East coast boat wins J/24 Canadian Nationals

by Dale Robertson on 24 Aug 2010 The 2010 J24 Nationals are over. Protests have been dealt with, standings finalized, and many, many prizes distributed. The win by Ian Dawson and Craig Noakes' Yertle, which was reported first here yesterday, held up. The most remarkable result, of course, was that Yertle emerged from a three-way tie for first winning on the strength of three first place finishes in individual races.

If this has ever happened before, I have my doubts. Yertle had to win the last race and did so by overtaking Dale Robertson in Jamn It on the final leg of the last race. Ian and Craig needed Peter Wickwire to finish no better than third, which Peter, in fact, did, fully aware that if Dale could hold on, his Sunnyvale would win the regatta. Both required Johnny Whynacht in Sticky Fingers to finish eighth or worse (i.e., a drop), which he unfortunately did by coming in tenth for his worst race in what was otherwise a very consistent series.

The event closed with a first class lobster dinner and prize giving in the Squadron's Spar Loft attended by more than 150 sailors and officials. Class President, Dale Robertson, distributed Victory Sailmakers' free sails to the top 3 boats and trophies to all crew members from the top 5 boats, title sponsors Propeller Brewing Company and Victory Sailmakers as well as about a dozen of the roughly 50 volunteers. Sperry Topsider, Slam clothing and gear, Jackson-Triggs, Gosling's Rum and other sponsors provided prizes for all of the other volunteers who supported the event as well as to top finishers and notable also-rans (e.g., Best Dressed Lisa Ross and Best Comeback Eric Koppernaes). The event concluded after the Yertle crew collected their trophy and participants were told to look under their chairs for tags that indicated they had won prizes such as Sperry shoes or Henri Lloyd clothing provided by The Binnacle. A melee ensued and we can only hope that everyone left with shoes and jackets that fit.

All things considered, this was a great regatta. Practice race Wednesday night, 3 days of sailing in sunshine, a pool party with live entertainment, a lobster and beef banquet followed by a dance to the tunes of the fantastic band Big City. Next August, when the J24 North Americans come to town, we'll see if we can't come up with a shorter line up for measurement, no fog, a touch more breeze, equally comfortable temperatures, and the same good times and terrific competition.