April 2012

Glorious Mediterranean conditions, plenty of breeze and flat water greeted 20 Fleet One J105s competing in the 2012 JFEST Regatta on Saturday. Hosted by the St Francis Yacht Club, JFEST is one of the highlights of the J105 Fleet One calendar with excellent race participation and sponsored post-race social activities arranged by Sail California.

A light flood encouraged close racing as competitors jockeyed for position in current-relief close to the beach and for clear air among the crowded tacking lanes. Downwind legs provided plenty of choices – wind and current benefit towards the center of The Bay vs. a shorter distance on the long VMG path from the weather mark to the gates. Mojo took an early lead after day one with 8 points, ahead of a pack of four boats with 14 points accumulated over the three races.

Sunday heralded a return to classic San Francisco Bay conditions with overcast skies and the promise of increasing wind-pressure throughout the day. Mojo’s consistency paid off with two solid finishes, taking the regatta in demonstrative style, seven points ahead of Blackhawk. Arbitrage, Jam Session and Wonder completed the top five finishes overall.

Fleet One J105s took the top four places in the 15-strong double-handed “108 PHRF and Under” division of the SSS Corinthian Race. The day started slowly with zero wind and the remains of a strong flood trapping the 130+ race entrants in Belvedere Cove. Once past the point, the wind filled-in and the combination of clear skies, massive fleet and challenging current made for a spectacular and fun day on the water. Donkey-Jack made a clean break through the slow stuff and finished well ahead, winning the division. Akula pipped Jam Session by 11 seconds and Racer X finished close behind in 4th.

Standings in the (unofficial) J105 SSS Double-Handed series are: