The Quantum Sails J24 National Championships will run over 4 days from 4-7 January 2017 at Cronulla Sailing Club, with a Invitation Race taking place on 3 January.
Remember that we still have two carbon fibre spinnaker poles, exclusively for sale to NSW members for $857 so if you want a lighter, stronger pole for the Nationals let Paula know on 0404 539176.
Anyone intending to race who is not currently a NSW J24 Association member is encouraged to join now.
Notice of National Association AGM. This is to be held at Cronulla Sailing Club on 5/1/17 at 0800hrs. If you have items you want added to the agenda they should be sent by email to the National President by 10/12/16
John Crawford’s Innamincka flying down the run, Convicts Revenge and the surf behind
‘The Shire’ as it is known to the sedentary Australian TV watching population and the people who live there is an area around 30km south of the Sydney CBD centred on Cronulla that has been known in the past for a bit of rough and tumble.
It’s a slightly secret place that the rest of the greater Sydney population rarely go to and that’s the way the locals like it. But things are changing – in a big way. After a few years of Mid Winter regattas and a bit of water testing by a few outsiders, the J24 circus is coming to town in a big way with an expected 30+ boat fleet (the largest in 20 plus years) for the 2017 Nationals in January.
An indication of that was the Quantum Sails 2016 NSW State Championships just held over the weekend of the 5-6 November, with plenty of rough and tumble on the water and characters like ‘Hoody’, ‘Bucko’ and ‘Magoo’ neck deep in the proceedings it’s no surprise the regatta was a roaring success.
You can easily miss the yacht club entrance, but you couldn’t miss the 500 plus regular Friday evening revellers on the terrace (apparently it is a great place to meet a new lady friend for the evening) and for the gladiators and crews getting their boats ready for the weekend’s racing in the hot afternoon sun, it did seem like a strange mix of hot sweaty yachties side by side with the tarted up Cronulla youth (and those exploring their on-going mid life crisis’s).
Saturday morning and the balcony belongs to the yachties again but the wind is howling down Gunnamatta Bay straight into the assembled protagonists. A postponement is called and the Wise is thinking about a sit down lunch with cold refreshing wine – Terry is running his two sailing school yachts from his RIB – I decline on the basis of the dropping forecast and the need to be clear headed if we get on the water.
Some of the fleet downwind with Cronulla in the background
That’s just what happens and our biggest fleet in years of 22 boats hit the water for the sail out to the start line off the main Cronulla surf beach on the opposite side of the small peninsular that is the southern end of Cronulla. The wind did actually drop for a bit but the three afternoon races were sailed in 15 to 30+ knot SW winds and a huge 3-4m SE swell that grew rapidly in the last race making for some exciting racing with many wipeouts. With huge surf breaking on the main beach on one side of the course and a tsunami like set of waves breaking on the reef on the other side it was, shall we say exciting, for those not normally used to these ocean conditions.
It isn’t strange anymore how the good guys seem to get all the good luck and the names on top of the afternoon’s honour roll proved that experience, cunning and a fair bit of bravery carried the day. Arthur Crothers showing off a new set of Doyle’s and with Shane Guanaria at the helm of Kaotic took the first race by clear couple of minutes from Dave West in Ace and Steve Girdis in Convicts Revenge only 3 sec apart, John Crawford in Innamincka a further 4 sec back in forth, so the usual bunch plus a few that fought it out in most of the following races and formed the top pack of the regatta.
Race two saw a general recall and a black flag, another tough fight with Convicts taking the honours from Innamincka and our own ‘Jet’ (sailed by me and my brave crew) the first of what the ‘cockroaches’ (NSW people) call the ‘Mexicans’ from Melbourne – down south of the border, Kaotic came home forth.
Race three and the wind was getting stronger from the SW and the swell getting bigger from the SE, we are sailing in an arena of wind whipped water surrounded by a ring of huge breaking white surf and quite a few of the gladiators are now beaten and returning home. Those who stayed flogged their way upwind and screamed downwind, some successfully and others not so. Many not using their kites. Steve Girdis showed his skill to take a narrow win from Kaotic, Innamincka and Jet.
After three races we were all happy to be going home over mountainous swells and flattening gusts on the top of them as we enjoyed our ice cold beers – didn’t everyone?
Magoo has another look at his bottom, as do we all
The regatta’s iconic pic came out of the afternoon sailing with (Magoo) Dave McKay’s ‘Stockcar’ lying on it’s side in the middle of the fleet, keel 3 feet clear of the water. This little episode of course goes onto his well known list of achievements like winning the world moth championships back before most of the fleet were born – (something he is still trading on). Seriously though he is a good sailor, a past champ and Australian Sailor of the Year – but what were you thinking Magoo – masts should point up !
In Cronulla Sailing Club you know the beers are cold and the BBQ hot, it’s the club tradition and it’s a perfect place to be on the terrace after sailing watching the sun go down over Gunnamatta Bay. You’re all yachties – you know what I mean !
Sunday and the forecast is for light – medium SE to E breeze making for glam sailing out into the Tasman Sea off the main surf beach. Three races again in sunshine, swell and perfect racing. If you missed this you need to get thinking about your entry in the nationals, this is stunning stuff.
Convicts is on fire and takes out race four from Innamincka, Kaotic and Stephen Wright in ‘Renaissance’, the first of the local boats to get into the top 4 placings. ‘Renaissance’ is the old ‘Excite Your Senses’ from Sandringham and proves like Ron Thomson in ‘Kicking’ that an older Jarkan sailed well can be very competitive.
