Thanks for this contribution from Stephen Wright: The Australian J/24 NSW Championships was hosted by Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Pittwater from October 31 to November 1 on the gorgeous Sydney Harbour. Ten entries participated, but Paul Donnelly’s CALYPSO suffered a trailer-related incident and did not compete (it’s a long story but a good one…. ask Paul about it when you’ve got a few minutes to spare). Those regular boats who chose not to compete missed out on a great event, notwithstanding the weather which threw everything at us from warm and sunny to thunder and lightning and at times LOTS of rain! The venue and facilities were excellent, lots of hardstand space, cranes, a very professional race crew and helpful, welcoming staff. COVID rules were obviously in place and restricted social activities a little, but it all ran very well. The RPYC PRO Stephen Merrington managed to get all six heats run on a difficult stormy weekend when a lot of other club racing around Sydney was cancelled. Saturday started with a Northeasterly breeze around 10 knots, but later shifted southerly. Two races had to be abandoned halfway through which was unfortunate (especially for Steve Wright’s TINTO, leading both times), but that’s sailing! Steve Quigley’s CONVICTS REVENGE won Race 1, followed by TINTO and Clinton Hood’s EL FIDELDO. Then, Race 2 was won by Dave West’s ACE from John Crawford’s INNAMINCKA and David McKay’s STAMPED URGENT. Another race was started, but then the storm closed in and competitors were sent home in the pouring rain. With the forecast for an early southerly expected to get up to 30 knots, hopes were not high for much sailing on Sunday. But, we were fortunate to get all four races run, in a wind moving from SW to S and increasing from 8-10 knots to well over 20 knots. Wright’s TINTO won Race 3 after a poor first leg, coming from fourth at the last mark to the final margin of 24 seconds from Quigley’s CONVICTS REVENGE and West’s ACE. Race 4 went to Crawford’s INNAMINCKA from CONVICTS REVENGE and ACE. With the strengthening wind, all boats we were on jibs for Race 5. This race had the closest finish of the series, with the first five finishing in six seconds! ACE taking first from INNAMINCKA, then TINTO. The final race was getting tough with the strong and gusty Southerly really testing everyone. CONVICTS REVENGE got the better of ACE in a tight tactical battle up the second work to win, with TINTO taking third. Racing overall was very tight and competitive, with most finishing within two or three minutes each race. However, there were no protests and no (bad) collisions, so a good weekend all round. Congratulations to Quigley’s CONVICTS REVENGE team that won the series on a tiebreaker/countback from West’s ACE team on 10 points. Wright’s TINTO rounded out the podium with the bronze medal. The balance of the top five included Crawford’s INNAMINCKA in fourth and McKay’s STAMPED URGENT in fifth position.

OVANGA DELTA Wins PHS: The handicap-based PHS sub-division results gave the win to woman skipper Janette Syme’s OKAVANGO DELTA crew. Second was Marc Tromp’s WATERBORNE AGAIN and third went to Clinton Hood’s EL FIDELDO. A “Resilience Prize” was awarded to Steve Arnold’s SAILMATES. Competing in their first State Champs, they finished every race and flew a kite on every run. Well done! Finally, special “Thanks” to Bryce at Infinity Rigging, and Shane at Doyle Sails who donated prizes for the event. For more Australian J/24 Class information, visit http://www.j24.com.au/.

Thanks for this contribution from Italian J/24 Class secretary Paola Zanoni: With a trio of victories and a second place for the series, the Italian Navy’s Ignazio Bonnano sailed their ITA 416 LA SUPERBA to victory in the Coppa Italia J/24 off Nettuno, south of Rome along the Mediterranean coastline. Bonanno’s crew included Simone Scontrino, Francesco Linares and Vincenzo Vano. Hosting the event was the Nettuno Yacht Club and the Circolo of Vela Anzio Tirrena, with the technical and logistic collaboration of the Marina di Nettuno, the Circolo Canottieri Nettuno and the Italian Class J/24, and the sponsor support of Margutta Che Frutta!, Life Soup, Bontà Verde Agroama and Mille Gomme. Taking the silver medal was Luca Silvestri and his ITA 458 team on ENJOY TWO. Then, sitting in third, just one point from the second, was Massimo Mariotti’s ITA 502 AVOLTORE. After the first four National Regattas (Marina di Carrara, Mandello del Lario, Cervia, & Nettuno), Bonanno’s LA SUPERBA is leading with Pietro Diamanti’s JAMAICA team in second. Eleven J/24s have competed so far in the four-event series. “Maximum attention was paid to the provisions on containing the spread of COVID-19, thanks also to the active collaboration of the Port Authority and the naval sector of the Guardia di Finanza, who were present and available for every need,” explained Valerio Taveri of Nettuno Yacht Club. The President of the Marina di Nettuno Ugo Lori, the NYC President Mariano Manenti and the CVAT President Andrea Sanzone, strongly wanted to host this edition of the Coppa Italia. The Race Committee was composed of Costanzo Villa, Livia Serafini, Emanuela Proietti, Enrico Ragno—very willing to participate in the event, despite the period we are going through. We also wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Anzio Maritime District Office and the brilliant assistance of the Maritime Finance.” For more Italian J/24 Class information, visit https://www.j24.it/coppa-italia-la-superba-della-marina-militare-si-aggiudica-il-trofeo/.

