Landsail Tyres J-Cup at the Royal Southern Yacht Club - Day 2
by Louay Habib 25 Jun 2021 19:59 PDT
24-26 June 2021
Three races were completed for all five classes on the penultimate day of the Landsail Tyres Cup. The early north westerly wind carried some rain to wash down the 50 J/Boats on the way out to the combat zone. However, later in the day, the breeze backed to the west and out came the sunshine with an average wind speed of 12 knots. It was a day for heads out of the boat, anticipating the shifting and variable wind.
Congratulations to today's race winners. David Greenhalgh's J/92 J'ronimo, Becky Walford's J/92 Brenda's J, Ross Bowdler J/80 Justify, Jonnie Goodwin's J/70 RYS, Paul Ward's J/70 Eat Sleep J Repeat, Johnny Cooper's J/112E Jooped, Michael and Sarah Wallis' J/122E Jahmali, David Richards' J/109 Jumping Jellyfish, Mike & Susie Yates' J/109 JAGO, and Tony and Sally Mack's J/111 McFly.
IRC Two
Robin Stevenson J/92s Upstart still leads the class after five races. David Greenhalgh's J/92 J'ronimo moves up to second. Robin and David both originate from Sussex and have been racing against each other for many years. "It's a friendly rivalry, but Robin tacked on top of me today, it's been a while since that happened!" smiled David Greenhalgh. Jack Banks J/92 Nightjar is now third in class. IRC Two is proving to be an extremely competitive class. Brenda's J and Justify scored bullets today, making it five teams with race wins.
J/70 Class
Paul Ward's Eat Sleep J Repeat had a hiccup in Race 3, placing fifth. However, Ward's world champion team came back, scoring two race wins to retain the class lead by four points from Martin Dent's Jelvis. Jonnie Goodwin's J/70 RYS had an extra-ordinary day; winning Race Three having put in a decisive gybe but came last in a topsy-turvy Race 4! RYS moves up to third on countback from Nick Phillips' Chaotic.
Patrick Liardet's Cosmic is having a stunning regatta leading the J/70 Corinthian Division by eight points from Corinthian National Champion, Charles Thompson's Brutus II. Greg Hall's Sceptre had a great day at the races, lifting the team to third. 9 of the 20 J/70 teams racing are composed of entirely amateur crew. "It has been a long time since we have raced, and that brings doubts into your mind," commented Cosmic's Liardet. "We have had two great days racing, and the crew work has been just fantastic, and we are obviously delighted to be scoring so well."
A special mention for John Greenland's J/70 Woof, a team of friends who are thoroughly enjoying the J-Cup and representing the Royal Thames. Before racing today, Greenland playfully described teammate Nick Hornby as a loveable Labrador, but after finishing as third best boat of the day, Saskia Clark was asked what sort of dog best described Woof! "A Pomeranian!" enthused Saskia. Presumably due to the Pomeranian's playful yet bold character!
IRC One
Johnny Cooper's J/112E Jooped won the first race of the day and placed second in Races 4&5 to retain the class lead. However, Michael and Sarah Wallis' J/122E Jahmali won two races today, closing the gap on Jooped to just one point. Mark Stevens' J/105 Jacana had a consistent day to retain third.
J/109 Class
David Richards' Jumping Jellyfish retains the lead by just two points from Mike & Susie Yates' JAGO. Rosie Berry's Jenie, remains in third place. The results for the J/109 Class are subject to protest.
J/111 Class
Tony and Sally Mack's McFly scored three straight bullets to leap-frog to top of the class, Chris Jones & Louise Makin's J/111 Journeymaker II is second but only a point off the lead. Paul Griffiths' Jagerbomb finished the day in third. The results for the J/111 Class are subject to protest.
After racing, subject to social distancing rules, a prize-giving was held on the al fresco Quarter Deck at the Royal Southern Yacht Club. Sailors enjoyed complimentary hotdogs and Mount Gay Rum Bajan Buck cocktails plus yet more prizes from North Sails. Famous guitar soloist Steve Osman played a high energy set to an eager crowd, enjoying beautiful weather on a Friday night at a special event. The Landsail Tyres J-Cup is a very competitive regatta but after racing the atmosphere is welcoming and above all fun!
Racing at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup concludes tomorrow, Saturday 26th June with three races scheduled for all classes.
Full results available here.