J/24 US National Championship at Saville Yacht Club - Day 1
by Christopher Howell 14 May 2016 00:52 BST
13-15 May 2016
J/24 US Nationals 2016 day 1 © Christopher Howell / One Design Association Management
Friday the 13th brought good fortune to Will Welles on the inaugural day of the J/24 US National Championship, hosted by Saville Yacht Club in Blue Point, NY. Enduring light breeze (4-8 knots) and overcast/wet conditions, Welles recorded two bullets and a second for just 4 points in the three races. Carter White shadows him with 10 points (including the day’s other race win). Canadian Michael Howarth’s second-place in the final contest pushed him into third overall with 22 points.
Thirty-nine teams are competing, including entrants from various areas of the United States as well as Argentina, Canada, Chile and Mexico. Following Welles in the first meeting were Christopher Stone (who took a 20% penalty) and Nicolas Cubria of Argentina. The leaders jumbled in race two as White defeated Welles and Cubria. Welles returned to the top in the last contest, tailed by Howarth and John Mollicone.
Racing continues through Sunday. Complete results may be found here and photos are available on the J/24 Class Facebook page.