World and European Champions to do battle in J/70 Grand Slam opener
by J70 Class Association 17 Apr 05:33 PDT
20-21 April 2024
Jenga © James Tomlinson
The first of the 2024 J/70 Grand Slam series events takes place on the Solent over the weekend of April 20/21, run from Cowes by the Royal Thames Yacht Club. With about 20 entries, competition will be stiff for the podium slots.
Charles Thompson and crew on Brutus, the reigning Open World Champion is back competing in the UK after several regattas in Miami over the winter and could be hard to beat.
Jonathan Calascione and his Calypso team, the 2022 Open European Champion are also likely to be strong contenders, as will be Martin Dent and his crew sailing Jelvis. They scored a 5th place in the very competitive Bacardi Cup event in Miami last month.
Marshall King, 2019 Corinthian World Champion has recently teamed up with Doug Struth on DSP, last year’s Corinthian Grand Slam winner. They won the final Grand Slam event last year and could be fast.
In the youth section, Max Clapp and his team are likely to be the boat to watch, after a strong showing last season.
Regulars such as EV Experts (Tim Collins/Phil Taylor), Offbeat (David Mcleman) and Powder Monkey (Ian Poynton) can often hit the front in individual races.
There are also a host of new names in the class this year including a strong contingent of sailors from the Royal Thames Yacht Club and Royal Southern Yacht Club, among them boats led by Jemima Lawson, Christine Shrimpton..
The Grand Slam series comprises 6 events across the season including the Tideway J/70 Nationals and Cowes Week Short series.