52nd Rolex Big Boat Series boosted by one-design classes

by St. Francis Yacht Club on 5 Jul 2016 The early entry deadline is less than one month away for the 52nd Rolex Big Boat Series hosted by St. Francis Yacht Club. Of the 48 boats currently entered to race September 15–18, there is a strong showing of emerging one-design classes including the J/70 Class and the C&C 30 Class, which have nine and six boats registered, respectively. Additional one-design classes invited to compete include the Express 37, Farr 40, J/111, J/120 and J/105.The regatta will also conduct starts for boats racing under a variety of rating rules.

“The J/70 Class has become popular because of its ease of use. It’s easy to trailer, easy to launch and requires only a crew of three to race,” said regatta chairperson Susan Ruhne. “The C&C 30 Class is a bit larger at 30 feet, but also has become popular because it has a big-boat feel and offers close racing. We’re excited to host both of these classes.”

The J/70 Class World Championship follows this year’s Rolex Big Boat Series by one week,and Ruhne expects more of the popular 22-footers to enter.Chris Kostanecki (Ross, Calif.), owner of the J/70 Jennifer, has already signed up and expects up to 40 J/70swill join him on the line at the world-renowned regatta.

“I think this year will be particularly dynamic and exciting,” said Kostanecki. “The J/70 Class is using it as a warm-up for Worlds, so all of the top teams should be there.”

Kostaneckisays the varied conditions of San Francisco Bay make the regatta a unique challenge. “It’s so much fun; it’s different than any other race,” said Kostanecki. “You’ve got racing along the City front, and the conditions can be gnarly. Sometimes they work against you and sometimes to your advantage, but that’s what makes it such a unique regatta. It’s always one of my favorites of the year.”

While Kostanecki has raced the Rolex Big Boat Series many times, James Madden (Newport Beach, Calif.), owner of the C&C 30 Stark Raving Mad VIII,has entered for the first time. The private equity trader has heard a lot about the regatta from his crews over the years but this is the first year his work schedule has allowed him to enter.

“I have always wanted to race in the Rolex Big Boat Series,”said Madden. “I haven’t heard it’s easy. I’ve heard it’sfun, challenging, a fantastic venue and a well-run regatta. I’ve heard the conditions can be challenging. I’ve heard the race committee does good job and the racing is fair, so I’m looking forward to it.”

Madden has owned a series of race boats ranging from 40 to 60 feet, but the C&C 30 is the smallest he’s owned.“I wanted a boat that planes, a sport boat and one that had the upside of class development,” said Madden. “The C&C 30 has a good designer [Mark Mills of Ireland] and a good builder [US Watercraft of Rhode Island]. I purchased hull number 20, so I had confidence the class would be successful. And it’s been everything promised. It’s a handful, but fast, exciting and challenging. It’s a ton of fun.”

As many as eight C&C 30s are expected to enter and Madden is one of several owners who will ship their boat west after the C&C 30 One-Design North American Championship at New York Yacht Club Race Week Presented by Rolex in Newport, R.I., July 13-16.