More photos can be seen on the J24 Flickr Site .

First race had R/C Jay Hooper seta 3 lapper, in building breeze. ALl boats had now changed to jibs. Downwind legs were interesting in the unstable air - lots of rocking and rolling. At the finish New Wave, Sadiiqi and spoRHADiC (Lance Fraser). Next race was delayed for over an hour as the breeze died completely and then slowly built to 4-5 knots. That race ended with New Wave, RHADiCal (with Chuck Millican), and Erin.

The third race was more of the same - finish was New Wave, Sliding By and Solaise. Going into the fourth race, with no drops, New Wave had it almost sewn up. After the first lap there were 6 boats arriving at the leeward mark simultaneously - after that lot were sorted out the top four bailed left, leaving Siren and Sadiiqi trucking right. The right was the way to go - a sustained lift gave Sadiiqi a healthy lead which was kept to the end. Sadiiqi, Erin then New Wave crossed.

2009 J24 National Champion of Bermuda - Team New Wave; 2nd Sadiiqi; 3rd Erin. A great showing from both the junior teams.

Thanks to Jay and his team; Becky for the post race social; and the sailors for taking part!

Results

• Entry Form
• Notice of Race
• Sailing Instructions

The course was a Le Mans start with boats heads to wind, no jibs, at the gun, followed by a spinnaker run through Town Cut and out into the Atlantic. A turn left into the Channel and off we went on a tack to “The Crescent”. This spot is 6 miles north of the island, and has great views of the island, and is surrounded by shallow clear water - wonderful spot. A tack at mark 12A started a long tack into the Great Sound, followed by a rounding of 102, and a spinakker reach back into the Harbour and home - 22.5 miles later.

We had 7 boats on the line, in slightly less breeze than yesterday - 18-20 knots. Off we all went with double-handed crews, and a great spinnaker start. Most of the boats attempted to cut the corner on the way out, but a yell of “oy” sorted them out. All the boats were overlapped at the first mark, and then set off in prcession up the first channel, honouring all the marks (as was the rule). Heading north away from land was a new experience for some, as the island got smaller and smaller. Sun was shining, the water was warm and the beers were cold.

Erin’s technique was to foot off for speed, Siren was to pinch up and sail fglat, and Sadiiqi was to keep dry if possible. All three boats were neck and neck for most of the way out, with Sadiiqi taking the lead by the halfway point. Soliase after a good start, dropped back a bit before Neil work up and charged forwards again. Overstanding a mark lost him the ground he’d gained back though.
After several hours of this fun, boats finally rounded 102 and with the pole forewards Sadiiqi hoisted first. On Solaise a committee meeting was held to discuss whether or not to use the chute. A brief recess was called to make and down a rum and ginger, before the foredesk was sufficiently braced to hoist the beast. A coupl eof boats spun out slightly on the way in, but soon all 7 were running down the harbour, chutes flying.

At the finish, Sadiiqi took the gun (which was a horn, but taking the horn can’t be right can it?). Then Siren and Erin, or was it Erin and Siren - the post race celebrations blurred the day a little.

A great sail - lots of burned and thirsty sailors, and what a way to round out the weekend.

Breeze was out of the SW, the sun was shining, and the water was a glorious indigo - what a place to sail.

Three windward-leeward races took place - the racing was close, with more than one mark rounding jammed with boats. Speed in the waves and solid crew work paid dividends. Keeping the crew all on the boat also helped.

Race 1 and boats favoured the pin end and then the fleet split with most going left, led by Erin & Jezebel. After two laps New Wave edged in front and took the gun, folowed by Erin and Jezebel.

Race 2 and carnage at the pin as New Wave tacked in front of four starboard tackers - it was as noisy as the Stretford End as Man U scored from a penalty. Two turns later New Wave was at the back with boats returning from over-early. Two laps later, New Wave had worked through the fleet again to take the gun, this time with Siren and spoRHADiC taking the next 2 places.

So going into Race 3 New Wave led, followed by Erin, Siren, Jezebel and Sadiiqi. Final Race had a clean start and boats making early gains on the left. The wind was easing up a little, but the current was picking up so finding a route through the waves was key. After two laps, New Wave rounded out a perfect score with spoRHADic and Erin closely behind.
A tired and happy fleet headed into the Dinghy Club to leave the boats overnight; slake their thirst; and hear the results.

New Wave were presented with the J/24 St. George’s Trophy, Ross Spurling as R/C was thanked along with his volunteers, and a greatr time was had by all!

In the J105 fleet Pasion led over Not Mine with a 1-2-3.

Today “Oh, it’s on Saturday - well maybe…”

The joy of a regatta manager. Thanks to the J24 executive for several weeks worth of sorting out this event, and looks like we’ll have 4-5 J105’s, and 8+ J24s on the line Saturday for a regatta off the East End.

Looking forward to strong breeze and nice seas out in the Atlantic. Our hosts, the St. Geroge’s Dinghy Club are ready for the influx of thirsty sailors….