Black Mamba two-peats gorgeous Mexican J/70 National Championship
by J/Boats 14 May 10:13 PDT
Mexican J/70 National Championship © Charity Palmatier
Twenty-three J/70 teams made the trek to the famous Mexican resort on Banderas Bay and there is no question that Mother Nature did not disappoint the sailors.
With simply gorgeous sailing on the Bay, punctuated by 10 to 18 kts sea breezes, dolphins swimming and jumping around the boats, and whales spouting in the distance, it had the feeling of a fun-loving carnival atmosphere.
Rolling out the red carpet were Vallarta Yacht Club's enthusiastic members, not only providing excellent racing on the water but amazing après' sailing activities and entertainment ashore.
After a four-day, eleven-race series, it was Fernando Perez Ontiveros' BLACK MAMBA team (Bernardo Freitas, Gonzalo Ribeiro, Willem van Waay) that took the gold medal after winning six races and not having to sail the last race.
Second went to Eduardo Saenz's NIMBU crew (Carlos Robles, Will Felder, Bill Hardesty) that started strongly with two bullets, had mostly top-six finishes, and also didn't sail the last race.
Rounding out the podium was Ignacio Perez Morett's ZAGUERO team (Juan Ignacio Perez Soltero, Santiago Perez Soltero, Moritz Spitzauer), winning the final race to earn the bronze medal. The balance of the top five included Alejandro Perez Ontiveros' ALGARETE in fourth and Eduardo Oetling's AXOLOTL in the fifth position (they also won the Corinthian Division).
Behind AXOLOTL in the Corinthian Division was the Americans Kevin Downey on TINK TANK with the crew of Mike Downey, Brian Thomas, River Paquin, and Karen Kast. Third was Gustavo Ramirez's PIGS ON THE WIND.
More information at j70mexico.com.mx