J-30 North American Championship to Fuzzy Wuzzy

by Eric Robbins (PRO) on 7 Oct 2009
Bengt Johansson, representing Raritan Yacht Club in NJ, sailed his Fuzzy Wuzzy to a second consecutive J-30 North American Championship, held at Cedar Point Yacht Club in Westport, CT on October 2-4.

With all firsts and seconds in the five-race, 15-boat series, Fuzzy Wuzzy bested five-time champion Scott Tonguis’ Zephyr team from New Orleans, and local aces John McArthur in Smiles and 1994 champion Carl Sherter in Fat City, and Steve Buzbee sailing Blue Meanie, also out of Raritan.

Friday dawned with temps in the 30s, and a light southeasterly. By race time the temperature was straining to get to 60, and the breeze oscillated, with a rightward trend, at about 5-7 knots. Zephyr (sailing in borrowed boat Bleu Bayou) led from start to finish, seeking to reclaim their trophy last won in 2006. Fuzzy Wuzzy was a close second, ahead of Smiles.

By the start of the second race, the ebb tide was ripping down Long Island Sound, across the building southerly wind. Fuzzy Wuzzy claimed the top spot, leading Zephyr and Blue Meanie as Principal Race Officer Eric Robbins (Tampa, FL) and his 12-person team stepped the four-leg course down-tide, changing at each mark.

The fleet motor-sailed back to the original starting area for the third race, with the wind now blowing 12-14k. As the tide slowed, Fuzzy Wuzzy romped to another victory, well ahead of Fat City and Zephyr.

Saturday was warmer but still overcast. After a short postponement, the breeze settled in from the south, and the fleet raced another six-mile, four-leg course. This contest belonged to Smiles, holding off Fuzzy Wuzzy and Zephyr in the final run to the finish. The fifth race of the series saw the top four boats Fuzzy Wuzzy, Zephyr, Smiles and Fat City finish the race in the order of their final standings. Although another race was attempted, the wind faded before the starting signal, and the fleet raced in ahead of a building storm.

All enjoyed a most excellent lobster banquet, as Regatta Chairman John McArthur handed out trophies to the first five boats in each race. The forecast for Sunday was discouraging.

All morning Sunday a race committee boat sat out on Long Island Sound, but could find no breeze stronger than 2.5k, so the fleet stayed ashore. After three horns at 1245, beautiful half-hull trophies were awarded to the top five boats. Fuzzy Wuzzy also repeated as Top Amateur boat. Next year the Championship will be held in Marblehead, MA.

Full results: http://www.j30.us/na2009/results.html
Event website: http://www.j30.us/na2009/index.html
Event photos: http://www.thephotoboat.com/J30-North-American-Championship-Photos.html
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