Jones dominating the global scene

by Erin McKnight on 15 Apr 2013 Australian Yachtsman, Darren ’Twirler’ Jones is in high demand on the international sailing scene, having signed up to compete in no less than 12 high-profile regattas in the next seven months - with three World Championships thrown into the mix.

The Tasmanian born sailor has just landed on home turf after a podium finish in the Melges 32 class at the Rolex International Regatta at St Thomas, in the US Virgin Islands. A far cry from swanning around the Caribbean, it was strictly business for Jones, who competes and coaches at a professional level and is expected to perform at every event he participates in. And he brings the results, which is why so many international yachting teams are vying for his time.

Currently committed to the Swedish Melges 32 team ‘Inga From Sweden’, Jones will be their mainsail trimmer for three regattas in Europe, leading up to the Melges 32 World Championship title in Porto Rotondo in September. Currently sitting in second position on the US Sailing Series leader board, the ‘Inga From Sweden’ team are fresh, focussed, and promising results.

The US based Farr 30 team ‘Groovederci’ have secured Jones to race with them in the Farr 30 World Championship which will be held in Newport, Rhode Island in July. This will be the third consecutive year that Jones has been a part of the Groovederci racing team, with owner Deneen Demourkas the sole lady owner/driver in the fleet. Jones will be hoping for a repeat performance of the 2008 Worlds, where he was a part of the winning crew, helmed by the late Guy Stening.

Throw into the mix a Farr 40 World Championship, squeezed into August, again on the shores of Newport, Rhode Island. Jones will be competing in his 12th Farr 40 Worlds and again, privy to the weight of that World Championship trophy. Jones was a crew member aboard ‘Evolution’ when Richard Perini won the 2005 World Championship in Sydney.

Amidst the glamour of overseas racing, Jones manages to spend a little time on our local shores. He recently helped the Tasmanian team ‘2Unlimited’ win the Sydney Harbour Regatta with a perfect scorecard of six bullets. His relationship with the owner Greg ‘Enzo’ Prescott spans many years, having competed in ten Sydney to Hobart races together, and they now have their eye on the Melges 32 Australian Championship trophy, which is being contested next weekend at Middle Harbour Yacht Club.

Most appreciative of his return to Australian shores is his dedicated wife and two daughters. Jones frequently admits that he would love to spend more time sailing in Australia, so that he can see more of his family, but for the time being, the International demand is just too Darren Jones website