Eleven boats pulled together crews to go sailing in the New South Wales State Championship, with sailing taking place on Sydney Harbour and hosted by the Royal Australian Navy Sailing Association. After a six-race series, the entire podium ended up tied on 8 points each. On the rather complex countback to determine the winner, it was David McKay’s STAMPED URGENT that won the regatta with a 1-3-3-12-1 tally. Following them was Stephen Quigley’s CONVICTS REVENGE for the silver medal with a 2-7-1-3-2 record. Rounding out the podium in the bronze position was Stephen Wright’s TINTO with a 3-2-2-1-5 scoreline. In the PHS Handicap scoring division, Quigley’s CONVICTS REVENGE won with 8 points net, followed by David West’s ACE in second with 11.5 points, and Clinton Hood’s EL FIDELDO in third with 12 points net. For more Australian J/24 NSW States information, visit https://www.j24.com.au/nsw-state-championships-6-7th-nov-2021/.

As has been the case for the entire 2021 sailing season in Europe, many prestigious regattas in the spring were either postponed or canceled if they could not reschedule later in the fall this season due to the pandemic restrictions by various countries. That was the case for the J/24 Verbano Championship sailed on Lago Maggiore. Fortunately, the Lega Navale Italiana Meina on Isla Borromee was able to reschedule and hosted the fleet of a dozen boats over the October 23-24th weekend. After a near windless, but gorgeous first day of sailing, the LNI Meina RC/PRO team wisely postponed the racing until Sunday. Sunday itself brought a beautiful day of sailing with gentle adiabatic winds of 6 to 8 knots, enough to run three races. Thanks to two victories and a second place for the day, the runaway winner was Lario Mauro Benfatto’s COLIBRI II of SAILLIFE team. However, behind them it was quite another story. In second position, with a very consistent 2-3-3 record, was Marco Giuseppe Iovino’s team. Then, taking the final step on the podium with a 5-5-1 tally was Davide Morelli’s CAPTAIN NEMO. He had to win a three-way tiebreaker at 11 points each over Davide Garbi’s RAMBO and Alberto Terzi’s VIOLENTA. “It has been a few years since the J/24s have returned to racing on Lake Maggiore. There are not many boats in the water, but you can still have fun with a dozen J/24s that show up at the start of the regattas,” explained the satisfied Capo Flotta J/24 del Lario Fleet Captain Mauro Benfatto. “I would like to thank the organizers and participants for the beautiful event. Thanks also to SAILife which supports the Fleet with its boats and those of its members. SAILIFE is a non-profit amateur sports association, affiliated with UISP, born from a group of sailing friends who decide to start a common path in order to spread the culture of sailing by offering everyone the opportunity to get closer to this fascinating world.” For more Italian J/24 Class information, visit https://www.j24.it/.

After nearly two years off from sailing, the Argentine J/24 fleet assembled 19 teams to sail the Argentine J/24 Championship in Cordoba in the lake next to the Andes Mountains. The sailing club in Villas Carlos Paz ran eight races over the two-day weekend. It’s all short course format, using 100% jibs only and spinnakers with just four crew. The most experienced teams rose to the top, with Lozano Ruben’s SIROCO team (Romero Marcelo, Gustavo Schelotto, and Francisco Agusti) winning, counting four bullets in their scoreline for a total of 14 points net. The balance of the podium was a race between four teams. Taking the silver by one point was Ramiro Camiloto’s PURA VIDA team (Pablo Fabre, Carlos Trigo, and Guillermo Grasini) with 27 points net. The bronze went to Javier Caraca Moyano’s GRAN CARAJO team (Adrian Bereleijis, Hugo Canale, and Javier Papucho Matheu) with 28 points net. The balance of the top five was Martin Halac’s SEAWOLF team of Hugo Rivas, Sergio Nirich and Teo Nirich in fourth place and Trixi Augusti’s CAMBURY team of Rocio Agusti, Lucre Arrambide, Cande Berberian and Mariana Soares in fifth place. For more Argentinean J/24 Class information, visit http://j24arg.blogspot.com/.

The J/24 Senate Prize Regatta was recently held in Berlin, Germany on Lake Muggel. A fleet of eight boats participated in this popular annual fall event. After the two-day weekend regatta completed, it was Fabian Damm’s team on GER 5316 that won, scoring four firsts and a second for just 6 points net. His team consisted of Jonas Lyssewski, Janni Duhren, Thorsten Paech and Moritz Book. Second went to GER 5420 sailed by Julia Vitek. Her team scored all podium finishes to take the silver with 11 points net with her crew of Maike Hass, Gesa Gollner, Naomi Kosmehl, Kristin Mertner and Luise Boehlich. Rounding out the podium in the bronze position was GER 1196 sailed by Lasse Gulzow and his team of Joni Prill, Marie Held, Thilo Zepp and Julian Stegmann. For more German J/24 Class information, visit https://www.j24.de/.

