With just a month to go, entries have started flowing in for what just could be the largest gathering of J24s in Australia for some years – the Quantum Sails NSW J24 State Championships.
The first entry came from the ever keen Ron Thomson from Melbourne—that’s correct, the Victorians have drawn first blood. Simon Grain, another Sandringham Yacht Club stalwart, will also be making the journey to Cronulla with possible others (Mr. J24 himself Hugo Ottaway?). Defending the high ground of the Cronulla Sailing Club will be the forever young David Mckay (Yachtsman of the Year 1970-71, who continues to celebrate his Moth World Championship win 1969/70), Barry Ryan (a strong contender with his local crew) and Clinton Hood with his strong and loyal crew who have been sailing to success in many club races.
As always, more competition will be heading to Cronulla from the rest of NSW: Arthur Crothers, John Crawford, Terry Wise and also reports of Sean Kirkjian gathering teams and making the journey south, as well as the always-present Marc Van Dinther from Botany Bay Sailing Club, bringing his gun crew and practicing constantly.
This Championship will be a fantastic event, held within the forever friendly Cronulla Sailing Club that prides itself on being run by volunteers and not by employees. Those volunteers are led by Fiona Campbell and David Mclachlan, who can remember the last time a NSW State Championships was held in Cronulla.
If you own a J24 and are interested in dusting it off and getting involved, there’s still time. Contact the NSW J24 Committee to find out just what you need to do. The J24 Class has and is continuing to resurface not only in Cronulla but NSW and beyond. What other keelboat Class offers competitive racing at a bargain price? Enjoying the close one-design racing and also the after-race action of the BBQ, refreshments and hospitality the club is renowned for!
Remember that annual memberships run from 1 October to 30 September so if you are planning on racing at the Gosford J24 Regatta you will need to organize your membership, and this can be done anytime by sending in the form and payment.
Matt is working very close with the J24 class this season and beyond to ensure the ever growing numbers returning to this great one design class. This includes communicating with Quantum’s One Design department globally to ensure that Quantum’s Australian customers are confident they’re getting the best value for money, the latest designs and the support locally that is needed. Matt is actively involved in the Class and happy to discuss any development and boat tuning you require.
If you want to take advantage and get yourself some boat speed, call Matt now at Quantum Sails.
Matthew Pearce, a Sydney-to-Hobart racing veteran, started sailing at just eight years of age in Sydney, Australia. With more than 40 years of involvement in the yachting industry, he not only has the skill and passion for sailing, he is also a qualified sailmaker with more 30 years of experience.
Throughout his career he has worked in numerous America’s Cup challenges, won 18-foot skiff championships against some of the best sailors in the world, and has competed in 20 Sydney-to-Hobart races, his first being in 1991.
Matthew has been part of the Quantum Sail’s family for the past six years, first in Europe and now very happily in his new role as State Sales Manager of NSW in Sydney, Australia.
2006 Primary Trimmer, Wild Thing, Sydney/Mooloolaba/McKay race, 1st place
2005 Mid Bow, Estate Master, Australian Titles, 1st place
2005 Mid Bow, Estate Master, Internationals, 2nd place
2004 Bow, Computer Associates, World Championships, 5th place
2001 Bow, Club Marine, Australian and State Championships, 1st place
2001 Bow, Magic 25, Australasian Championships, 1st place
2000 Bow, Club Marine, Grand Prix Series, 1st place
2000 Bow, Magic 25, Australasian Championships, 2nd place
1999 Bow, Magic 25, Australasian Championships, 1st place
1998 Trimmer, Nokia, Sydney-to-Hobart, 5th place
1988 Bow, Cherub World Championships, 6th place
Winning the J/24 European Championship
August 26, 2016
J/24 European Championship. Courtesy Photo.
The 37-boat J/24 fleet enjoyed a variety of conditions at the European Championship at the Royal Western Yacht Club in Plymouth, England. The fleet managed twelve races from Aug. 13-19, and in the end it was Andy Taylor’s Quantum-powered Phoenix who won by eleven points. The all-amateur crew credits their quick learning and instruction from Quantum’s Travis Odenbach as the keys to their success.
