Class News
Red Grant Regatta Announcement
Raritan Yacht Club will hold the Red Grant Regatta on July 18th and 19th. It is the largest regatta in New Jersey. We have had J109 starts each of the past two years and will do so again this year.
Raritan YC is an easy 6 - 8 hour trip down the East River from the Sound. We have 5 local 109s, and would welcome as many of you as can make it.
I look forward to seeing you there, or later this year on the Sound.
Mike Brown
Mischief
Raritan YC is an easy 6 - 8 hour trip down the East River from the Sound. We have 5 local 109s, and would welcome as many of you as can make it.
I look forward to seeing you there, or later this year on the Sound.
Mike Brown
Mischief
| 02 July 2009 | More Info |
Sail Inventory Discussion
President Rick Lyall explains the history behind the current sail inventory rules and asks for your feedback.
Fellow J/109 owners:
At last week's Block Island Race Week we included an “amendment” that allowed owners to change jibs and spinnakers at will during the day. We viewed this as an experiment and would like to hear your reactions now that the regatta has concluded.
The issue of sail inventory and flexibility has been around since I began racing my boat in 2004. As I recall, we only had one regatta with “class sails” that year, the 2004 East Coast Championship. Most owners did not have a “class jib or spinnaker” and had to purchase them. At Block Island Race Week in 2005 we had a meeting of the 19 owners in attendance. I was very much in favor of a larger, more flexible inventory that allowed us to adapt to the conditions. I was voted down 18-1 on the subject as all the other owners wanted a very simple one design inventory that made the boat affordable and easy to sail. In retrospect, that was probably a very important factor in helping to build the class. Owners were attracted to the boat because it could be cruised or raced and it had a simple racing inventory that seemed to ensure good one design competition.
We drafted the class rules in 2005-2006 with input from all of the US fleet captains and from Jeff and Rod Johnstone. The focus at the time was on keeping the J/109 class “one design.” We did not want owners to be able to use specialty sails because it would likely result in an “arms race” where owners with the biggest checkbooks would win. That was the rationale for limiting the sail inventories for a day and a regatta.
Last year, after the “windy” J/109 NA’s we received feedback from owners who had kept their “new” inventories up during the two heavy air days (>30kts) as they wanted to remain competitive. In response we solicited input from several sailmakers on a heavy air class jib that owners could change down to if the wind built to over 20-25kts. We think we have a decent design but never completed the work in time for a vote by the fleet captains following the annual meeting last October.
We also had a variety of input from owners and sail makers on the size of a “heavy air” spinnaker. Some owners thought a smaller kite might be more manageable while others thought the current class kite was fine. The class rules are flexible enough on the latter so owners could design a smaller or heavier kite if they chose or simply have their sail makers build a class kite out of heavier material. This is a topic I plan to revisit at this year's annual meeting.
All of this is a summary of the conversations we have had on this subject over the past few years. The question is how to build in flexibility without creating an arms race and still maintain the one design nature of the class. If we allow owners to fly any sail in their inventory with a class royalty tag then we could be encouraging the use of specialty sails to suit the conditions. That undermines the one design nature of the class. If we adopt the “experimental provision” we used at BIRW 2009, owners have flexibility to change everything but their mainsail during the day. I believe the closest comparables to the J/109 class are the J/105s and J/80’s, and both of them are more restrictive than we are in sail limitations.
Proposals to change class rules have to be submitted by August and then voted on by the Fleet Captains and Class Officers in October at the annual meeting. It is easy to adopt changes for lower level regattas as they can be governed by the local fleet captains. However, at the championship level, such as the NAs or East Coast Championships, we need to follow class rules. As a result we have to follow the procedure outlined in the Class Constitution to make any changes that are proposed and adopted.
This is probably something we should open up on the J/109 Forum to create a broader discussion. Please think about this and give me your feedback.