Eighteen J/24s descended on Howth Yacht Club for the WaterWipes®️ J/24 Eastern Championship. With plenty of both new and old faces, including a first J/24 event for both Rush Sailing Club and Malahide Yacht Club’s K25 teams, the chance at some practice at the venue of the 2022 J/24 European Championship proved very attractive. The forecast for Saturday was threatening to pose a problem with very little wind due. However, veteran J/24 RO Derek Bothwell insisted the fleet make its way out to the race area. This decision proved fruitful as after a short postponement, the first race was under way. With about 6-7 knots of breeze and a strong flood tide to fight, crossing the start line proved quite difficult to most boats. However, following on from their National Championship success, HEAD CASE showed the fleet why they will be the boat to beat with an impressive first race win. JANA helmed by Colm O’Flaherty of Sligo YC claimed second with Mark Usher and JUMPIN JIVE in third. HEAD CASE wasn’t going to have it all their own way with J/24 stalwart Flor O’Driscoll nabbing a bullet in Race 2, with HEAD CASE second and JUMPIN JIVE third. Race 3 saw K25 National Champions Kilcullen from Howth YC round the windward mark in first after an impressive first beat. However, inexperience showed as they would have to settle for a sixth, with HEAD CASE taking another race win, JANA second, and JP McCaldin of IL RICCIO third. The final race of this sunny day had it all—plenty of position changes at the front with some impressive downwind duels to boot. In the end, JANA came out victorious edging out HEAD CASE across the line, with Flor and HARD ON PORT occupying third just behind. Saturday evening provided a variety of entertainment with the usual après sail socializing in the club, followed by a championship dinner which was enjoyed by all. With only 1 point separating the top two boats, it was still all to play for on Sunday. A less desirable wet morning didn’t deter some tired heads making it out to the race area for the final two races of the championship. With slightly more wind coming from the Northeast, race 5 got underway following one recall, with two boats succumbing to the U flag rule. HEAD CASE put in another strong performance to claim line honours with JP’s IL RICCIO in second and JANA third. The final race of this year’s Eastern Championship again went to HEAD CASE helmed by Cillian Dickson with Flor in third. Special mention to JANX SPIRIT of Tralee Bay Sailing Club who have been proving why they are one to watch this year with a second place to cap off a great series. HEAD CASE were the overall winners of the weekend with JANA picking up second place followed by Flor and HARD ON PORT in third. LSYC’s CRAZY HORSE helmed by Luke McBride claimed first Silver Fleet. Howth YCs Kilcullen claimed top U25 boat. A special presentation of the Traveller Series trophy for 2019 was presented to JP McCaldin for the 2019 season. A special thanks to WaterWipes®️- the world’s purest wipes- for the sponsorship to run the event. For more J/24 Easterns information, visit https://j24ireland.ie/j24-eastern-championships-2021/.

