J105 National Championship at Royal Lymington Yacht Club

The J105 Nationals were hosted by the Royal Lymington Yacht Club over the 6th and 7th of September, in conjunction with the J109 West Solent Championship.

On the Saturday the fleet assembled in Christchurch Bay for two windward/leeward races. The forecast was not promising with a maximum wind strength of 5 knots from the west, however this did not deter the Race Officer and his team in setting a course and starting both classes for the first race.

In the first race for the seven boats in the J105 fleet, Jin Tonic led the fleet home followed by Flawless then Jelly Baby.

Following a short delay race two was started in even less wind, and shortened to one lap. Jelly Baby just managed to beat Jos to win, followed by JinTonic.

The third race of the day was a passage race back to Lymington.

The race started with a short beat to a moveable mark a run to North Head, a shy reach through Hurst and a run to the finish at Berthon. In the light winds and strong flood tide the race was tactically challenging, with JinTonic leading from the first mark followed by Jelly Baby who managed to avoid Flawless and Redeye, Flawless having drifted on to the windward mark. At the finish JinTonic was first followed by Jelly Baby then Jos.

After a long day both fleets were keen to get ashore, to be joined by the sixty-four strong Old Gaffer fleet who had raced from Cowes, for an excellent Hog Roast and Paella evening on the Yacht Club balcony.

On the Sunday, two races had been scheduled in the Solent, however the fleet was greeted by thick fog. Following a postponement, the race team set a course in a decreasing breeze. The J109 fleet started first without incident. However as the 105s started in even less wind and increasing tide, crossing the line was a challenge.

Reluctantly the Race Officer abandoned the race for both fleets and as the wind decreased further, abandoned racing for the day.

Andy Roberts and his team on Jin Tonic were declared J105 National Champions followed by Jelly Baby second and Jos third.

The Class Traveller Trophy 2014 was presented to Pete and Pip Tyler (Redeye) as the most travelled boat attending the Nationals. The Class would like to thank the Race Officer and his team for persevering in such difficult conditions and providing excellent racing on the Saturday.

Overall Results:
If you took part in the J105 nationals then enter your Gear Guide information here