Tacktick J/109 National Championships 2011 concluded

by Cailah Leask on 3 Jun 2011 Tacktick J/109 National Championships 2011 was hosted by Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) from May 27th through to the 29th.

Dorset did not disappoint the seasoned yacht sailors who included some of the racing world’s most esteemed faces. Big Bay conditions dominated the weekend’s racing with only the strongest of crew regularly securing top 10 finishes. J-Dream owned by the team of David and Kirsty Apthorp now have a whole year reigning as Tacktick J/109 National Champions finishing five points ahead of Velvet Elvis after a seven race series.

Helm of J-Dream, David Apthorp, crowned Tacktick UK National Champion 2011, said, ‘We are exhausted but absolutely delighted to have achieved this for the second time. The entire fleet has enjoyed close and competitive racing and the hospitality of the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy has been second to none’.

Entries were from some of the highest profile national yacht clubs; The Royal Yacht Squadron, Royal Thames, Royal Southern, Royal Channel Islands and the Royal Ocean Racing Club, all having member representatives within the overall top 20 positions.

With the majority of racing taking place in the upper wind bracket stunning imagery and footage was produced with masterful gybes in Weymouth Bay’s renowned waves. The final day of racing produced a notable downhill dual between Velvet Elvis and J-Dream with a luffing match ensuing in 28 knot plus wind speeds which forced some teams to keep the spinnaker safely stowed below decks for a more stable last downhill sprint.

Top international sailor, Jeremy Robinson from North Sails, who finished fourth overall onboard Matt Boyle’s Shiva commented, ‘Racing from the WPNSA meant that we raced in some quality big boat conditions which created some tight one design fleet racing. It is great to see the J/109 Class flourishing in the UK and consistently attracting a strong race fleet’.

The J/109 UK Class Association would like to extend their thanks to the event sponsor ‘Tacktick Wireless powered by Suunto’ as well as ‘Sebago’ for supplying their Wave Extreme shoes ‘aggressive athletic marine footwear’ during the prize giving.

J/109 UK Class Captain, Adam Wright noted a very successful 2011 event, ‘we would like to thank our sponsors for their support and generosity and also the WPNSA staff as well as volunteers who ensured that the J/109 fleet had one of their best regattas WPNSA J/109 UK Class Association website