Best,
Rick
Fellow J/109 owners:
At last week's Block Island Race Week we included an “amendment” that allowed owners to change jibs and spinnakers at will during the day. We viewed this as an experiment and would like to hear your reactions now that the regatta has concluded.
The issue of sail inventory and flexibility has been around since I began racing my boat in 2004. As I recall, we only had one regatta with “class sails” that year, the 2004 East Coast Championship. Most owners did not have a “class jib or spinnaker” and had to purchase them. At Block Island Race Week in 2005 we had a meeting of the 19 owners in attendance. I was very much in favor of a larger, more flexible inventory that allowed us to adapt to the conditions. I was voted down 18-1 on the subject as all the other owners wanted a very simple one design inventory that made the boat affordable and easy to sail. In retrospect, that was probably a very important factor in helping to build the class. Owners were attracted to the boat because it could be cruised or raced and it had a simple racing inventory that seemed to ensure good one design competition.
We drafted the class rules in 2005-2006 with input from all of the US fleet captains and from Jeff and Rod Johnstone. The focus at the time was on keeping the J/109 class “one design.” We did not want owners to be able to use specialty sails because it would likely result in an “arms race” where owners with the biggest checkbooks would win. That was the rationale for limiting the sail inventories for a day and a regatta.
Last year, after the “windy” J/109 NA’s we received feedback from owners who had kept their “new” inventories up during the two heavy air days (>30kts) as they wanted to remain competitive. In response we solicited input from several sailmakers on a heavy air class jib that owners could change down to if the wind built to over 20-25kts. We think we have a decent design but never completed the work in time for a vote by the fleet captains following the annual meeting last October.
We also had a variety of input from owners and sail makers on the size of a “heavy air” spinnaker. Some owners thought a smaller kite might be more manageable while others thought the current class kite was fine. The class rules are flexible enough on the latter so owners could design a smaller or heavier kite if they chose or simply have their sail makers build a class kite out of heavier material. This is a topic I plan to revisit at this year's annual meeting.
All of this is a summary of the conversations we have had on this subject over the past few years. The question is how to build in flexibility without creating an arms race and still maintain the one design nature of the class. If we allow owners to fly any sail in their inventory with a class royalty tag then we could be encouraging the use of specialty sails to suit the conditions. That undermines the one design nature of the class. If we adopt the “experimental provision” we used at BIRW 2009, owners have flexibility to change everything but their mainsail during the day. I believe the closest comparables to the J/109 class are the J/105s and J/80’s, and both of them are more restrictive than we are in sail limitations.
Proposals to change class rules have to be submitted by August and then voted on by the Fleet Captains and Class Officers in October at the annual meeting. It is easy to adopt changes for lower level regattas as they can be governed by the local fleet captains. However, at the championship level, such as the NAs or East Coast Championships, we need to follow class rules. As a result we have to follow the procedure outlined in the Class Constitution to make any changes that are proposed and adopted.
This is probably something we should open up on the J/109 Forum to create a broader discussion. Please think about this and give me your feedback.
Best,
Rick
| 29 June 2009 |
109's Sweep IRC-5 at Rolex NYYC Regatta
Congratulations to Sweetser's RUSH, Herlihy's GUT FEELING and Lyall's STORM for taking the top three class spots in Newport last weekend.
| 16 June 2009 | Full Results |
LI SAIL provides coverage of J/109 events
The latest issue of the digital magazine LI Sail includes some excellent coverage of the Sag Harbor Spring Series and Sprit Fest, all with a J/109 focus. Complimentary subscriptions available.
| 09 June 2009 | LI Sail Site |
NOR posted for North Americans
The Notice of Race for the North Americans has been posted on Chicago Yacht Club's Verve Regatta website. Please note the fast approaching deadline. Because CYC's on line entry form doesn't accommodate varying entry fees, you need to change the payment amount manually to the correct fee.