The dozen-boat J/24 UK Nationals were hosted by Parkstone Yacht Club, sailing off Poole, England. The PYC PRO managed to knock-out a 10-race series in Poole Bay over the three days of competition. Crowned as the UK J/24 National Champion for at least the third time was Nick Phillips’ CHAOTIC from the host club. His crew of Matt Hardy, Tom Montgomery, Ben Saxton, Cara Phillips and Emily Monkton had to fight to take the championship. It was a four-way battle for the top of the leaderboard with David Hale’s CACOON, Shane Hewlett’s PHOENIX and Sam Pearson’s HUSTLE. Just eleven points separated the four boats in the end. In the 10th race finale, it was a dogfight between CHAOTIC and CACOON. While CACOON had the upper hand placing 10th, with CHAOTIC behind them in 11th place, it was not enough for CACOON to win the regatta, as both boats tossed their final races to end up with 23 and 26 points, respectively. The silver-medal winning CACOON team included Hale’s crew of Dave Coward, Nye Davies, Matt Hitt and Jackie Hale. Rounding out the podium taking the bronze medal was Hewlett’s PHOENIX with crew of Paul Williams, Richard Freemantle, Ben Maddaford and Izzy Savage. For more UK J/24 Nationals information, visit https://www.parkstoneyachtclub.com/Sailing/Racing/Major_Events/J24_Nationals_2021.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lorne Herbert Chapman of West Vancouver on September 13, 2021after a long battle with Dementia. Lorne was predeceased by his parents, Herbert Chapman and Marjorie (Taylor) Chapman. He is survived by his loving wife Marylou (nee Duffy), and two sons, Peter (Jennifer) and Tom (Tanya), and by cherished grandchildren Max, Alexandra, Will, Georgia and Grace. He was also a brother to Judy Weaver (Bryan) and Ian, and an uncle to several nieces and nephews. Lorne was born in Vancouver, and grew up in Montreal, before relocating to Toronto where he spent a great deal of his working career. He attended Mount Allison University and Queen’s University, where he completed his Professional Engineering degree. He worked many years with IBM, and Bank of Nova Scotia and was able to assist many businesses through consulting practices with Coopers & Lybrand and the Chancellor Partners. His work took him to many locations, but he was happiest when a move brought him back to Vancouver where he could sail, ski and golf all in the same weekend. Lorne ‘ran into’ Marylou shortly after his return to Vancouver in 1990. They subsequently married in 1992. Lorne loved competitive sailing whether it was an International 14 in his younger years, or his J/24, Plus Ten, at the National Yacht Club in Toronto and then at the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. When J/24 numbers declined, he sailed competitively with the Dragon fleet in his Dragon, Eclipse. Lorne spent a lifetime of active involvement with the international J/24 Class, competing and judging around the world. With his involvement with the IJCA as President and then Technical Advisor, he was also very involved with the Canadian J/24 Class. Travel was another passion for Lorne. From European cruises with Marylou to visiting with family on the beach in Prince Edward Island and teaching grandchildren to sail. He enjoyed capturing these memories with photography and also enjoyed catching up with sailing friends across the globe. Together Lorne and Marylou enjoyed B.C:s fabulous golf and skiing activities, and the many crew parties and dinners with friends in West Vancouver. Lorne’s interest in photography was always evident in the sunset photos from the deck in West Vancouver and the pictures of Lorne and Marylou’s constant West Highland Terrier companions, Muggins, Charlie and Holly. We are ever grateful for the warm and excellent care provided by the doctors, nurses, nurse aids and all staff at Evergreen House, in North Vancouver. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, he received great care every day that kept him as comfortable and content as possible. A memorial service is postponed until a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. To write a condolence to the family please go to www.mckenziefuneralservices.com

Almost 3,000 sailors from 23 nations came with more than 900 dinghies and keelboats, sea-going yachts and windsurfing boards to 21 competitions of the nine-day Kieler Woche 2021. The cards were reshuffled in the J/24 fleet with three races to finish, but the prizes were distributed according to Saturday’s standings. Fabian Damm and his team remained in the lead ahead of Stefan Karsunke and Manfred König, all from Hamburg. For full events details, visit https://www.kieler-woche.de/en/index.php.

Keith Whittemore’s Furio needed only seven of the eight races to secure the title of 2021 Good Samaritan Hospital J/24 North American Champion. With crew Shelby Milne, Mark Rodgers, Brian Thomas and Willem van Waay, Seattle-based skipper Whittemore racked up four bullets and kept all top-four finishes for 13 net points. Mike Marshall’s American Garage also scored only top-four finishes and was able to take a DNS in the last race, earning second place at 17 net points. Travis Odenbach’s Honeybadger rounded out the top three with 26 net points. Congratulations to Mark Hillman’s Sisu for winning the Corinthian division (fourth overall). Sayville Yacht Club in Blue Point, New York hosted 32 teams from June 18-20. Whittemore won the last major J/24 Championship pre-pandemic at the October 2019 J/24 World Championship in Miami, Florida. “Long awaited fun to come to Sayville,” he said. “Everybody said this is one of the greatest places to sail in the United States. It’s an unbelievable venue, and the sailing is extraordinary. Perfect races…when do you ever get that in three days?”

Top Five overall:

1. Furio, Keith Whittemore, 1 -1 -4 -2 -1 -1 -3 -[33] ; 13
2. American Garage, Mike Marshall, 4 -3 -3 -1 -3 -2 -1 -[33] ; 17
3. Honeybadger, Travis Odenbach, 2 -5 -1 -3 -9 -4 -2 -[11] ; 26
4. SISU, Mark Hillman, 5 -6 -2 -6 -7 -5 -[33] -3 ; 34
5. YouRegatta, Carter White, 7 -4 -6 -4 -2 -[9] -7 -5 ; 35
   Complete results may be found at https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=13168, and photos are available on the International J/24 Class Facebook page.

