2025 J/88 North American Championship at Annapolis Yacht Club - Overall

2025 J/88 North American Championship © Wilbur Keyworth

The 2025 J/88 North American Championship, hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club, concluded on Sunday, September 28, with no additional racing due to light and unstable breeze. After a morning under postponement, the Race Committee officially abandoned racing at 12:45 p.m., confirming the Day 3 standings as final.

Four Days of Racing - PRO Dick Neville's Summary:

Racing began Thursday in strong conditions, with Race 1 featuring significant shifts. With MarkSetBots in use for the Championship, the Race Committee was able to square the course each leg after the first beat, ensuring fair racing despite the moving wind. The day wrapped with three races in solid breeze, where Hiwassee (John Bell and Ray Wulff) dominated with three straight bullets.

Friday delivered lighter air and more tactical racing, with three additional races completed. Conditions proved challenging, and Sin Duda! (Lindsey Duda) and Dutch (John & Jordan Leahey) pushed Hiwassee harder, though the Bell team again finished the day on top.

Saturday began under postponement before two light-air races were completed. An ebb tide made for difficult choices as less current to the left battled more pressure to the right, frustrating tacticians across the fleet. Sin Duda! and Hiwassee traded 1-2 finishes, leaving the series poised for a close finale.

Sunday's forecast did not bring relief, with sunshine but only 3-5 knots from 010 degrees over a lumpy sea state. With no signs of improvement, the Race Committee called racing and moved to the early awards ceremony.

Overall Results: (top five, 8 races)

1. Hiwassee - Ray Wulff/John Bell- 9 pts
2. Sin Duda! - Lindsey Duda - 20 pts
3. Dutch - John & Jordan Leahey - 30 pts
4. Piranha - Dave Dennison - 30 pts
5. MI2 - Jack McGuire - 31 pts

Corinthian Division Results: (top three, 8 races)

1. Piranha - Dave Dennison - 30 pts
2. Whirlwind - William Purdy - 35 pts
3. Exile - Andy Graff - 43 pts

Acknowledgments

The Annapolis Yacht Club thanks PRO Dick Neville, the Race Committee, shoreside staff and the many volunteers for their dedication and professionalism throughout the event. Special appreciation goes to sponsors for their vital support:

Quantum Sails - Title Sponsor
North Point Yacht Sales
Navy Stadium Parking
LMND Hydration

The 2025 J/88 North American Championship highlighted the talent and sportsmanship of the J/88 Class, delivering three days of competitive racing and showcasing the fleet's depth across both the overall and Corinthian divisions.

Wilbur Keyworth photos available here.

Full results available here.