| 05 June 2009 | Amendment to NOR for J/109's |
Block Island Race Week document posted
Additional requirements for the J/109 class at the 2009 Storm Trysail Block Island Race Week are now posted in the documents section.
| 13 May 2009 | Documents |
Busy and successful May Bank Holiday
After the conclusion of the recent Raymarine Warsash Spring Series, J/109s were out in force over the Bank Holiday Weekend. Three J/109's were tempted by the forecast of a favourable North westerly light to moderate breeze and sunshine to join the JOG RS Divers St.Vaast race; four J/109s participated in the RORC Cervantes Trophy to Le Havre and Royal Southampton Yacht Club Weymouth Double saw three J/109s compete in Class 1.
The JOG RS Divers Race started on Friday evening and instead of the forecast, the fleet were unfortunately greeted on the start line off Cowes by overcast Solent skies and wind gusting up to 27 knots. These conditions proved initially ideal for the sole J/105, Only Just (Andy Hill), who revelled in the spinnaker start and fast first leg to the Forts, showing a clean pair of heals to the rest of the fleet, which was led by J/109 J2Eau (Steve & Jody Maine) and closely followed by J/109s Jahmali (Mike & Sarah Wallis) and Just So (David & Mary McGough), together with Swans and Dehlers. Rounding Bembridge Ledge and heading into the Channel, the wind began to moderate, and yachts were able to settle onto a close fetch to the Normandy coast. Good average VMG's were maintained, and loss of concentration in the night was rejuvenated by sizeable pods of dolphins swimming alongside for some distances. As is often the case, the dawn arrival off the French coast was met with decreasing visibility and winds. The three J/109's had maintained a course slightly higher than the layline, taking them close to the Cherbourg peninsula and as the wind veered this allowed them to hoist their asymmetric spinnakers early. With flat water, boat speeds exactly matched wind speeds, and allowed the fleet to slowly ghost their way to the finish. The conditions favoured the J/109's and the overall fleet finishing order of Jahmali, Just So and J2eau was the same on corrected time, despite them opting for different sail plans and consequently IRC handicaps.
As the lock gate opened in the early afternoon, the sun shone, and the RS Divers (who had joined Jahmali for this race) sponsored wine flowed.
The Royal Southampton Yacht Club 2-handed race to Weymouth and back sponsored by McGuigan Wines also commenced on Friday evening. It was definitely a game of two halves – the leg out on Friday night was cold, damp, foggy, upwind and SLOW with a big park up at St Albans Head – the unspoken question was “why do we do it?” All was answered on Sunday on the return leg when in flat seas, a 15 knot north westerly and sunshine the fleet enjoyed a fantastic race back to the Solent. Over the two legs J/109 Zelda (Michael Ewart-Smith/Ben Richards) finished third and first, whilst J/109 Jambhala (Richard Sainsbury/Gillian Ross) was fourth on the way out and J/109 JoJo Gunne (Bill West/Mike Garvey) took fourth on the return leg.
The RORC Cervantes Trophy to Le Havre started on Saturday morning by which time the sun was shining and 108 boats gathered for the start off Cowes. A light westerly breeze greeted the fleet although with the wind exceeding the forecast it was to be a quick race. Three of the J/109s Jibe (Robin Taunt), Aria (Luca Rubinelli) and Jeez Louise (James Arnell) finished 7th, 8th and 9th in IRC2 on corrected time whilst all four J/109s finished in less than 20 minutes despite their variances in sail plan.