Thank you to all National Class Associations that participated in the two-part virtual World Council Meetings in October. The minutes are posted at http://www.j24class.org/organization/class-documents/wcm-minutes/.

In its 139th year, Kiel Week focused on its roots again. From 5 to 13 September, the sport of sailing moved into the center of attention. It was an extraordinary atmosphere at one of the largest sailing events in the world—and in 2020, almost the only one. Teams enjoyed sailing at the highest level with unbeatable Class diversity. Wind ranged from 8-24 knots, with rain, hail and temperatures from 12-18 degrees. The J/24 fleet featured 18 boats who completed 11 races. Despite an OCS in the opening contest (later discarded), Stefan Karsunke controlled the competition, ending with 36 net points. The battle for second place was won by Frank Schonfeld with 49 points to Fabian Damm’s 50. For complete event details, visit https://www.kieler-woche.de/index.php.

The IJCA Executive Committee (EC) has put together the following guidance to NJCAs in regard to World qualifying berths for the 2021 J/24 World Championship. In general, the EC believes we should recognize all those drivers who qualified for 2020 Worlds in 2019 and provide them the opportunity to enter the 2021 Worlds. For the 2021 J/24 World Championship, each NJCA shall have the number of World qualifying berths they were previously entitled to for the 2020 World Championship. For the 2021 J/24 World Championship only, the U-25 Worlds berth specification regarding age restriction is changed to read:

RR18.1 One under-25 years crew as selected and nominated by their NJCA will be eligible to enter the World Championship and compete for the Under-25 Turner Trophy. All crew members shall be under 26 years of age on the first day of championship racing.
NJCAs are encouraged to support their 2019 qualifiers and invite them to enter the 2021 World Championship. The final decision on how each NJCA’s available berths are distributed rests solely with the NJCA. Parkstone YC can accommodate a maximum of 60 entries in the World Championship. The NOR has the specific entry process (registration and fees). The first 60 drivers (boats) that complete the entry process will have a berth at Worlds. It is “first come, first serve” based on what each NJCA reports as their qualification list. After the 60 berths are filled, the OA will run a waiting list.

The International J/24 Class Association (IJCA) and the Parkstone Yacht Club in Poole United Kingdom today announced that the 2020 J/24 World Championship scheduled for September 12-18, 2020 will be postponed until September 24-October 2, 2021.

“With the current COVID-19 situation, it is looking very likely that the lockdown in the UK is going to carry on for some time yet, and at this time no indication has been given on how an exit policy will work,” commented Bryan Drake, Regatta Chair. In addition to health and safety concerns, travel restrictions are likely to remain for some time as well as limited access to yacht clubs and marinas.

“The IJCA is extremely fortunate to have incredible World Championship hosts committed to the next four years that allow for this scheduling change,” said Nancy Zangerle, IJCA Chair. “We hope this approach will allow our Class members and our hosts to plan accordingly. At this time, of greatest importance is the health and well-being of our J/24 family. We all long for the time when we can return to the water.”

