J/24 Autumn Cup at Plym Yacht Club

UK J/24 Autumn Cup 2023 in Plymouth © Paul Gibbins Photography

The fleet, a total of 12 boats, was made up of several local boats and various travellers. A special mention to the crew of Motley Crew, as this is the first time we have seen their 1978 TPI on the circuit.

Launching and mooring was at the Yacht Haven Quay dry stack, which proved to be very efficient. They ran two of the three forklifts which made short work of the launch and recovery.

Plymouth, the venue for the worlds in 2025, has two sailing areas; with the first day's forecast being a solid F4/F5 from the south - it was going to be tough sailing outside the breakwater. Two boats retired after race 1: Motley Crew with seasickness (a real issue in a J24 in big waves which can be a feature at Plymouth worlds - travellers be aware) and Juggernaut with a kicking strap failure.

Conditions saw boats fast footing upwind under jibs to enjoy a sleigh ride down wind with speeds up to 11+ knots(!) on the waves. The race committee handled the persistently veering wind during the day with superb race management, constantly adjusting the windward mark on each round. The day was won by Mr Mann with a near flawless performance, only missing out in race 2 to NJO2 when the bow was spotted up the mast during the starting sequence.

An excellent social event in the Plym Yacht Club gave the fleet a chance to bond over an organised Thai box meal and drinks in the club.

Day 2 and the forecast is F1/2 with gusts to 8 knots from the south-west. The Race Officer made the wise choice to pull the sailing area into the flatter water in the Sound, as the sea state outside was liable to be lumpy and with the light wind forecast un-sailable. Race 5 and the usual order is resumed with Mr Mann taking the win, Majic taking a 2nd and we see Jawbreaker making an appearance on the podium at 3rd. In the light wind a good start is paramount and race 6 with a nice start and a failure to cover by Majic saw NJO2 take their second win from Majic with Mr Mann in 3rd. The final race was a contest for 2nd overall between NJO2 and Majic with the win going to Majic.

Thanks especially to Sam Marshall sailing Wijit who pulled the event together.

If you want to race the Worlds in 2025 you will need to qualify during 2024 as it is not an open event or find a spot on a boat. The J24 association has access to a few boats that can be made available to newcomers.

Overall Results: