J/109 Class in the JPMorgan Round the Island Race

Action from the JPMorgan Round the Island Race © Mark Lloyd / www.lloydimages.com

Saturday 28th June saw 34 J/109's assemble for the 77th JPMorgan Asset Management Round the Island Race. The start time of 0650 brought overcast, but breezy conditions, and a start with over 200 similar rated yachts. A starboard tack start at the Island end of the line was favoured, provided a port tack escape route was planned after making for the shore. Early gains on the first beat were made by J/109 UK National Champion Johnny Blue II (Jeff Dakin), current J/109 European Champion Firestorm (Jon Perry), Zelda (Ben Richards/Michael Ewart-Smith) and Just William (Will Leonard).

Tacking through the western Solent gave some tactical opportunities with up to 20 degree windshifts, but it was important to keep out of trouble and find a clear lane. Following the early leaders and exchanging places depending on who hugged the Island shore the closest, were Offbeat (David McLeman), Outrajeous (Richard & Valerie Griffiths), Aria (Luca Rubinelli), Jahmali (Mike & Sarah Wallis), Red Arrow (RAFSA) and Shiva (Matthew Boyle).

The sun put in an appearance at the Needles, where gains of up to several hundred metres were to be had by taking the risk of cutting inside the Varvasi wreck, and most of the leaders took this route. The leg to St.Catherine’s Point was accompanied by the wind increasing and gusting in excess of 30 knots, with constant incidents broadcast on Channel 16. Thankfully none of the J/109 fleet were involved. With adverse tide, it was important to stay close to the shore and Johnny Blue II and Zelda consolidated their lead from the fleet by taking this route. They were followed by Firestorm, Jahmali and Offbeat.

After St Catherine’s Point, considerably less tide and even favourable tide, was to be found by gybing inshore and following the Ventnor coastline. With significantly steeper seas this was not for the fainthearted and all the leaders were seen to broach at some point. Speeds at this point were consistently over 15 knots, and later in the bar claims were made of surfing at up to 18 knots. Shiva worked the waves well on this leg, perhaps due to the experience Matt Boyle had gained on Leopard last week in the BMW Round Ireland race, and by Dunnose Point she was in third position.

The wind and seas eased during the reach to Bembridge Ledge, and the order settled into Johnny Blue II, Zelda, Shiva, Offbeat and Jahmali. Few tactical opportunities presented themselves on the fetch to the Forts, tacking along Ryde Sands or to the finish, and this order remained.

The J/109 Class were racing under IRC with handicaps ranging from 1.014 to 1.034 depending on sail configurations and this produced a win by Johnny Blue II for the second year in a row. Johnny Blue II also finished a creditable 2nd in Group and 17th overall out of 1750 starters. The prizegiving for the J/109 Class will take place at the Annual Dinner in January 2009.

J/109 Class Results:

1st Johnny Blue II (Jeff Dakin)
2nd Jahmali (Mike & Sarah Wallis)
3rd Offbeat (David McLeman)