Big news for the J24 fleet at Sandy
Our fleet is growing ….. we have 5 new boat owners – three of them in the last 2 weeks. With over 20 boats our fleet is the largest in the country and is a strong and supportive community for both owners and crew.
We welcome our new owners –
Geoff Stuart AUS 2632
Daniel Drummond AUS 4474
Daniel Gallagher AUS 4457
Glenn Evans AUS 4470
Eduardo Sobelski AUS 4787
Sandy also has a busy racing calendar for the rest of this summer season
Upcoming Events are:
Sail Sandy 26/27 Feb
We have many local boats racing and Dave West from NSW will be racing with a hybrid ACE/Jet crew
AGM & New Boat Owners Welcome
Friday 1 April 2022 6pm
The J24 Committee would like to invite all new boat owners and the existing J24 Community along to the AGM
To be followed soon after by a new boat owners head wetting at SYC bar!
The J24 class is alive and well in Australia. Under threat of another Covid shutdown that has claimed the S80 and SB20 class regattas at Sandringham, the J24 class got away with a successful 12 race National Championship Regatta over 4 predominantly light and sunny (and stormy) days.
Our ‘new normal’ SE breeze stayed in for the regatta, with days one, two and four being in the 8 – 12 knot range with flat water and glamour sailing conditions, although extremely shifty, catching out many experienced crews. Day three was cloudy and a stronger 12 – 16 knot breeze that saw some competitors on jibs for the first two races, but most changed back to genoas as the breeze backed off in the afternoon.
The fleet did suffer a few covid losses in some crews and we had to find new people at the last minute and during the regatta to keep boats fully crewed.
Sixteen boats entered and finished the regatta, with a strong five boat representation from NSW and the balance being from our local fleet, the standard was as high as any we have seen in the last decade. At least six boats were sailing their first Nationals and were well represented across the finishing places, so yes the fleet is alive and well with a bright future.
There were the usual amazing stories in boat preparation and delivery, with one of the Sydney boats having to change drivers when Terry got called home with too many Coronas in the family and then Gardo having some night-time nav problems running into a tree and wiping out the pulpit and foredeck on the second half of the trip south. Still it was repaired urgently by JP, one of our excellent shipwrights at Sandy. Jack Felsenthal keenly preparing one boat only to find out it needed major work, so changing to ‘Sidetracked – Bandit’ and then finally succumbing to Covid in the family house after the first day. A great young skipper and keen, taking out a 4th in the 3rd race on the first day. Sometimes the luck just isn’t with you ! Despite this ‘Sidetracked – Bandit’, along with many other boats suffering from crew being ‘pinged’ as close contacts, the true ‘J24 Community spirit’ shined through where swapping/drumming up additional crew allowed all boats to see out the regatta!
So, how did it all turn out?
Tight, very tight and not sorted till the last race. For most of the regatta the top five were within five points of each other, so it could have gone a number of different ways right up till the end. Of course, there are some hard luck stories, mostly from second place down you might say, but in reality three first time competitors finished in the top five, with a total of 3 race wins going to two of the top three newbies. A real sign of up and coming and new talent to the class. Another sign of commitment was the number of new sails being pulled out. Investment in the class !
Steve Wright and the crew of ‘Tinto’
With some of the old guard finishing down the list a bit, and the competition being fierce all the way to the back, the podium was finally taken by new National President and sometime contender to the throne Steve Wright and crew on ‘Tinto’. Only three points behind was long time and multiple national champion Sean Kirkjian with the very recently damaged and repaired ‘Sailpac’. Third place was the very aptly ‘Covid’ named ‘Jab’, sailed by the very able Warren Slater and crew.
Places four and five were taken by newbies Adam Keys-Tilley in ‘Baile de Luna’ and Jack Fullerton in ‘Two Dogs’, with the long-time Victorian ‘Mr J24’ skipper and multiple nationals winner Hugo Ottaway in sixth on ‘Bruschetta VI’. Newly crowned NSW State champ Dave McKay in ‘Stamped Urgent’ only came in 7th. See how tough it was !
OK, so the rest of the rabble fought it out somewhere back there. Probably got hard luck stories and showed flashes of brilliance or good luck. Not covering them here in the OD placings, except to say they are the stuff of future or past champions and we love and respect their engagement and good company. They are the vital strength of the J24 class in Australia. Yes, I am one of them this year !
