J/122 wins 100nm West Coaster Ocean Race
by J/Boats 2 Dec 2019 04:39 GMT
Joss - West Coaster Ocean Race © Bernie Kaaks Photography
The J/122 JOSS from Perth is starting the new season the way they finished the last - winning! Last weekend's race was 100.0nm West Coaster Ocean Race from Fremantle to Yanchep and return, the race was hosted by Fremantle Sailing Club (FSC).
100.0nm may not sound too bad, nor terribly challenging. However, with very light winds forecast, a very "un-Perth-like Freemantle Doctor", the race turned into an endurance contest. The race took 23hrs 55mins, which meant the focus was on endurance, concentration and keeping the boat moving.
Owner Ian Clyne commented, "JOSS had a long, at times frustrating, but very rewarding FSC West Coaster Ocean Race. There were huge holes along the route, so the focus was to just keep moving. The J/122 keeps going even in 5 knots of wind, so we knew we were in with a chance, and were very happy with the result. Knowing the forecast was for light winds, we were conscious of crew weight, and kept the sail wardrobe to a minimum. The A1.5 kite is just a brilliant sail as well as the Code Zero.
The race started in North Fremantle and headed due west to pass to the south side of Rottnest Island. Then, we headed north to round a virtual turn mark at Yanchep, then a zig zag SE, North, SE back to Fremantle.
On the final leg, there was zero wind along the beaches and zero wind off Rottnest Island, but a small line of breeze in the center, so the crew took full advantage and tacked back and forth to keep within the narrow breeze band. JOSS finished a clear 37minutes ahead of the competition on IRC."
JOSS is currently leading the Blue Water season point score.