The IJCA World Council met via phone conference on April 20, and is able to confirm that all previously approved World Championships for 2020 through 2023 have agreed to shift as follows:
2021 World Championship, September 24-October 2, Parkstone Yacht Club, Poole UK
2022 World Championship, March (exact dates To Be Announced), Mendoza, Argentina
2023 World Championship, July 16-23, Corpus Christi, Texas USA
2024 World Championship, dates and exact location To Be Announced, Greece

The organizing committee, the J/24 Class, the Sayville Yacht Club and all of the sponsors of the Good Samaritan Hospital 2020 J/24 North American Championship have decided in the best interest of public health and in accordance with the Federal, New York state and local government guidelines to reschedule the regatta for August 11-16, 2020. All competitors already registered will be allowed to maintain their slots for the new August dates. If a competitor decides to withdraw for any reason, a full refund will be returned as long as it has been done before June 30. (Any withdrawals after June 30 will be returned less a $75.00 processing fee.) The special hotel rates at the Hyatt Regency Long Island have been rescheduled for August 9-16. All other questions should be sent via email to Regatta Chairperson/Rear Commodore Joe Buonasera at jbuona29@gmail.com. We hope to see you in August!

All legs of all eight races were needed to determine the winner of the 2020 J/24 Midwinter Championship at Eau Gallie Yacht Club in Indian Harbour Beach, FL. A victory by Tony Parker’s Bangor Packet in the final contest, coupled with a U-Flag penalty for leader Mike Ingham’s Nautalytics, gave Parker with crew Will Bomar, Emmet Todd, Zeke Horowitz and James Niblock the title. Bangor Packet recorded only top-four scores throughout the three-day event, and finished with 18 net points, one better than John Mollicone’s Buckaroo/New England Ropes. Mollicone started slowly out of the gate on Friday, but then notched five finishes in the top three (including a pair of bullets) to nearly capture the Championship. Ingham claimed the third position overall with 20 points, and Keith Whittemore’s Furio was just another point behind in fourth. Thirty-three teams competed from February 28 through March 1 in brisk conditions. “It was one of the tightest regattas we have ever sailed,” said Parker. “The regatta was won on the final leeward leg. It was fun and challenging, and any of the top six boats could have won. We had a terrific team with Zeke, James, Will and Emmet. They performed brilliantly.”

Top Five:

1. Bangor Packet, Anthony Parker, 2-3-[4]-4-3-1-4-1; 18
2. Buckaroo/New England Ropes, John Mollicone, [7]-5-5-3-1-2-1-2; 19
3. Nautalytics, Mike Ingham, 6-2-2-2-2-3-3-[34/UFD]; 20
4. Furio, Keith Whittemore, 4-1-1-5-5-[20]-2-3; 21
5. Tyrus, Kirk Reynolds, 3-4-3-1-4-7-[16]-6; 28
   Photos are posted on the USA J/24 Class Facebook page, and complete results are available at https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/19848.

The 2020 Australian J/24 Championship was sailed over four days of racing in a variety of conditions. Race Officer Steve Tucker and the Middle Harbor Yacht Club Race Management Team completed the full schedule of 12 races with two days of Northeasterly winds and two days of cooler Southerly breezes on Sydney Harbour. It was a closely fought battle for the top of the leaderboard, but in the end, it was the 2019 J/24 Australian Champion who managed to defend their title in 2020: Brendan Lee’s team on CHECKMATE from Sandringham, Victoria. Here is how it all went down for the 16 teams in the four-day, twelve-race, two-discards regatta.