Close finishes shows a high standard of racing
Of course, this all changes in the Zimmer frame competition where the accent is on providing a level playing field for the fleet. Richard Taylor has done a maaaagnificent job of preparing his boat ‘Haywire’ and rightly took out the PHS section with four wins out of the twelve races. Somehow Dave McKay contrived to fall into second in between drinks and Mark Foster, a long time Sandy skipper in ‘Gridlock’ took out third.
On behalf of the Vic Assoc, John ‘Firecracker’ Neville once again conducted the prizegiving in his usual inimitable, enjoyable and politically incorrect style. Great job John ‘well played you’ – don’t go anywhere !
The race management team led by RO Chris Waters did a great job in the shifty breezes to get 3 races in on the first day before a huge thunderstorm, one race on the second day just before another huge thunderstorm trashed the racecourse and then four races a day on the remaining two days. Twelve in all.
Off the water, we had to make allowances for the corona problem again with staff shortages, so most of the action was held outside in the newly updated Ken King Centre. But with a bar and cold drinks at the centre of the action it wasn’t too hard to endure.
These Nationals were the qualifying regatta for the Worlds in Corpus Christi in Texas this year, but it doesn’t look like anyone wants to brave the covid travel problems. However next year’s Nationals are the qualifying regatta for the Worlds in Greece in 2023 and it looks like there is a large amount of interest to travel to there. That means the next Nationals at Cronulla in January 2023 will be a huge regatta. There are around seven boats with trailers in Vic and I think we would see most of those boats making the trip to the Shire for a little paddle in the ocean with the Med in mind. Woo hoo !
But before you all rush off to the travel agent, we have two great regattas happening at Sandy soon, Sail Sandy 19-20 February and then the Vic States 26-27 March, and with some NSW boats staying down and potentially more coming, you can bet it’s another couple of tough regattas. So put them both in your diary. The Vic Association usually puts on Coronas for that – the cold kind !
Our thanks to Sandringham YC for putting on the regatta under difficult circumstances, thanks to all the volunteers that made it possible, thanks to the Vic Association for getting it across the line and thanks to all the competitors for getting out on the track and making it a great and tough regatta. You know who you are – well done.
Venue: Sandringham YC, Victoria
8.30am, 8 January 2022
Members Present
Steve Wright
Hugo Ottaway
Simon Grain
John Neville
Jack Fullerton
Lawson Shaw
Warren Campbell
Arthur Crothers
David Mackay
Mark Foster
Warren Slater
Darren Cutts
Adam Keys-Tilley
Dave West
Kristian Thomas
Jordan Sunkel-Lozell
Apologies
Ron Thomson
PRESIDENTS REPORT (Outgoing President Ron Thomson)
Welcome to the J24 National AGM held in Melbourne 2022. Unfortunately I am unable to attend due to border restrictions but hope you are enjoying the National Championships currently underway. Sailing at Sandringham brings back great memories for me with the frustrating weather patterns, go left at all cost except when it is more favourable to go right. Watch out for the chop and ride those waves downwind whenever possible.
It certainly has been an awkward couple of years with various different regulations in the various States and Territories. Social distancing on a J24 is problematic at any time and silly rules put in place regarding who can be on your boat sailing. Like airlines, sailing is one of the safest sports during this covid period being out in the fresh air and the ability to put smiles on people faces helps during these times.
The National Committee has had to make some difficult decisions in the last year or so, none more so than having to cancel last year’s National event even though the environment was seemingly looking good at the time. I wish to thank members for their support and understanding. Queries were also raised about this year’s event but with nearly all borders open, there was no reason not to go ahead.
Regarding the J24 World scene, the 2020 Championships in Poole UK and 2021 in Argentina had to be cancelled however this year’s event in Corpus Christi, Texas USA is scheduled to go ahead in July 2022. Although the International Borders are starting to re-open, there are many challenges such as insurance, quarantine, vaccination issues to consider for those wishing to go. There are six spots available to Australians but do speak to the National Committee should you intend to go. The following year the 2023 Championships will be held in Thessaloniki, Greece which, fingers crossed, will provide a very scenic and different experience.
On a personal note I shall be stepping down from all J24 roles for the time being after taking a sea change in life moving to Perth. There is a fleet of J24s here and I will be making contact with them shortly. Currently I have been busy with the new house and indulging with 8 year old triplets. I wish to thank the National Committee members, Hugo, Simon, Arthur & Steve for their help and support over the past years and wish Steve well in taking over my role. I thoroughly enjoyed the J24s over nearly 12 years with a few regatta successes, many failures, interstate travels and jumping on at least 10 different boats. What has been the highlight is meeting J24 sailors some of whom are now personal life-long friends and colleagues with whom I will continually keep in touch. I even met my first Australian sailing hero but don’t mention this to him as it goes to his head. Sailing against some of the best sailors in Australia was a delight and hope this class continues to attract the best.
