J/24 Worlds, Bart’s Bash, VOR, OD—Sailing news from the U.S. and beyon

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 26 Sep 2014 The J/24 may no longer be a new or cutting-edge design, but that certainly has not diminished the class’s standing as one of the most competitive One Design classes afloat. Like the Laser, the class has the numbers, the boats and the dedicated sailors necessary to guarantee high-end racing, such as the 71-boat racecourse action that’s currently unfolding off of Sail Newport, in Newport, Rhode Island, where the venerable class is holding its 2014 Worlds (September 22-26).

As of this writing, Will Welles and his 'Cougar' team are sitting in the pole position, followed by the always-fast Mauricio Santa Cruz and his 'Bruschetta' team and Greg Griffin and his 'Team Tarheel' squad. Get the full report, inside this issue, and stay tuned to the website for the latest news, as it unfurls.

As we reported in this week’s Monday newsletter, the international sailing community pulled together on September 21 to participate in 'Bart’s Bash', a series of international regattas that were set up to honor Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, the British Gold medalist who was tragically killed during an onboard training accident on Artemis’ Racing’s first-generation AC72 when it failed catastrophically on the waters of San Francisco Bay in April of 2013.

While the goal of the regattas was to get as many people out on the water and having fun as possible, the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation (the event’s organizers) also had an eye turned to breaking the Guinness Book of World Records record for the Largest Sailing Race (24 hours). While the numbers are still being crunched from all 768 participating venues, the event organizers have proudly announced that more than 2,500 boats racing in localized regattas (that each consisted of more than 25 competitors) participated in this year’s Bart’s Bash, thus setting a new record.

'The event has proved a huge success and we are delighted to announce that, subject to ratification, we have set the new Guinness World Record. And we have done it in style with 82 % of the results still to be processed,' said Richard Percy, CEO of the Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation. 'The turnout on 21st September exceeded our expectations and we are very happy that we provided a truly global opportunity for people to come together and enjoy sailing. We hope this event will become a regular feature in the global sailing calendar.'

Meanwhile, in offshore-related news, things are getting serious in Alicante, Spain, ahead of the October 4 in-port race and the October 11 start of Leg One of the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR), which will take the teams from Spain to Cape Town, South Africa. Inside this issue, check in with latecomer Team Vestas Wind to get a photo-gallery update of their preparations, and don’t miss the multimedia updates about the last-minute checks that the various teams are making, ahead of the start of their grand adventure.

And in Casco Bay, Maine, the Portland Yacht Club recently hosted the second annual Etchells Lobster Bowl regatta (September 13 and 14). Here, some of the country’s most passionate Etchells sailors got together for seven great races on Casco Bay’s flat waters and great onshore camaraderie in the evenings. 'To attract that many talented young sailors to a major regatta is a great sign for our class and the future of this regatta,' said Fleet Captain Ralph Carpenter. Learn more about this event, and about its special 'Heritage' division, inside this issue.

Also inside, get the latest news from the Sailing Champions League and the US Wabbit Nationals, get the final results from the Hobie 16 North Americans, and-for anyone who could use a shot of Caribbean sunshine on this early fall day-get the dates and a preview report for the annual St. Thomas International Regatta (March 27-29, 2015).

May the four winds blow you safely home,