J/70 class rides momentum into inaugural World Championship Published on September 3, 2014 | by Editor 0 inShare 15 EmailShare Newport, RI (September 3, 2014) – In the two and a half years since being introduced, the J/70 has not only become one of the most popular and competitive classes in the world – with 600+ boats sailing in 20+ countries – it has been chosen Sailing World’s 2014 Boat of the Year and also been designated an International Class by ISAF (International Sailing Federation). With that kind of momentum, it is no surprise that the class’ inaugural world championship – the 2014 J/70 World Championship presented by Helly Hansen – would see a stampede of entries for the September 9-13 competition. Adding to the luster of competing in the inaugural worlds is the fact that the racing will take place on the fabled waters of Newport, Rhode Island, where it will be hosted by the venerable New York Yacht Club at Harbour Court. Ninety teams – representing 14 nations – have registered, many having proven their mettle via the Qualifying System which was established to facilitate an outstanding level of competition. As can be expected for such a popular class, the entry list is replete with world, national and regional champions: 2013 J/70 North American Champion Heather Gregg-Earl (Boston, Mass.), 2006 Audi Etchells World Champion Jud Smith (Marblehead, Mass.), 2013 J/22 World Champion Allan Terhune (Arnold, Md.) and 1996 Rolex Yachtsman of the Year Dave Ullman (Santa Ana, Calif.), along with top international skippers Chuck Millican (Hamilton, BER), Mauricio Santa Crux (Rio de Janeiro, BRA), Pieter Taselaar (Amsterdam, NED) and Juergen Waldheim (Berlin, GER). Local favorites include 2013 J/24 World Champion Tim Healy (Jamestown, R.I.), 2014 J/24 US National Champion Will Welles (Portsmouth, R.I.) who took the J/70 class win at Newport Regatta® in July, and Suzy Leech (Jamestown, R.I.). Leech, having gained an international reputation as a top competitor via Olympic and America’s Cup campaigns, is a former “bow chick” who has moved to the back of the boat. She will steer the only (as of press time) all-woman entry: Junkanoo Racing.
Posted on: Thu, 04 Sep 2014 03:43:49 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015