Fellow J109 Sailors,
Here we are at the beginning of March and the northeast has in the last few weeks been dealt a bitter cold spell and record breaking blizzard. What better time to start to plan the upcoming sailing season. We already have three world class events on the schedule. Each one is in a different part of the US and so hopefully many of you can make it to one of them.
Annapolis NOOD – J109 Mid-Atlantic Championship, May 3 – 5.
The first event is the Mid-Atlantic championship which once again will be part of the Annapolis NOOD. This event always attracts a sizeable number of J109s and is very well organized. Our Fleet 4 provides great hospitality under the leadership of Fleet Captain Bill Sweetser. Bill and his fleet members are very prepared to assist any J109 owner with logistics of slip space, lodging, and delivery for the out of town owners. So, it is a great venue, great race management, and terrific competition. But let me give you one more reason to participate in this event: it is a wonderful opportunity so early in the season to tune up your boat. There is no better way to find out if your rig, sails, bottom, etc. are getting you optimal speed, pointing, and downwind angle, than to see how you line up against our one design fleet. In a one design fleet you can more easily figure out where the opportunities are to improve and optimize your performance and you also can tap into the expertise of the fleet, which will be readily available at the regatta social events. So this is an event not to be missed for the competition as well as getting you set up for the rest of the racing season. This event is now open for registration – again for any assistance reach out to Bill Sweetser or me. I, along with my boat Nordlys will be there.
Storm Trysail Club Block Island Race Week – J109 East Coast Championship, June 24 – 28
This event first took place in 1965 and this will be the 25th time that Storm Trysail Club has organized it. There are already over 70 boats registered and the final fleet could be over 200. This is likely to be the largest big boat event of the year. Several one design and handicap fleet championships will be a part of this event. If you have been to this event in the past you know that Block Island seems to have been designed with big boat racing in mind. However it is important to make your arrangements early. If you register before April 1 you will receive a 10% discount. Also given the large fleet expected, it is important to make your dockage, housing and ferry reservations as soon as possible. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me.
Verve Cup Chicago – J109 North American Championship, August 8 – 11
The J109 North American Championship returns to Chicago. The Verve Cup dates back to 1893. Over 170 boats are expected to compete with over 3,000 competitors, organizers, and spectators in and around the Chicago waterfront with the event hosted by the Chicago Yacht Club. Our own J109 Fleet number 11 will be strongly represented and we hope that J109s from other fleets will chose to participate as well. I would love to see a J109 win the cup and a large showing will make that more likely. More details are to follow. If you have questions about this event please reach out to Fleet Captain Peter Priede or J109 Class Association Vice President Kevin Saedi.
Finally I want to say that I hope all of you, your homes, families, and boats safely weathered Hurricane Sandy. I do know of one J109 that was sadly damaged beyond repair. I am hoping that there are no others.
So as the ice melts in the Northeast now is time to plan your racing season. These three events alone will be remarkable for their first class competition, wonderful venues, and the camaraderie of your fellow J109 sailors. Again if you need any help or have questions about these events please do not hesitate to reach out to me, my fellow Executive Board members, or your respective Fleet Captains.
Warmly,
Bob Schwartz, J109 Class Association President
