Game on
Three Australian crews will line-up in the top-class fleet gathering for the J/24 World Championships off Miami.
16 October 2019
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The Australians will be out to make their mark in a daunting fleet of 81 boats representing 20 nations.
The Aussie skippers include Jack Fullerton, the youngest of the trio and a rising star in the very competitive 20 boat fleet that regularly races out of Sandringham Yacht Club on Port Philip Bay. Warren Campbell crewed in last year’s Worlds and is back with his own crew this year. J/24 Australian Class President Ron Thomson is also competing in Miami this year, having also crewed in last year’s world’s as well.
Forty-two years after the first J/24 was built in Rod Johnstone’s garage, 5000 boats are sailing in over 40 countries, and it remains the pre-eminent one design keelboat class, generating many of the world’s best sailors.
Sponsored by Bacardi Rum, the combined efforts of the US and International J/24 Class Associations, Coral Reef Yacht Club, Shake-a-Leg Miami and Twelve USA will present five days of racing on the spectacular Biscayne Bay from October 22-26.
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Participating in the event will be five J/24 World Champion helmsmen, plus countless Continental and National Champions. The nations represented include Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Great Britain, Grenada, Hungary, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, and the United States. The 2019 edition will be the 41st World Championship for the enduring Class.
“The J/24 Class is thriving in 2019 for the same reasons it took the world by storm 40+ years ago…it’s all about people,” noted Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats. “Great racing in the world’s best sailing venues is one thing, but making life-long friends along the way, that’s priceless.”
Will Welles, reigning J/24 World Champion, sees the J/24 Class as alive and strong.
“I don’t think the racing has ever been closer. The boat is so refined these days with everyone knowing the tricks; it’s great one-design racing.”
Last year’s world championship was held in the bucket list sailing mecca of Riva del Garda on Lake Garda, Italy, and delivered a solid victory for Welles in a 90-boat fleet. Then, six Australian crews mixed it with the top teams, with Steve Wright and his crew from Cronulla Sailing Club posting a very creditable fourth in Race 9. The racing was extremely tight with entire fleet finishing within a ten-minute time frame.
Nancy Zangerle, Chair of the International J/24 Class Associations, says the Class strength is a testament to how one man’s idea has grown into a world-wide family of sailors. “The International J/24 Class continues to attract new sailors with affordable boats, great competition and adherence to strong Class Rules that really provide a level playing field on the water.
“The J/24 Class has sustained its popularity with the enthusiasm of so many racers and J/24 alumni who keep coming back to the premier Class events, year after year. This year’s World Championship will see crews from age 16 to 70. While I’m looking forward to five days of exciting racing, the World Championship is as much a reunion with so many J/24 family and friends.”
Sailing conditions on Biscayne Bay this time of year are apparently tailor made for the regatta, with average breezes from the SE in the 10-to-15 knot range. Add to that sunshine, emerald blue waters and warm temperatures.
There will regular updates and posts on the Aussies’ progress on Sails facebook page.
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