Encouraging competitive and accessible keel boat racing is one of the main goals of the J/109 Class Association.

Photo Courtesy of Dave Curtis – HDFA Photography
In 2019, the Pequot Yacht Club (Southport, Connecticut) hosted its second annual J/109 Invitational Regatta to do just that. By encouraging owners to leave their race sails at home, the regatta gave new boat owners and boats new to one-design racing a chance to see what is most fun about the J/109 class.
On August 10 & 11, Long Island Sound delivered ideal conditions for J/109 racing. With breezes ranging from 5 to 20 knots, the 12 boats in attendance completed seven races.
Every race saw a tightly-packed fleet with boats separated by mere feet at several finishes. In the end, three-time North American Champion Loki took first with 17 points. Growth Spurt and Incendiary (sailing its very first season with the boat) tied for second with 28 points, and Incendiary won the tie-breaker. Morning Glory and Zig Zag, with 29 and 35 points, respectively, rounded out the top five.
Full results may be found at this link.

Photo Courtesy of Dave Curtis – HDFA Photography