J/105 National Championships at Hayling Island Sailing Club

A wet & windy time for the J105 & J92 nationals at Hayling © Eddie Mays

A wet & windy time for the J105 & J92 nationals at Hayling © Eddie Mays

The J/105 National Championship sponsored by TackTick was held at Hayling Island Sailing Club over the weekend 12/13 May 2007. The fleet arrived on Friday evening, with the exception of BoJangles (Derek Copeman) who decided that the trip in a SW 7 with 4m waves from Shoreham would not be wise. The crew however were not to be outdone and did arrive at the Club in time for dinner and the annual party!

Friday night was a sensible affair for the majority of the fleet as there was much to play for, with the potential to win not being a dead cert – as there were a few boats in with a chance, including Voador (Simon Curwen) previous National Champion, J-Dream (David & Kirsty Apthorp), who won both the Garmin Hamble Winter Series 2006 and Raymarine Warsash Spring Series 2007, Jambalaya (Andy Bird) who had the best UK result at Spi-Ouest over Easter and whose boat has been racing in France over the last 12 months never mind the most consistent regulars Juneau (Mike West) with his new North Sail kite, Juliette (Rod Knowles) who have progressed through the fleet under the coaching of Rich Thoroughgood, and Fay-J (Paul Griffiths).

Saturday arrived wet and very windy, and despite the rain the fleet were keen to play. Unfortunately with a gale warning and winds of 25knots in the marina, racing was postponed. Steep chop and building wind resulted in racing being abandoned for the day and the entertainment committee, diablo-J (Nick Martin) met the challenge and arranged a trip (by road) to Langstone Harbour and the Ship Inn. Inter boat arm wrestling challenges were staged, with the winner declared as Rod Knowles amid comments of “he only helms!” The fleet then returned to Hayling Island Sailing Club in time for dinner together with the J/92 and J/92S fleets. No water fight whilst out racing did not deter Juneau and diablo-J, who found a use for the contents of the ice bucket! An excellent evening, although James Ewing (crew of diablo-J, and DJ in 2006), was on honeymoon resulting in less games and a different choice of music!

Sunday morning arrived and for many they were not keen to go racing (one cheeky vimto too many, perhaps?!), but the Race Officer was determined to try to get some racing in.

The wind dropped slightly and the first race was started in 18knots and building. An excellent start by Voador saw them lead at the windward mark from J-Dream, Jambalaya and Juliette. The short run was just long enough for J-Dream to take the lead which despite a “fishing” spinnaker drop (which the North Sail spinnaker shrugged off!) they managed to hold on to, for the final lap and to the finish. Jambalaya passed Voador on the final beat to the finish after they also had an interesting spinnaker drop.

For the next race, the course was lengthened to give the fleet the opportunity to fully appreciate the benefit of the J/105 in breeze and waves. The quick turnaround saw many of the fleet caught out, but Juneau was ready to pounce as was Flawless J (James Heald) and they took the lead from Jambalaya and Juliette. Jambalaya and J-Dream (who had recovered from their poor start) were unable to catch Juneau and they had to settle for their own battle. Whilst Fay-J and Juliette enjoyed a similar tussle whilst surfing waves at 15knots plus. With increasing wave height and winds of 30+knots racing was then abandoned for the day.

In the bar the whole fleet took their hats off to Flawless J, James Heald and his crew Nick (they were only 2 because they wanted to be!) who had partied hard and then sailed brilliantly in what were testing conditions for fully crewed boats, never mind 2-handing. Comments included “thank goodness they did not have full crew!”

Prizes generously donated by Hayling Island Sailing Club and TackTick were awarded whilst an excellent “Indoor BBQ” was served. The sun came out and as the majority of the fleet were travelling west, they enjoyed a pleasant late afternoon run home.

Congratulations to J-Dream and her crew – David & Kirsty Apthorp, Paul Carpenter, Leonard Delicaet, Andrew Eggett, Chris Richardson and Richard Russell.

The fleet will now concentrate on the RORC qualifiers for the Fastnet over the next few weeks before Class racing at Cowes Week.

Overall Results: (go to the J/105 page to fill in our new Gear Guide information)