J/109 E-News

March 2009

In This Issue
Raymarine Warsash Spring Series
J-Cup Preview
Annapolis NOOD
Frostbitiing in Southhampton
Upcoming Regattas
North Americans
2009 Planning
CNC headshotSpring has landed on both sides of the pond, and the diehard Brits are already racing every Sunday.  Regatta organizers are finding ways to offer more value for events to cash-strapped sailors, and there are some great new regattas now listed on the class website.  With such a versatile boat, distance events are working their way into the mix of old favorites like Block Island and J-Cup. Visit the calendar section of the website and make your plans now for a great season.
-Carol Cronin
Raymarine Warsash Spring Series
Warsash burgee
With forecasts of light winds for the March 22 race day, the J/109 start got underway in a 10 knot breeze which stayed with the fleet for the majority of the 2.5 hour race.
 
First to the windward mark was JAHMALI (Mike & Sarah Wallis), closely followed by JUST WILLIAM (Will Leonard), J-DREAM (David & Kirsty Apthorp), SHIVA (Matthew Boyle), BETH of FIVE STAR (Guy Knight) and new to the fleet JAMBAHLA (Richard Sainsbury & Gill Ross).  The laid inflatable leeward mark was most appreciated by BETH OF FIVE STAR who tried to skewer it with her bowsprit.  The course then took the J/109 fleet back and forward across the Solent to Ryde Bank but the wind did not shift as anticipated and the downwind legs were reaches causing the J/109 fleet to spread out.  On the penultimate beat to Hamble Yacht Services, J-DREAM played the wind shifts, rounded the mark ahead of JUST WILLIAM, and set off in pursuit of JAHMALI.
 
After the first three boats crossed the finish line there was a lull in the wind which caused JAMBAHLA to be caught by several boats including RED ARROW (RAF Sailing Association) and pipped to the line for 7th place by 37 seconds. SHIVA, who had fallen back to 8th after a tactical error on the first run, picked off the fleet one by one to finish 4th.
 
With more wind anticipated for next week, the J/109 Class has thoroughly enjoyed the sunshine and light winds which allowed us to trade in our thermals for shorts and sunscreen.
Results:
1st -  JAHMALI (Mike & Sarah Wallis)
2nd - J-DREAM (David & Kirsty Apthorp)
3rd - JUST WILLIAM (Will Leonard)
  More info
J-Cup Preview
Becci Eplett says: 

I'm already being inundated with questions about the J-Cup 2009 and that's great news as far as I am concerned. I'm really excited that there is so much interest so early on in the year because I think it bodes well for a great event - and that's just how I like it.  

This year, we will be hosted by the Royal Torbay Yacht Club in Torquay from the 20th of August to the 22nd August 2009.  The Notice of Race and the Entry Form will be emailed to you in April and will also be available online.

More info

Annapolis NOOD drops social fee
Nood LogoIn these challenging economic times, Sailing World and the Sperry Top-Sider NOOD are offering skippers signing up for the Annapolis NOOD the option of foregoing the one social ticket
normally included with the entry and receiving a $48 discount on the entry fee.

Entry fees go up April 6, so make sure to get your registration in before then.  More info
Frostbiting Update
RSYC Frostbiting J/DREAM (the winner of the Hamble Winter Series) won the ten race Royal Southhampton Yacht Club's Frostbite series. Photo by John Greenway.  Complete Results

This enewsletter was edited and produced for the J/109 Class Association by
Carol Newman Cronin of Live Wire.