2015 J/70 North American Championship - Green Flash hits San Diego

by SDYC on 24 Sep 2015 The Green Flash J/70 North American Championship has arrived in San Diego ready for some world-class competition. For the next four days, San Diego waters will be taken over by 50 boats vying for the title of championship.

'We have sailors here from all over the world and our sponsors really stepped up to make this event happen,' said event chairman Dave Vieregg. Skippers and their crews have travelled from all over the United States, Mexico and Brazil to compete in this year's regatta.

'We're just excited to be here,' competitor Bruce Golison said of this year's regatta. Golison, a renowned sailor and principal race officer, is no stranger to competing in San Diego. 'I've been sailing here at SDYC for 50 years, starting out in sabots.'

This year's fleet is both widely diverse and highly competitive. Vieregg, a competitor as well as the event chairman, estimates that as many as 20 of the 50 boats have the skill and racing experience needed to take the championship title.

While competition rules the water, camaraderie will flourish on land. Green Flash Brewing Company, the event's title sponsor and an integral part in developing the regatta, created and canned the Jibe IPA specifically to launch at this event. Daily social events at SDYC will follow each day of racing.

Earlier today, competitors had the chance to test out San Diego's waters during a practice race, but starting tomorrow every race will count. The first official race of the regatta is scheduled to begin tomorrow at 12:00pm.