The JOG RS Divers Race started on Friday evening and instead of the forecast, the fleet were unfortunately greeted on the start line off Cowes by overcast Solent skies and wind gusting up to 27 knots. These conditions proved initially ideal for the sole J/105, Only Just (Andy Hill), who revelled in the spinnaker start and fast first leg to the Forts, showing a clean pair of heals to the rest of the fleet, which was led by J/109 J2Eau (Steve & Jody Maine) and closely followed by J/109s Jahmali (Mike & Sarah Wallis) and Just So (David & Mary McGough), together with Swans and Dehlers. Rounding Bembridge Ledge and heading into the Channel, the wind began to moderate, and yachts were able to settle onto a close fetch to the Normandy coast. Good average VMG's were maintained, and loss of concentration in the night was rejuvenated by sizeable pods of dolphins swimming alongside for some distances. As is often the case, the dawn arrival off the French coast was met with decreasing visibility and winds. The three J/109's had maintained a course slightly higher than the layline, taking them close to the Cherbourg peninsula and as the wind veered this allowed them to hoist their asymmetric spinnakers early. With flat water, boat speeds exactly matched wind speeds, and allowed the fleet to slowly ghost their way to the finish. The conditions favoured the J/109's and the overall fleet finishing order of Jahmali, Just So and J2eau was the same on corrected time, despite them opting for different sail plans and consequently IRC handicaps.
As the lock gate opened in the early afternoon, the sun shone, and the RS Divers (who had joined Jahmali for this race) sponsored wine flowed.
The Royal Southampton Yacht Club 2-handed race to Weymouth and back sponsored by McGuigan Wines also commenced on Friday evening. It was definitely a game of two halves – the leg out on Friday night was cold, damp, foggy, upwind and SLOW with a big park up at St Albans Head – the unspoken question was “why do we do it?” All was answered on Sunday on the return leg when in flat seas, a 15 knot north westerly and sunshine the fleet enjoyed a fantastic race back to the Solent. Over the two legs J/109 Zelda (Michael Ewart-Smith/Ben Richards) finished third and first, whilst J/109 Jambhala (Richard Sainsbury/Gillian Ross) was fourth on the way out and J/109 JoJo Gunne (Bill West/Mike Garvey) took fourth on the return leg.
The RORC Cervantes Trophy to Le Havre started on Saturday morning by which time the sun was shining and 108 boats gathered for the start off Cowes. A light westerly breeze greeted the fleet although with the wind exceeding the forecast it was to be a quick race. Three of the J/109s Jibe (Robin Taunt), Aria (Luca Rubinelli) and Jeez Louise (James Arnell) finished 7th, 8th and 9th in IRC2 on corrected time whilst all four J/109s finished in less than 20 minutes despite their variances in sail plan.
| 08 May 2009 |
You're Invited: 155th NYYC Regatta
This year's New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta will be held June 12-14, 2009 in Newport. J/109's have been offered their own start if enough boats register, and the event will be an excellent tune up for boats headed to the East Coast Championship at Storm Trysail’s Block Island Race Week. Register before May 8th to qualify for $75 in free drink coupons! Email sailingoffice@nyyc.org for more info.
| 07 May 2009 | More Info |
Annapolis NOOD results
Bill Sweetser's RUSH took top honors at the Annapolis NOOD, the first year the J/109's have been represented at the event. In a wide range of conditions and temperatures over three days, RUSH won four of the six races for a total of nine points. Finishing second with 16 points was Mike Brown's MISCHIEF. Steve McManus and SAYKADOO were third.
| 28 April 2009 | Full Results |
Irish Fleet Enjoys North Sails/Boyd Boats Training Weekend
Nine 109s turned out for this year’s session at the National Yacht Club, Dun Laoghaire. Regular visitors, Jukebox (Pwhelli Sailing Club) and Aquelina (Arklow Sailing Club) came from Wales and Arklow respectively, while new boat Storm travelled across the bay from Howth. Two new entrants to the fleet, Jalapeno and Jura (reportedly to be renamed Jekyll and Hyde) joined local boats Windmill, Joker II, Indecision and Powder Monkey. Maurice “Prof” O’Connell of North Sails pulled the whole programme together, imparting his extensive knowledge (combined with wit) to an attentive audience. Ably assisted by Nigel Young and James Knight of North Sails, he set the tone on Friday evening with a presentation on the fundamentals of 109 sailing.
