2015 J/70 UK National Championship - Six of the best

by Louay Habib on 30 Aug 2015 With 30 boats on one start line, the first day of the J/70 UK National Championship featured the largest fleet of J/70s that have ever raced in the United Kingdom. Ian Atkins racing Boats.com, with Ruairidh Scott on the helm, leads after four races but it was never easy for the reigning UK National Champions. Six teams made the podium today: Ian Atkin's Boats.com, Will Goldsmith's Gill Race Team, Charlie Esse's Baby J, Ian Dobson's Sailboats.co.uk, Russell Peter's number six and Jack Davies' Jugador.

A light gradient wind from the east south east, veered during the day, but also flicked back to the east, which kept the tacticians on their toes. The wind speed rarely exceeded ten knots, whilst the racing was not physically taxing, today's shifting breeze was a real test of tactical awareness. Starting well is always important but even more so in light airs, two general recalls and a highly competitive start line, were indicative of the competition within the fleet.

Gill Race Team with Royal Southern Yacht Club Academy sailor, Will Goldsmith at the helm, had a great day, finishing in second place overall and top boat for both the Under 30 prize and mixed crew. Gill Race Team has a crew all under 25, including 470 duo Amy Seabright and Anna Carpenter, from the RYA British Sailing Team, as well as top Fireball sailor, Matthew Rainback.

Amy Seabright spoke about the first day of racing. “We have only be sailing the boat for two days but entering the championship is intentional for our training programme to try to further our performance in the 470. You can get quite channelled in how you sail and with your tactics, whereas going into different fleets, you learn how other people sail and the J/70 is great for that because in this fleet it is hard to win. Having 30 plus boats on a start line isn't new to us but having four people in a boat is, managing everyone's views is an interesting dynamic. Also asymmetric sailing is different and really good for our development, as you have to play the wind more. Will (Goldsmith) did a great job on the helm today, but I have to say that because he is buying the drinks! Seriously, we are delighted with our results to today.”

Legendary coach, Jim Saltonstall, was a keen observer during the racing and commented, whilst sipping a pint of Yorkshire tea, at the bar in the Royal Southern YC. Here are some of Jim's words of wisdom.

“Tide, wind and convergence zone.” summarised Jim. “As it was going light the wind went right and as it increased it went a bit to the left. On the left hand side with an easterly wind there was more pressure on the shore because there is a convergence zone and an increase in wind velocity, the wind at 150 degrees was parallel to the shore and at times there was more wind there but when the wind went a little lighter it would shift the other way, so it was important not to get too detached. So a tricky day, at times, it was difficult to stay in phase.”

The impressive Royal Southern Yacht Club upper bar was bubbling with conversation after racing, and courtesy of Anthony Esse, owner of Baby J, a cocktail welcome party was organised for all competitors. Anthony was in a jubilant mood , as Baby J, with Anthony and his son Charlie on the helm, scored a win and a second place today to take third place overall, and top Corinthian boat after four races.

The impressive Royal Southern Yacht Club upper bar was bubbling with conversation after racing, and courtesy of Anthony Esse, owner of Baby J, a cocktail welcome party was organised for all competitors. Anthony was in a jubilant mood , as Baby J, with Anthony and his son Charlie on the helm, scored a win and a second place today to take third place overall, and top Corinthian boat after four races.

Anthony Esse spoke about the bright future for the J/70 class in Europe. “The J/70 fleet has formed a European Champions League, the UK class are not participating yet but we will next year, running one of the legs, as a joint venture between the Royal Thames YC and the RYA. There will be a test event this October. The league offers short course racing, legs of just a few hundred metres, delivering spectacular short-sharp racing. I wish you all a great evening and great racing for the regatta.”

Racing at the J/70 UK National Championship continues tomorrow with up to four races scheduled. A fresh northeasterly breeze is forecast, potentially with planing conditions for the powerful J/70 fleet.