An interview with Allan Terhune about the 2018 J/22 Worlds
by David Schmidt 6 Sep 2018 16:00 BST
September 9-14, 2018
J/22 Worlds 2013 day 1 © Christopher E. Howell
While the J/22 wasn’t the first or even the most famous sailboat design from Rod Johnstone’s pen, it’s one of the Rhode Island-based company’s best-sailing steads and one that has proven herself to be a great One Design racing platform since her creation in 1983. To date there are more than 1,550 J/22s sailing in 65 fleets in 18 different countries across three different continents. One of the most active U.S. fleets is Fleet 19, which is based in Annapolis, Maryland, where the 2018 J/22 World Championships are slated to take place (September 9-14).
With an eye towards clean lines, a comfortable cockpit, and an extremely responsive helm, the J/22 sports a simple three-sail wardrobe consisting of a non-overlapping headsail, a main, and a symmetrical spinnaker. This sailplan is tackled by the boat’s 700 pounds of fixed lead ballast and (up to) 605 pounds of crew weight-a combination that allows the nimble 22-footer to plane with her kite up in 18 knots of air.
Not surprisingly, the boat’s performance attributes, coupled with her value-minded cost, easy trailerability, and low-maintenance finish (including Stainless Steel handrails and composite toerails), have attracted many world-class sailors, making events such as this year’s Worlds, which are being hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club, a serious undertaking for any polished One Design team.
As of this writing, teams from four countries have registered to compete at this year’s Worlds, with the heaviest concentrations coming from Canadian- and U.S.- flagged teams.
I checked in with Allan Terhune, event chair of the 2018 J/22 Worlds (www.annapolisyc.com/racing/2018j22worlds), via email, to learn more about this highly competitive One Design regatta.
How many boats are you hoping to have on the starting line, come September? Also, how competitive do you expect this fleet to be?
As of today we have 66 entries and I would say we may get a few more [at the] last minute. It will be a great event for the class with a highly competitive fleet.
There is a good mix of past world champs, professionals and top amateurs who are putting in a lot of effort. It will be a tough event.
What kinds of weather conditions can sailors typically expect for the waters off of Annapolis in mid-September? Also, where will the racing physically take place?
The beauty of Annapolis is we can get a little bit of everything weather wise. The upside to September is typically the air is still quite warm as is the water so the conditions are pleasant.
Annapolis is a tough venue, where this is current, geography and many different wind directions so it will give all teams a good variety. We expect to race on the Chesapeake Bay off the mouth of the Severn River.
Any advice for visiting teams who have not sailed on these waters before? What about for returning Annapolis veterans?
If you are from out of town, get Stuart Walker’s book on sailing in Annapolis, it is a great help. For those who have sailed here before, don't get in the mindset of "we have seen this before" as many teams get burned. It's not always as left-dominated as people think!
I noticed that there’s a link to boat charters on the event website—is this something that the event has organized, or is this more through the local fleets? Also, do you know if most out-of-town teams will be chartering or bringing their own boats?
We have charter boats available that our local fleet helped to organize. Most folks will trail[er] their boats to the regatta and launch at the yacht club.
In the ideal world, how many races will the RC try to conduct during the course of the event? Also, will these strictly be windward-leewards or will you use other shapes?
We have ten races scheduled over four days with a maximum of four races per day. We will be using windward leeward only.
Given the location of this regatta, do you know if a team(s) from the United States Naval Academy (USNA) will be competing? If not, will there be any other opportunities for the Midshipmen to get involved with this event and see world championship-level racing up close and personal?
There are no USNA teams entered. [I believe the] USNA still has a J/22 and can come out!
What kinds of onshore/evening entertainment do you and the other event organizers have planned?
We have many great parties, chalk talks/debriefs and opening and closing ceremonies planned.
Out-of-town teams should plan to hit the town on Friday after awards!
Anything else that you’d like to add, for the record?
We’re looking forward to this event with the opening (hopefully) of our new clubhouse. The fleet and class have worked very hard, as has the Annapolis Yacht Club staff and Race Committee.
If anyone is on the fence, we hope they will come!