Race two and the left out to sea pays big time, ‘Jet’ banged the corner and lead around the course to finish first from Convicts, Sean Kirkjian in ‘Sailpac’ (not having a good regatta) and Kaotic. Local skipper Barry Ryan in ‘Pinot’ who is one of the top local boats pushed the top pack all the way round.
Race three and surprise, surprise Sean Kirkjian in Sailpac (School crew) is at the front from Steve (Wiley Young Dog) Girdis in ‘Convicts’, Kaotic and Magoo in ‘Stockcar’ – finally showing some form !
The fleet had some interesting stats, there was the Thomo Cup (unofficial of course, between brother Ron (Kicking – 7th) and sister Jeanette (Wildfire – 12th). Father Dave McKay (Stockcar – 8th) from daughter Julie (MacKay Marine – 11th). Alejo Morales came the furthest from South America sailing Bandit for the Pacific Sailing School, Marc van Dinther sailing with his Ausea sailing school crew.
The assembled and tired but now lubricating mass of humanity we call J sailors, is finally addressed by the Rear Commodore of the club, otherwise known as ‘Bucko’, and standing on a chair with a voice to slay the noisy Macquart at 30 paces and an irreverence that makes even the most informal in the crowd blanch, starts dishing out the silverware with appropriate stories.
While I still don’t understand the results, Jet is awarded 3rd on handicap, Magoo 2nd and Ron Thomson 1st.
Steve Girdis in Convicts Revenge on 7 points is the 2016 NSW State Champ, Shane Guanaria in Kaotic 2nd and NSW Class President John Crawford in Innamincka 3rd. The first visitor was us in Jet in 4th place – well you have to have a Mexican in the mix don’t you.
Full results are in a separate post below.
‘Hoody’ is Clinton Hood sailing Vertigo, one of the Shire’s gentlemen, and organised much of the sponsors products. Local sailor Barry Ryan became a happy chappie after winning the draw for a reverse cycle aircon unit – well done Hoody and your wonderful sponsors. Thanks to all of our sponsors, Quantum, Sailor Sunscreen, Wet-tech, Aussea Sailing School, Afloat Magazine, Spot-A-Yacht Photography, Cronulla Marina and Pure Aerials.
Fiona Campbell, one of the driving dynamos in the Cronulla class and club and sailing with Hoody on Vertigo, won the well deserved NSW Woman on Water trophy. On behalf of the National Association we wish to thank Cronulla SC and all the volunteers and sponsors that made the regatta a huge success.
A special mention must be made of Mick Reynolds who as a long time driving force of the class at Cronulla has seen it grow from a handful of club handicap boats to a twenty boat class fleet that is now the centre of NSW J24 racing. Congrats to you Mick and to all the people you have inspired (and probably annoyed) along the way to build this fleet with you.
Roll on the Nationals at Cronulla – January 4th to 7th 2017 !
If you haven’t already entered, please remember that entries close on Wednesday. We have also received a lot of incomplete entries – it is clearly listed on the entry form, what supporting documents need to be submitted, so please ensure entries are complete when submitted.
If you haven’t already entered, now is the time to get your entry in for The Quantum Sails J24 NSW State Championships which will run at Cronulla Sailing Club on 5 & 6 November 2016.
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:
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!
Our first Sprint Series day is Sunday the 9th of October, this is now just two weeks away !
Daylight Saving starts on Sunday 2nd Oct right after Opening Day this weekend and the first twilight race is on the 6th – thats next week !
The Annual General Meeting of the Vic Association will be held after racing on Sunday 9th October in the member’s library at Sandringham YC.
The association encourages all skippers to attend with your crews even if you are not racing on the first day of the season. Matters will be discussed that concern you!
As your annual class subscription is also due on the 1st October, it would be a good idea to go online to the Victorian page of this website where you can most easily pay the annual fee of $50 per person online. Don’t forget to identify yourself when you do !
For more information on any prior matters relating to the AGM you should contact the President Doug MacGregor on 0400 584 067.
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The club recently held a keelboat information evening where a number of changes coming up were discussed, some of these are very important and the information covered can be accessed here :
syc.com.au/keelboat-information-evening-documents
One of the matters covered is the annual MOB declaration, please note that this is due by the end of October and boats not lodging this form will not score points in club racing.
Entry for our summer series and for twilight racing is now open and you will find a very welcome reduction in entry fees. The Sprint Series is now $80 and the Twilight Series is $100 – your club is looking after you, a parting gift from Kate Mitchell our recently crowned ‘Past Commodore”.
If you have any queries on this please call Doug on 0400 584 067 or Simon on 0413 870046
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
Arguably the toughest regatta of the year (due to the weather), the 2016 Monjon Securities J24 Winter series has been the closest we have had in years. The top 4 boats each scored multiple race wins over the 15 races. The depth of the talent in the fleet echoed in the final score with only one point between each of the top three boats. The result was only confirmed with the OCS of a back marker on the last day which impacted on the discards. Of note were the performances of John Neville and his Vice Versa team on 20 points, leading until the final day only to come third despite three thirds on the day. Brendan Lee winning the most races, 5 including two on the final day coming second 19 on points and Simon Grain winner on 18. Consistancy wins the day and Simon’s worst race in the series was a third, with a crew who have sailed together throughout the season, they competed in all the races despite the bitter Melbourne winter. Two new comers to the fleet impressed, Stephen Byrne with two seconds on the last day fourth overall and Jack Fullerton sailing his beautifully prepared Two Dogs. This regatta serves as a start to the season, which could see as many a five Victorian boats in contention for the 2017 Australian Championship in Cronulla NSW.