Day 1: The first day saw racing on The Sound of Sydney Harbour in a light Southeasterly that became moderate in the afternoon. It was a gentle start to four days of racing, with wind strength and temperature forecast to rise as the event progressed. In the first race of the day, Lee’s CHECKMATE was third behind Steve Wright’s TINTO (Cronulla SC), the runner-up for last year’s Championship, but 30 seconds ahead was Middle Harbour sailor John Crawford and the crew of INNAMINCKA. In race two, CHECKMATE took a narrow win from David West’s Ace (MHYC), and TINTO was third. For the final race, Race Officer Steve Tucker signaled for three laps of the windward-leeward course running from south of Cannae Point out through the Sydney Heads, where the breeze held steady around 130 degrees throughout the afternoon and kept the fleet clear of the ferry lanes. David McKay’s STAMPED URGENT, the Cronulla team who placed third at the 2019 Nationals, were first home ahead of Simon Grain’s JET (Sandringham YC) and CHECKMATE. At the end of day one, CHECKMATE led the series score by 3 points, with TINTO (Steve Wright) second, and INNAMINCKA (John Crawford) tied for third with STAMPED URGENT (David McKay).
Day 2: As the morning Southerly slowly turned East, and then Northeast and freshened, the smoke haze cleared over Sydney Harbour to provide some good racing conditions. The MHYC race management team set a course between Middle Head and North Head for another three races. Race 4 was completed in an unsettled breeze with TINTO the winner by 11 seconds from CHECKMATE and VORTEX. The breeze had increased slightly for Race 5, but it was still fluky close to the top mark. STAMPED URGENT made the best of the conditions to finish ahead of Middle Harbour’s David West on ACE and TINTO in third. Race Officer Steve Tucker tweaked the course for Race 6, but there was some excitement on the start line with a number of boats making contact. CALYPSO (Paul Donnelly / RMYC) and PHOENIX (Joanna Lecka / CYCA) both suffered damage; with PHOENIX later sinking on Clontarf Beach within sight of the Middle Harbour Yacht Club marina. The boat was eventually re-floated and hoped to be back for the following day. Back on The Sound this afternoon, TINTO claimed another win, this time ahead of Warren Slater’s JAB and CHECKMATE. Two wins for the TINTO crew moved them to the top of the series table, one point ahead of CHECKMATE and eight points clear of the top local boat ACE.
Day 3: With the mercury rising to the mid-thirties C, humidity around 40% and the breeze topping 20 knots, it was an exhausting third day for the sailors. Three windward-leeward races were completed on a course set between the Sow & Pigs Reef and North Head with an axis of 025 degrees for the first two. INNAMINCKA was fast out of the blocks, claiming their second win of the series in Race 7 ahead of STAMPED URGENT and CHECKMATE. The breeze freshened to 18 knots in Race 8, and TINTO was back at the front, leading STAMPED URGENT and CHECKMATE to the line. For the final race of the day, the breeze had backed to 015 degrees and was 20-plus knots. Grain’S JET crew loved the conditions and scored their first win, with TINTO in second and INNAMINCKA third. After nine races, TINTO had a four-point lead over CHECKMATE in the Championship series score; meanwhile STAMPED URGENT was another seven points adrift in third.
Day 4: The final trio of races on the fourth day started in a moderate to fresh Southerly with the course moved out of The Sound and set between Obelisk Bay and Neilson Park in search of flatter water. Shockingly, regatta leader TINTO posted their two worst results in races 10 and 11 (an eighth & seventh), handing the series lead on a silver platter to the CHECKMATE crew who had posted another steady 2-1 tally. In short, with just one race left, the CHECKMATE could have DNF’d the race and went home delirious with their good fortune and celebrating with a few dozen “tinnies”; however, that was not the case. The story gets better, or worse, depending on which boat you were on. With the wind building to 20-25 knots, things got very interesting for the final Race 12. It took two General Recalls before the last race got underway. After getting completely flumoxed and frazzled in the first two races to give away the Championship, the TINTO team managed to collide with the Committee Boat in the final pre-start…adding insult to injury, as one might say. As a result, they were slow off the line and 11th at the first leeward rounding, half-way through the W2 course. Meanwhile, CHECKMATE was having issues of their own. At the same half-race leeward gate, they managed to put their spinnaker in the water, and the resulting tangle caused them to retire and take a DNF. Meanwhile, STAMPED URGENT, the boat placed third in the series, was following INNAMINCKA in the lead at the first leeward rounding, and held on to post a handy second. At the conclusion of four day’s racing, Brendan Lee and the CHECKMATE crew of Daniel Abbas, Daniel Cave, Will Shears, Keren Reynolds and Belinda Christie were declared the Australian J/24 Champions for 2020. While CHECKMATE was able to drop their DNF score and finish on 25 points, Steve Wright’s TINTO had a disappointing day posting 8-8-7 to slide back from series leader into third place, behind McKay’s STAMPED URGENT. MHYC’s Vice Commodore of Racing, Geoff Charters, presented the J/24 National Championship awards, and J/24 Australia Class President Ron Thomson presented the Handicap Prizes. First on handicap was PHOENIX (Joanna Lecka), second BAILE DE LUNA (Adam Keyes-Tilley) and third KAOTIC (Geoff Pearson). A special award was made to David McKay for an incredible effort getting the sunken PHOENIX back on the race track the following day. Many thanks to the Middle Harbour Yacht Club race management volunteers, the protest panel and NSW J/24 Association volunteers for enabling the Championship to run so smoothly, and to Marg Fraser-Martin for the great photography. For more J/24 Australian National Championship information, visit https://www.mhyc.com.au/sailing/regattas-championships/australian-j24-championships-2020.