While Saturday morning was quite gloomy, the fleet got in a couple of practice races before taking part in the regular Dublin Bay SC race which was marked by sunshine and good breeze. The fine conditions provided challenging reaches and runs testing crew work to the full.
Sunday morning was calm at first, providing a great opportunity for the North guys to demonstrate live trim control effects on Storm whilst alongside. By 1300, the breeze kicked in enough for a further four races where James and Nigel were able to move around the fleet coaching as they went, while “Prof” videoed the starts and mark roundings providing for a certain amount of mirth in the de-briefing that followed.
As usual the National YC proved to be a most hospitable venue and will also be the harbour for the 109s during Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta.
Once again, a valuable start to the new season, which is packed with events – Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Offshore race, ICRA Championships, Sovereigns Cup and Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta. The Irish/Irish Sea fleet now numbers some 21 boats, so some great racing and craic ahead of us.
Thanks Prof, Nigel and James and all at NYC!
While Saturday morning was quite gloomy, the fleet got in a couple of practice races before taking part in the regular Dublin Bay SC race which was marked by sunshine and good breeze. The fine conditions provided challenging reaches and runs testing crew work to the full.
Sunday morning was calm at first, providing a great opportunity for the North guys to demonstrate live trim control effects on Storm whilst alongside. By 1300, the breeze kicked in enough for a further four races where James and Nigel were able to move around the fleet coaching as they went, while “Prof” videoed the starts and mark roundings providing for a certain amount of mirth in the de-briefing that followed.
As usual the National YC proved to be a most hospitable venue and will also be the harbour for the 109s during Volvo Dun Laoghaire Regatta.
Once again, a valuable start to the new season, which is packed with events – Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Offshore race, ICRA Championships, Sovereigns Cup and Volvo Dun Laoghaire regatta. The Irish/Irish Sea fleet now numbers some 21 boats, so some great racing and craic ahead of us.
Thanks Prof, Nigel and James and all at NYC!
| 28 April 2009 |
Annual Meeting of the Class Executive Board to consider Rules Changes
Rules Changes for consideration :
a) A proposal to modify Rule 5.3 by permitting the use of one alternate class jib and one alternate class spinnaker; provided that the substitution of alternate sails may be made only between races. Alternate sails must carry class sail tags and conform to all class measurement requirements.
b) A proposal to modify Rule 5.5 by permitting the use of a “heavy weather” class jib without battens and with dimensions not to exceed:
Luff: 45.75 feet 13.94 m
LP: 3.47 feet 4.11 m
Half width: 6.12 feet 1.87 m
Three-quarter width: 3 feet 0.91 m
Head width: 0.25 feet 0.08 m
c) A proposal to amend Rule 5.7 to permit the purchase of any three class sails in any calendar year.
PLEASE NOTE: To be effective, rules changes require a 2/3 vote by the Executive Board followed by majority approval of those members voting on line.
We'll advise you of the Executive Board's action as soon as possible.
a) A proposal to modify Rule 5.3 by permitting the use of one alternate class jib and one alternate class spinnaker; provided that the substitution of alternate sails may be made only between races. Alternate sails must carry class sail tags and conform to all class measurement requirements.
b) A proposal to modify Rule 5.5 by permitting the use of a “heavy weather” class jib without battens and with dimensions not to exceed:
Luff: 45.75 feet 13.94 m
LP: 3.47 feet 4.11 m
Half width: 6.12 feet 1.87 m
Three-quarter width: 3 feet 0.91 m
Head width: 0.25 feet 0.08 m
c) A proposal to amend Rule 5.7 to permit the purchase of any three class sails in any calendar year.
PLEASE NOTE: To be effective, rules changes require a 2/3 vote by the Executive Board followed by majority approval of those members voting on line.
We'll advise you of the Executive Board's action as soon as possible.
| 28 October 2008 |