J70 North American Championship at Davis Island Yacht Club Sailor Spotlight: Andrew Blank

Davis Island J/70 Winter Series © Christopher Howell

Some sailors seem born with saltwater in their veins. Andrew Blank wasn't one of them.

Growing up on Davis Islands in Tampa, home to Davis Island Yacht Club (DIYC), "The Sailingest Club in the South," Andrew spent his youth mere blocks away yet never learned to sail. "It was right there in front of me," he laughs, "but somehow I never stepped aboard."

After college, Andrew moved to New York City, where he and his wife built their early careers. Sailing made a few cameo appearances, occasional days on the water, but nothing serious. Then came an unexpected detour that would change everything: a move abroad, to Hong Kong.

While living in Hong Kong, Andrew learned about the Four Peaks Race, the signature distance challenge hosted by the Aberdeen Boat Club. The concept fascinated him: crews sail, kayak ashore, climb and descend four of the region's toughest peaks, and then return to finish at sea. What's more, most all of the peaks are climbed at night. There was only one problem—he didn't know how to sail.

"I remember thinking, this sounds completely crazy... but I'm going to do it," he says. He joined Aberdeen Boat Club and enrolled in a learn-to-sail program. The early days were humbling. "I spent half the summer capsized," he admits. "When I got frustrated, I told myself, just don't give up." That persistence paid off, and soon he was sailing regularly in club dinghy races. Within a year, he started crewing on various big boats. Before long he competed in the Four Peaks Race, where he sailed and joined the running team for two of the peaks.

From there, Andrew and his wife gravitated to Hong Kong's J/80 fleet, drawn by the balance of simplicity, speed, tight competition, and great camaraderie within the fleet. "We were hooked," he says, "before long, we bought a J/80 of our own."

When the couple eventually returned to Tampa, Andrew wanted a boat that offered the same modern, sporty feel and the precision of true One-Design racing. The J/70 was the clear choice. He bought Javelin and began learning a new class, one that rewards crisp teamwork, meticulous trim, and total focus.

"The J/70 has this perfect mix," he says. "It's light, fast, and dynamic but still manageable for a small crew. You can really feel the difference when you get it right. You can race it all-out but also dial it back for a family friendly daysail."

For Andrew, the attraction lies in the purity of One-Design sailing: identical boats, head-to-head. Every inch gained comes from sharper tactics, cleaner maneuvers, and stronger teamwork. Mistakes are immediate, lessons are clear, and progress is measurable. "One-Design is where the best learning happens," he explains. "Every race teaches you something because the boats are equal. You win or lose by decisions, not design. As someone who started sailing later in life, this type of 'no excuses' feedback is invaluable."

Still, there's a challenge. Although DIYC hosts the outstanding J/70 Winter Series every year, there has not been a local fleet of J/70s in many years. "One-Design racing only works if you have other boats to benchmark against," he says.

That tide is turning, with three full-time J/70s and a handful of traveling boats planning to spend more time racing at DIYC, Andrew and other owners are excited and working to expand interest in the class. "Every person who hops aboard one enjoys it immediately," he says. "They feel how responsive the boat is, how much teamwork it demands, how much fun it is to sail. We just need more of them in the water."

His enthusiasm couldn't come at a better time. This December, Davis Island Yacht Club will host the J/70 North American Championship, drawing the best sailors in the country.

As the North American Championship fleet fills the waters off Davis Islands, Javelin will be there, a reminder that sometimes the best sailors are the ones who just never give up.