U.K. J/109 Class changes rules to align with IRC fleet
by Gemma Dunn 13 Aug 2018 13:26 PDT
J/109s at the J-Cup © Tim Wright /
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The U.K. class held an Extraordinary General Meeting during Lendy Cowes Week, to approve a change in the rules which will make it easier for the IRC focussed boats to take part in class racing and J/109 class boats to participate in IRC events.
The change is to move from overlapping headsails to non-overlapping headsails, allow in-haulers and provide for flexibility in forestay setup. This change will make the boats easier to sail, without compromising boat speed. Boats will be able to use the same set-up for both racing formats without having to own two different sets of headsails.
The changes will come into effect for the season beginning in 2021, but during a two year transitional period spanning the 2019 and 2020 seasons, boats will be able to compete in boat for boat, one design racing under either the existing or the amended rules.
The Irish J/109 fleet made a similar, and successful change a few years ago, and they have seen a real boost in J/109 numbers. It is hoped that J/109s from the U.K., Ireland and all over Northern Europe will find it easier to race together at flagship events such as Cowes Week.
Newly elected class Chairman, Simon Perry, commented: "We hope these changes will help to maintain the J/109 as one of the most successful one design, cruiser/racer classes in the UK & Ireland, and promote greater participation in one design events.
17 J/109s competed at this year's Lendy Cowes Week. The winner, Caroline van Beelen and Rutger Krijger's Jack Rabbit, was also declared overall champion of Black Group.
For more information on the J/109 class, please email