Helmsman Andy Taylor said the crew has several years of experience, but they’ve all taken time off for family and other commitments. This year, however, they committed themselves to competing. “We decided that this year we would put a team together to commit to sailing together for a couple of years and developing our boat speed and racing nous,” he said. “The guys we have on our crew are all very keen to learn and are quick to overcome small adversities, meaning we’re able to keep moving rather than compounding mistakes.”
To help them learn as much as they could, Taylor turned to Odenbach for advice. “Having struck up a good rapport with Travis at Worlds in Boltenhagen in 2015, we saw an opportunity to sail with him at Kiel and polish our approach to racing an international regatta,” said Taylor. “Travis showed us that these boats need everyone to contribute, and – while mistakes can be made – you need to keep pushing hard and get the next decision right.”
That advice became Phoenix‘s greatest strength. While other teams carried scoring penalties or mid-pack results, Taylor’s team maintained consistent boat speed and confidence with their Quantum sails. They remembered the tips they’d learned to help them maintain their advantage over the fleet.
“When we sailed with Travis in Kiel, we learned the importance of synchronizing the genoa and main trim to keep the boat moving and on her feet,” said Taylor. “That was really important in Plymouth as the large tidal stream across the course created choppy seas that needed drive to get through. The Quantum genoa was especially quick for us in the light winds.”
Phoenix sailed consistently throughout the event, only finishing out of the top ten once and ending with six top-five finishes. Their 60-point total was eleven points lower than their closest competitor and put them at the top of the podium.
The win has inspired Taylor and his team, who are already making plans for the next two years. “Along with attending UK events, we intent to travel to the German nationals next June in preparation for the Hungary Europeans then Worlds in Lake Guarda, Italy, 2018. We hope that Travis will also be able to attend these regattas with us.”
Odenbach said he’d be happy to sail again with Taylor, and he’s thrilled with Phoenix’s results. “I really enjoyed sailing with Andy and his team,” Odenbach said. “It makes me very proud to see a team that allowed me to jump in and sail with them succeed, and do even better without my help! I look forward to sailing with them in the future, and – hopefully – helping them to many more fun times on the water.”
Congratulations to the crew of Phoenix, and good luck with your future events!
2016 J/24 European Championship
1st – Andy Taylor, Phoenix
Remember that annual memberships run from 1 October to 30 September so if you are planning on racing at the State Championships you will need to organize your membership, and this can be done anytime by sending in the form and payment:
Remember that annual memberships run from 1 October to 30 September so if you are planning on racing at the Gosford J24 Regatta you will need to organize your membership, and this can be done anytime by sending in the form and payment.
So that you can be well prepared, please be reminded that the J24 Association of NSW are hosting 3 J24 Regattas in coming months:
Gosford Classic Regatta – 1 & 2 October 2016 at Gosford Sailing Club
NSW State Championships – 5 & 6 November 2016 – Cronullla Sailing Club
2017 J24 National Championships – 4-7 January 2017 – Cronulla Sailing Club
So that you can join in the fun of class racing, now is a good time to start thinking ahead about coming to these regattas. Association membership runs from 1 October annually, and NOR and entry forms will be circulated in coming weeks.
Book accommodation early for Gosford as it’s Labour Day long weekend, and remember that any new sails you wish to order will need to be measured prior to use in any regatta and this must be organized through the association. If you need crew let me know early and there’s a good chance I can find available crew for you. Paula 0404 539176
EARLY BIRD RATE EXTENDED TO 11 MARCH!! If you race a J24, there is a dedicated division for you to race one design over the 2016 Easter long weekend on the pristine waters of Botany Bay. Entries open, see the Notice of Race and promotional poster
Email the organisers at regatta@bbyc.com.au or call Kelly on 0439 404 156 if you would like to know more.
