J Class pair line up in Ibiza
by J Class Association 26 Sep 07:55 PDT
27-30 September 2023
J Class at Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup © Studio Borlenghi / Francesco Ferri
J Class pair Topaz and Svea will line up over the next four days on the beautiful waters off Ibiza and Formentera as they compete at the third edition of the Ibiza JoySail regatta for Maxi and Supermaxi yachts. It will be the first time the majestic J Class yachts have raced at the event which has proven increasingly popular.
From having drawn five entries to the inaugural edition in 2021, Marina Ibiza will see 15 yachts - from the 70 ft Y70 Shambo to the Baltic 151 Scorpione of London - participating between Wednesday and Saturday.
The two J Class rivals will compete off the same start line under J Class Association handicapping over two coastal races on the stunning, less well-known waters between Ibiza and the smaller island of Formentera and two days of windward-leewards which should comprise four races.
Nacho Postigo, navigator on Topaz, has helped set up the regatta, and is looking forwards to lining up against the Swedish flagged form team which, for the second year in a row, has just won the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.
Postigo enthused, "I think the main goal for Topaz in Ibiza is just continuing assessing our performance against Svea. It will be great. It will be a like a two boat testing programme for a full week. Ibiza really is about enjoying the sailing and the racing, not super long days on the water, just super concentrated sailing and then get back and enjoy the party."
His opposite number on Svea, British navigator Steve Hayles explains their goals but points out they, too, are looking forwards to sharing the good times on land after a busy, successful season.
"With two boats it is obvious that starting is key and so that will be a goal," Hayles says. "We will try some different bits and pieces as far as crew work is concerned, it is a good time to try things. And it maybe sounds like a cliché but we are also here to enjoy ourselves together. It is the last regatta of the year and it is a good time to enjoy this, and Ibiza, together. It is a nice place to be. And the other important thing to remember is that we are probably looking at a lighter airs venue, the forecast looks lighter and so everyone has an eye on Barcelona next year and the likelihood that can be a light airs venue with a bit of sea state. All of it is quite applicable. There is nothing new with the boat in particular, it is more a chance to line up against other boats."
Racing starts tomorrow, Wednesday 27th September through to Saturday 30th.