Congratulations to Bill Sweetser and the Rush crew for winning the J/109 Class at 2018 New York YC Race Week – the second qualifier in the J/109 East Coast Regatta Series. Bill made a last minute swap from the IRC Class that he has historically raced in and done very well over the years. Joining the OD class provided a competitive fleet of eight boats. The fact that every boat in the fleet had a first or second place finish across the races demonstrates the close competition throughout the week. It was a up for grabs with the two Texas boats Hamburg and Leading Edge providing competition for the podium right until the end. If anyone needs to know what time it is hail Bill Sweetser on Rush since he wears the well earned Rolex watch.
NYYC put on a wonderful event in all facets. The race committee work was spectacular with twelve races completed over the 4 days. The start lines were square and the RC was responsive to changing conditions and changed course marks to maintain fair competition. The RC also did a great job with communications keeping everyone informed. I’m sure more than a few of us got some great pictures of the 12 Metres and the performance catamarans that were also on the race circle, with minimum interaction between the classes.
The social events under the tent at NYYC provided a friendly atmosphere to meet competitors and catch up with friends. Thanks to the sponsors and NYYC for making this possible. Full results are at this link.
The are more class OD events scheduled for this year. Please take the time to sign up if you have not already and help recruit others who are sitting on the fence. The remaining events are as follows:
Sat-Sun 11-12 August – Pequot YC J/109 Invitational Regatta (Long Island Sound Fleet Event – all invited)
Sun 2 Sept – Conanicut YC Around the Island Race (New England Fleet Event – all invited)
Sat-Sun 8-9 Sept – J/109 East Coast Championship at Ida Lewis YC
Sat-Sun 29-30 Sept – AYC Fall Series 2nd Weekend (3rd & Final Event for East Coast Regatta Series)
Weds-Sun 10-16 Oct – J/109 North American Championship at Larchmont YC