J24 Welsh Championships Overall

Hosted By Cardiff Bay Yacht Club

A promising start to the development of quality sailing competition in South Wales was realised when the J24 class chose Cardiff Bay as the venue for its Welsh championships. The mixed formulae of longer courses in the Bristol Channel, followed by short racing within the new barrage, attracted competitors from as far away as the South Coast and North Wales.

A 15 knot breeze and sunshine greeted the competitors for the first of two windward – leeward courses in the Bristol Channel. Stuart Jardine in “Stouche” was first to the windward mark and dominated the race (and the rest of the weekend!) from there. Second place was closely contended but was decided on the last leeward leg when Phil Owen in “Zaphod” took Stuart Wetherill in “Jam”. Clive Ballett, sailing “Shock Waves”, ended a disappointing fourth. The second race was, again dominated by “Stouche”. He gained first place after “Jam” dropped from first to fourth after the windward mark, again competition was tight at the front end!

The afternoon courses were set within the Cardiff Bay barrage, with the spectacular backdrop of the new waterside development and Millennium Stadium. Short, sharp racing soon sorted out the most skilful crews and the fittest genoa trimmers. Once more dominated by “Stouche”, closely followed by Phil Owen in “Zaphod”. There was also some very tight racing lower down the fleet between Why Not, J-Ryder.com and Self Control with places continuously changing in the shifty wind conditions within the Bay.

Sunday saw lighter winds and the decision to hold the rest of the competition inside the barrage where there is the luxury of no tide. Mike Ireland in “XRJ”, an old Westerly built J, soon showed that short racing was all about tactics and crew-work. Easily taking second place behind “Stouche” in the first race.

Stuart in “Jam” dominated the final race. He forced the majority of the fleet the wrong side of the committee boat after a wind shift, seconds before the start.

An excellently organised event on and off the water was appreciated by all the competitors. This heralded a promising beginning for sailing competitions within the bay for Cardiff Bay Yacht Club. The club hopes to attract even more competitors to the event next year, but is currently focusing on hosting the Welsh Schools Championships on the 8th and 9th of July and the J24 team racing in November.

Overall Results:

1st Stuart Jardine   Stouche
2nd Phil Owen        Zaphod
3rd Stuart Wetherill Jam
4th Clive Ballet     Shock Waves
5th Mike Ireland     XRJ         (1st Westerly Prize)
6th Paul Bererton    Why Not

More Information:

• UK J/24 Class Association