I must apologize for my hasty departures from Melbourne as I had only four hours to leave before the WA border closed. With no car, no home, limited clothes, I thank Simon for putting me up for a week and getting me to the airport with almost no notice. Lucky I did as the border has remain shut since. On my freedom day after 14 days quarantine, it was fantastic not to wear a face mask for the first time in 15 months. My sister Janette and Rob have also escaped from the big smoke and now live on Magnetic Island off Townsville. So no more Thomo Cups for a while and every regatta is now two boats short.
It is anticipated I will be back in Sydney and/or Melbourne within the first six months this year, tripled vaccinated and with face mask. So hopefully I will be able to catch up with you for a drink if not a sail. If you ever get to Perth (and allowed in!!!) do not hesitate to get in touch.
Best wishes
Treasurer’s Report
October 2020 Opening Balance
$ 8,014.26
SSF Memberships
$ 232.00
$ 310.00
$ 620.00
Sales of Royalty Tags
$ 900.00
Victoria Memberships
$2,676.84
Sydney Harbour Memberships
$2,294.44
Interest
$ 9.80
International J24 Memberships
Including new Royalty tags
($ 7,203.36)
January 2022 Balance $ 7,844.98
Election of Officers
Steve Wright was elected unopposed as President
Hugo Ottaway, Arthur Crothers and Simon Grain were returned to the committee, no other nominations were received.
State reports – informal reports by John Neville, Dave West, Simon Grain and Steve Wright were presented. Overall the class is in a reasonably healthy position with a number of new owners.
2023 Nationals – to be held in Cronulla in January 2023, Steve Wright to finalise details with CSC and advise.
Worlds – The 2022 Worlds are being held in Corpus Christi this year. There appears to be no interest in attending, but invitation to attend letters will be sent out to the first 6 placegetters.
The 2023 Worlds are to be held in Thessaloniki in Greece in September 1-9, 2023. There appears to be quite a lot of interest in going to these. The 2023 Nationals will be the qualifying regatta for these worlds.
General Items
Hugo brought up the subject of electronics allowed on board – further research to what is allowed is to be done by Hugo.
Geelong Regatta – not really a national matter but covered briefly – interest to go from 6 boats – (no one is attending now due to the RGYC not being able to put on a J Division)
Simon Grain requested recognition for the work that Peter Stevens does with measurement certificates, record keeping and class history. Appreciation given in the usual manner.
The New Prince has gone, 70’s somewhere, the Old King will be there – Long Live the King !
Who will be coming to try to knock him off ?
Everyone’s pretty keen to get the regatta in after the little Corona problem. It’s quite possible we may have a few boats available to charter, but they will go quickly so if you want one get in sooner rather than later.
RACE PROGRAM A crew briefing will be held at the Ken King Centreat 0830on Thursday 6January2022.No more than five races will may be sailed on one day. Racing … Day 1Thursday6JanuaryNo earlier than 1030 Day 2Friday7JanuaryNo earlier than 1030 Day 3Saturday 8JanuaryNo earlier than 1130 Day 4Sunday 9JanuaryNo earlier than 1030 The Annual General Meeting of the J24 Association of Australia will be held on Saturday 8 January 2022 at 0830 in the SYC Auditorium.
No warning signal will be made after 1530on Sunday 9January 2022. There will be no resails after Sunday 9January 2022.
Organized social events will include:
Date
Event
Location and time
5 January
Welcome BBQ
Ken King Centre at SYC, following registration
6 January
SYC Twilight Race
7 January
BBQ
To be confirmed
8 January
No scheduled event
9 January
Presentation dinner
Venue to be confirmed
TRAILER AND CAR PARKING
Road trailers used to transport interstate boats to and from the regatta may be stored at the Sandringham Yacht Club for the duration of the event.
Each interstate boat will be provided with parking for one vehicle in the SYC member’s car park during the event. An access “key” will be required, subject to the payment of a refundable bond.
Car parking for Victorian members (boat owners and crew) will be subject to the normal rule of access at SYC. Car parking is available in Council car parks in Jetty Road or in nearby streets for those without SYC car park access.
