J/24 North American Championship at Riviera Nayarit, Mexico - Day 1

J/24 North American Championship day 1 © Christopher E. Howell

Mike Ingham grabs early lead

Mike Ingham of the United States jumped out to the initial advantage on day one of the J/24 North American Championship in Mexico. Sailing Digger with current J/24 World Champion Tim Healy on board, Ingham placed within the top three in each of Tuesday's three races (1,2,3) for 6 points thus far. Ian Ilsley's Jobbit of Monaco is just three points back in second place, and previous J/24 World Champion Mauricio Santa Cruz of Brazil on Bruschetta is in third with 16 points.

Conditions in the gorgeous Riviera Nayarit were beautiful as expected for the 37 competitors from Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Monaco, Peru, Sweden and the United States. Under blue skies with warm temperatures, winds began around 8-10 knots when Ingham won the opening race. Jeronimo Landauer's JJONE of Germany followed in second, and Santa Cruz in third. Breezes increased to 10-12 knots with gusts to 14 in the next battle when the USA's Tony Parker helmed Bangor Packet to first, while Ingham and Ilsley completed the top three. Winds returned to around 8 knots in the day's final bout. Ilsley snatched the bullet, with Javier Valasquez Robinson's Trinquete of Mexico in the runner-up spot, and then Ingham.

Racing continues through Sunday. This event is a 2015 Pan American Games country qualifier. Photos may be found on the J/24 Class Facebook page, and complete regatta information may be found at j24mex.com/nac2014_copamexico.