are infused under vacuum and then tempered. Read more here.  

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 award-winning J/40 performance cruising yacht! For more BOOT Dusseldorf boat show information.  Read more here.  

J/111 North Americans Update

(Key West, FL)- The 2025 edition of the Southernmost Regatta features the 2025 J/111 North American Championship that is sailing on the gorgeous aquamarine waters off Key West. Sponsored by SAILING Inc. from Cleveland, OH, the regatta is being hosted at the Galleon Hotel Tiki Bar, where the sailors enjoy a fun, quaint, easy-going regatta in the rustic atmosphere of Key West. 
A strong ten-boat contingent of J/111s has been vying for 2025 North American Championship honors. So far, it has been a game of “chutes & ladders” for the top five on the leaderboard.  Read more here.

J/Teams Garner Silver in Hong Kong Around Island Race!

(Hong Kong, China)- The annual Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club Around the Island Race is one of the biggest inshore events in Hong Kong. It is a 26nm race around Hong Kong Island involving Class Keelboats, Dinghies, Beach Cats, and Cruisers.
With an entry list of 200+ boats entered, and more than 1,500+ participants from all major yacht, sailing, and rowing clubs in Hong Kong, the regatta is as much about racing as it is about socializing ashore to catch up with “long-time, no-see” friends from the region.  Read more here.

J/121 Silvers, J/24s Have a Scream @ Barbados Sailing Week

(Bridgetown, Carlisle Bay, Barbados)- As they have for decades, the Barbados Cruising Club welcomed 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 love the long weekend of “fun in the sun”! The regatta started with the local Coastal Offshore Races, then concluded with the famous Mt. Gay Round Barbados Race.  Read more here.

Three Bridge Fiasco Preview 2025

(San Francisco, CA)- An annual favorite in the bay, the SSS Three Bridge Fiasco is the biggest yacht race in the US west of the Mississippi River, with 300+ boats every year.  The race is a pursuit race (slowest boats start first), starts and finishes on the city front at the Golden Gate Yacht Club, and the course involves the Blackaller Buoy (by the Golden Gate Bridge), Yerba Buena Island/Treasure Island (Bay Bridge), and Red Rock (by the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge). The marks can be rounded in any order and any direction, providing the crazy appeal of this race.
There are 303 keelboat entries for this year’s edition of the 3BF!! And, there are 54 J/Teams entered as mostly doublehanded teams- 18.0% of the fleet!   Read more here.

Bacardi J/70 Winter Series II Regatta Preview

(Miami, FL)- The seventh edition of the Bacardi J/70 Winter Series Regatta kicked off in December 2024 at Shake-A-Leg Miami. The second event is unfolding this coming weekend from January 25-26th, 2025.
The Bacardi J/70 Winter Series events lead into the season finale at the renowned Bacardi Cup Regatta, March 5-8th, 2025 for the J/70 Class and other one-design classes on Biscayne Bay in Miami, Florida. There are currently thirty-three teams registered to sail in this weekend’s regatta.  Read more here.

Grenada Sailing Week 2025 Preview

(Grand Anse, St. George’s, Grenada, West Indies)- Hosted by the Grenada Sailing Club, the Grenada Sailing Week is an exciting 6-day event for sailors who enjoy and love sailing in the eastern Caribbean in the “Windward Islands”. The format will be Skippers Briefing & Welcome Party in Carriacou, also welcoming the Rum to Spice feeder race from Barbados. Followed by Race Day 1 – Around Carriacou Island. Race Day 2 – Offshore from Carriacou to Grenada. On the official Lay Day the Light Keel Boat class will race around the buoys- e.g. J/80 one-design class. Then, on Race Day 3 and Race Day 4, all classes will race around the cans on the South Coast of Grenada. Thirty teams are entered from all over the Caribbean.  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