Lock down is driving us all mad with non sailing depression, why just the other day I heard from a disgruntled J owner lamenting the lack of sailing. Sitting on a half drunk box of Coronas, complaining about the extra weight he is putting on with the ‘stay at home and consume’ lifestyle.
And that my friends, leads me to the things we shall have to remember if and when Chairman Dan ever lets us go sailing again. ‘What’s this rope for’, ‘ah that’s a very important rope and that’s another very important rope’ as one of my crew said to one of our new Thursday night crew. Yes we have a boat full of ropes, sheets, lines and all those other things that will have escaped our attention for so long and they are all very important.
Then there is the paperwork, the electronic sign in … remember to do that or suffer the embarrassment to your crew as you meekly admit all their hard effort has been in vain. To the bar skipper … and have that wallet ready !
Now are you ready for CCW, this is the new factor we have yet to come to grips with. It won’t be easy, it will be a messy calculation we’ll all have to make to get racing again, especially for the Nationals where we’ll have to factor in interstate politics and shenanigans.
CCW will be a calculation taking in state and city lock downs, days lost to the corona, movement interstate to escape the rot, a series of calculations to rival Bitcoin mining – and this just to allow you to go racing against your fellow sufferers.
Get out those scales skippers, it’s just the first step to understanding and complying with your new CCW, your Covid Corrected Weight.
The collective crew girth has expanded along with the weight and something has to be done about it. So your new CCW will be a calculation to bring your lockdown excesses back to the standard 400kg. Based on the lockdown CCF (Covid Correction Factor) established on the number of days you have been in lockdown, divided by the number of crew still able to fit on the rail and multiplied by the number of boats entered and divided by the average wind strength expected in the regatta, a CCF will enable your crew to weigh in at a higher weight as long as the corrected weight comes back under 400kg.
Melbourne boats will benefit most by this due to the larger number of locked down days and it is anticipated that the max actual weigh in weight will be in the region of 430kg. Sydney boats will probably only reach half that actual weight before going over the corrected 400kg. South Australian boats will barely register any change.
There are penalties to be factored in for skippers that have tried to escape the lockdown by moving to other states (Ron) and a negative CCF will be applied here so that they may only be able to weigh in up to around 370kg which will then be corrected up to the 400kg limit.
Naturally there will be different State Associations arguing their different CCFs and this is to be all settled by the National Association in time for the expected revival of um … J24 yacht racing.
G’day thrill seekers, Corona drinkers and J24 people.
For obvious reasons the Nationals aren’t locked in …. as we are still locked down
The semi-official word is that the Nationals are on ….. until they are off
We all want to go sailing, racing and knocking back a Corona or two with our mates. So Dan willing, we get to 80% on the needle and the creeks don’t rise …. we’ll be sailing
So pencil it in … Jan 6-9, J24 Australian Championships at SYC !
International Pulse, the international J24 mag has a new issue out, with details on the North Americans, World Champs at Corpus Christi next year, European Champs in Ireland next year, reports from Ireland, Canada, Hungary and Sweden – all good reading but a little depressing reading with the boat locked down around here. Anyway grab yourself a sherbet and get into reading about the other half – it’s all good stuff. Click here
Advance notice, although to be confirmed, the dates for the National Champs have been penciled in as 6-9 January next year. This will be confirmed within the next month.
J24 Victorian Championships quick wrap from Adam Keyes-Tilley our very active promotional guy. A bit of dressing from Simon.
We had two days of competitive and close racing where 8 bullets were shared amongst 4 boats (Checkmate and Jet had multiples). 15 pretty well behaved boats competed with some incredibly close finishes.
Wind ranged between 4 – 18 Knots, north westerlies shifting SW on both days. Choppy seas made power rigs important and there were some amazing breeze lanes that had boats climding out and falling in on the fleet, catch one and you had a conveyor to the top mark.
Lots of recalls, restarts, U flags and some U flag DSQs
Shifty wind and difficult sea states made for tricky conditions
Lots to talk about at the J24 sponsored food and drink celebrations afterwards, with free beers and magnificent food prepared by the SYC chefs the Ken King Centre afterparty certainly kept the Vic States party tradition alive.
Congratulations to those in the chocolates in particular Brendan Lee and crew in ‘Checkmate’, the One Design winner.
Well done to the PHS winner Darren Cutts in ‘Joyride’
A big thank you to SYC Race Management and Preso Warren Campbell and the Committee for putting on a fabulous event.
