J/22 Midwinter Championship at Jackson Yacht Club - Day 1

Benz Faget took a strong step at defending his J/22 Midwinter Championship on the first day of the 2015 edition, scoring three victories in four races. Faget, of New Orleans, LA, helmed Fats to the three bullets and added in a 10 for 13 points so far. 2013 J/22 World Champion Allan Terhune on Dazzler stands in second place and Terry Flynn's Tejas in third. This regatta is being hosted by Jackson Yacht Club in Ridgeland, MS.

Sunny skies, temperatures around 60 and breeze between 6-8 knots greeted the 37 boats on Friday morning. John Dyer's Aquavit took line honours in the opening bout, however an OCS gave the top position to Faget, followed by Robert Muller's Call The Ball. Terhune won race two, as Mike Farrington of the Cayman Islands and Flynn completed the top three.

Familiar names dominated the third contest: Faget, Flynn and Terhune. Following Fats closing the day with another win were RJ Moon's Axe Wound and Keith Zars' Baby Lips. Winds had increased by the end of race three to 12-14 knots.

Racing continues through Sunday. This event marks the highest J/22 Midwinters attendance since 2010. Photos are available on the J/22 Class Facebook page, and complete results are available at www.j22mw.com