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

(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/

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

(Sydney, Australia)- Over the past 78 years, the ROLEX Sydney Hobart Yacht Race has become an icon of Australia’s summer sport, ranking in public interest with such national events as the Melbourne Cup, the Australian Open tennis, and the Boxing Day cricket test. No regular annual yachting event in the world attracts such huge media coverage as the three starting lines on Sydney Harbour.
The 628.0 nm course is often described as the most grueling long ocean race in the world, a challenge to everyone who takes part. From the spectacular start in Sydney Harbour, the fleet sails out into the Tasman Sea, down the southeast coast of mainland Australia, across Bass Strait (which divides the mainland from the island State of Tasmania), then down the east coast of Tasmania. At Tasman Island, the fleet turns right into Storm Bay for the final sail up the Derwent River to the historic port city of Hobart.
People who sail the race often say the first and last days are the most exciting. The race starts on Sydney Harbour and attracts hundreds of spectator craft and hundreds of thousands of people lining the shore as helicopters buzz above the fleet, filming for TV around the world.
The final day at sea is exciting with crews fighting to beat their rivals, but also looking forward to the traditional Hobart welcome. Plus, looking forward to having a refreshing drink to relax and celebrate their experience.
Between the first and last days, the fleet sails past some of the most beautiful landscapes and seascapes found anywhere in the world. The New South Wales coast is a mixture of sparkling beaches, coastal townships, and small fishing villages. Nevertheless, for most of the race south, the yachts can be anywhere between the coastline and 40 miles offshore.
During the race, many boats are within sight of each other and crews listen closely to the information from the twice-daily radio position schedules (“skeds” as they are called). In more recent years, crews have been able to pinpoint the entire fleet’s whereabouts and follow each boat’s progress against their own using onboard computers and the YB yacht tracker on the official race website.
Bass Strait (nicknamed the “paddock”) has a dangerous personality. It can be dead calm or spectacularly dangerous. The water is relatively shallow, there’s a south-easterly flowing 2-3 kts current, and the winds can be strong out of the south-southwest. These counter-manding elements of wind against current often create a steep and difficult breaking sea for yachts.
The third leg after the “paddock”- down the east coast of Tasmania takes the fleet past coastal holiday resorts and fishing ports with towering mountains in the background. Approaching Tasman Island, the coastline comprises massive cliffs known as the famous “Organ Pipes” spectacular rock formations, sometimes shrouded in fog.
The winds are often fickle and can vary in strength and direction within a few miles of the island. Sailing becomes very tactical.
After turning right at Tasman Island, sailors often think the race is nearly completed. But, at this point, there are still 40 miles of often hard very difficult sailing to go. Yachts can be left behind in the maze of currents and wind frustrations.
Even when they round the Iron Pot, a tiny island that was once a whaling station, there is still a further 11 miles up the broad reaches of the Derwent River to the finish line off Hobart’s historic Battery Point, with Mount Wellington towering over the city.
Hundreds of people crowd the shores of Sullivans Cove to cheer the yachts and their crews while volunteers from the finishing club, the Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania, meet the weary crews with open arms and famous Tasmanian hospitality, and escort them to their berth in the Kings Pier marina.
It’s an event that Tasmanians love to host in the middle of Hobart’s “Taste of Tasmania Festival”.
Then it’s time to celebrate or commiserate, swap yarns about the race with other crews over a few beers in Hobart’s famous waterfront pubs, such as the Customs House Hotel, or the Rolex Sydney Hobart Dockside Bar right on the waterfront.
For this year’s ROLEX Sydney Hobart Race edition, the fleet was treated to one of its more infamous boat-pounding, body-abusing editions. Over a third of the fleet dropped out. Amazingly, most of the J/Teams persevered and posted strong finishes. Here is how they faired by division.
IRC Doublehanded DivisionThis year fielded the largest fleet of J/Teams ever. A quintet of J/99s participated and many did well despite the extremely demanding weather conditions. Taking the silver medal was Jules Hall & Jan Scholten’s DISKO TROOPER- CONTENDER SAILCLOTH! Then, earning the bronze medal was Ian Smith & Lincoln Dews’s JUPITER! Finally, taking sixth place was Grant Chipperfield & Peter Dowdney’s J/133 JOKERx2.
IRC Division 3In this fleet of eighteen teams, it was Steve Watson’s J/130 RAGTIME that took the silver medal! Remarkably, this was Rodney Johnstone’s original J/130 RAGTIME bought in the USA and shipped to Australia!
IRC Division 5In this fleet of twenty-five teams, it was the J/99s repeating their performance in the IRC Double Division! Jules Hall & Jan Scholten’s DISKO TROOPER- CONTENDER SAILCLOTH took the silver medal! Then, earning the bronze medal was Ian Smith & Lincoln Dews’s JUPITER!
Jules Hall Interview:Kings Pier overflowed with spectators on Monday, all vying to get a prime view of the latest finishers in the 2024 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, and among the arrivals was Double Handed entry Disko Trooper_Contender Sailcloth.
Unphased by a gaggle of curious onlookers, the boat’s owner and co-skipper, Jules Hall, sat on deck digging into a hot cheeseburger and chips.
The treat was well-deserved, considering that for the past three-plus days Hall and co-skipper Jan ‘Clogs’ Scholten have been on a diet of mostly dehydrated food. It tastes like cardboard, but Hall said it’s convenient at sea, as it’s easy to make and “gets all the calories in quickly.”
“I could not face another bag of dehydrated food. Anything but the beef curry,” Hall said.
Apart from the food, the experienced Doublehanded duo had a cracker of a race, with several challenges along the way.
Hall said he experienced “nervous energy” on the first night of the race, with the wind instruments picking up gusts of 35-40 knots at times.
“And then we got through that [wind], and we had the southerly, and the southerly, and the southerly…” Hall said, about the struggle of sailing upwind. “So, we were basically either underwater going downwind or underwater going upwind!”
Until the final night, when the yacht “fell into a hole for four hours”. This cost Hall and Scholten the win in IRC Division 5 to the S&S 47, Love & War. However, they scored second in the division and second in the Doublehanded Division to Mistral.
“That’s the way it goes sometimes,” Hall said.
Theirs was the third Doublehanded yacht to cross the line, out of 14 (some of which are still racing).
Nine Doublehanded yachts retired from the 628 nautical mile race due to a range of issues.
The duo last raced in the Sydney Hobart in the inaugural Doublehanded Division in 2021, where they won on Doublehanded IRC, PHS, and ORCi Divisions. Since then, Hall has witnessed the growth in popularity of the Australian Doublehanded fleet,
“It’s such an awesome group of people – pioneering, learning how to build this part of the sport – and being so supportive. And also, so competitive,” Hall said of his doublehanded peers.
“I think the depth and breadth and capability in the fleet is growing exponentially. It’s amazing to see.”
For more ROLEX Sydney Hobart Race sailing informationhttps://rolexsydneyhobart.com/

(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 informationhttps://www.boot.com/