Thirty-two J/24s kicked off the 2021 Good Samaritan Hospital J/24 North American Championship hosted by Sayville Yacht Club in Blue Point, New York. Conditions were beautiful on Great South Bay, as winds began around 8 knots and increased into the teens throughout the three races in a light chop. Reigning J/24 World Champion Keith Whittemore on Furio controlled the day with two bullets and a fourth for 6 points. Travis Odenbach’s Honeybadger closed Friday with a victory, securing second-place overall with 8 points. Mike Marshall’s American Garage posted consistent finishes of 4,3,3 for 10 points and third place. Leading the Corinthian division is Mark Hillman’s Sisu. Seattle-based Whittemore won the opening two contests, first ahead of Odenbach’s Honeybadger and Al Constants’ Blitz, then besting Tony Parker’s Bangor Packet and Marshall’s American Garage in the second race. Following Odenbach in the last battle were Hillman’s Sisu and Marshall. Racing continues through Sunday. Complete results may be found at https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=13168, and photos are available on the International J/24 Class Facebook page.

In commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the foundation of the Mexican Navy, there was a gala yachting event held in Acapulco, Mexico for this milestone. The Mexican Navy personnel helped transport many of the J/24s from the lake at Valle de Bravo to Acapulco’s harbor at no cost. The Acapulco Yacht Club hosted the event in which a fleet of 96 boats participated from different Classes. Sixteen J/24s took advantage of this opportunity to sail the calm waters of Acapulco Bay from April 20-22. The teams enjoyed amazing sailing conditions all three days. “We had so much fun that we are seriously considering making this an annual event where all our friends from around the world will be welcome. We hope to see you soon in warm sunny Acapulco Bay,” said J/24 owner Leopoldo Farias.

The Sandringham Yacht Club hosted their annual Victoria States J/24 Championship. The fleet was blessed with sunny weather, winds ranging from 4 to 18 kts and breeze starting northwest and shifting to the southwest on both days. Choppy seas made for difficult steering conditions upwind, with teams making the hard choice of which jib to use in the upper wind ranges. The fleet was unusually over-eager and aggressive on the starting line, with lots of general recalls, restarts, U-flags and even several U-flag DSQs. After an eight-race series, it was Brendan Lee’s CHECKMATE that consistently powered their way to victory, winning four races and counting only podium finishes to win by a significant margin. Taking the silver was Warren Campbell’s J-FORCE, posting all top five finishes for a cumulative score of 22 points. The bronze went to Adam Keyes-Tilley’s BAILE DE LUNA with 28 points total. Rounding out the top five were Hugo Ottoway’s BRUSCHETTA VI and Warren Slater’s JAB in fourth and fifth, respectively. Winning the PHS handicap division was Darren Cuttsy’s JOYRIDE, followed by Richard Taylor’s HAYWIRE in second and Chris Ravesi’s PANAREA in third position. Thank you to Sandringham YC Race Management and PRO Warren Campbell and the Committee for putting on a fabulous event. Thanks to contributors Carina Tomietto, Craig Wiley & Adam Keyes-Tilley. For more Australia J/24 Class information, visit http://www.j24.com.au/.

As part of their traditional summer series, the Argentina J/24 Class takes their boats to the base of the Andes Mountain range to a lake in the foothills known as Lago San Roque. This year, the occasion was the ninth anniversary of the Campeonato Central hosted by the Club Nautico Cordoba in Villa Carlos Paz in the mountains. Twenty teams from across the country showed up for some fun in the sun in the mountains. There were three days of mild winds from the northeast. Seven races were managed by Race Officer Leo Rivas. In the end, the winner of the event was Nico Cubria’s RINA and his crew of Mario Cubria, Guille Aporszegui and Guillermo Bellinotto. Taking the silver was Javier Moyano’s GRAN CARAJO with crew of Hugo Camele, Adrian Berelejs and Javier Macheu. Third was Ramiro Camilotta’s PURA VIDA with team of Carlos Trigo, Pablo Fabre and Martin Caruso. Taking fourth and the top women’s team was Trixi Agusti’s CARNBURY with team of Lucrecia Arrambide, Rocio Agusti, Candelani Berbenian and Mariana Felix. For more Argentinean J/24 information, visit http://j24arg.blogspot.com/.

The International J/24 Class Association (IJCA) will hold its 2022 World Championship at Corpus Christi Yacht Club in Corpus Christi, Texas USA on July 14-22, 2022. The scheduled host in Mendoza Argentina will move to a later year, due to pandemic-related concerns. Brad Stokes, Regatta Chair, said, “Corpus Christi Yacht Club, host of the 1988, 1982 and 1979 J/24 North American Championships and recipient of the US Sailing St. Petersburg trophy for excellence in race management is pleased to welcome J/24 sailors to experience our favorable wind conditions and our southern hospitality.” IJCA Chair Will Welles added, “We are very pleased that Corpus Christi will host the 2022 Worlds, and we are hoping that many teams will come and compete in this great sailing venue!”