Clean sweep

Voader wins J105 Nationals reports Tim Springett

The annual J-105 Nationals were once again held at Seaview Yacht Club, with the crews involved expecting some close racing under one design rules. The weather forecast indicated that all those involved needed to be prepared for strong winds.

The weather did not disappoint and the crews made their way to Seaview on Friday night. With winds reaching 30 knots, Jambalaya reached their mooring first and attempted to get crew and gear ashore. However, a punctured Rib and a man overboard meant that the remaining boats were directed to East Cowes and Gosport to seek safe berths. Once this excitement was over, the crews gathered in Seaview for the obligatory pre-regatta drinks.

On Saturday morning the crews awoke to 20 knot North Easterlies and rain - just what the hangovers ordered. The race committee needed to complete four races and set three windward leewards, followed by longer course involving four reaching legs. Voador (Simon Curwen) continued their good form from the spring series and took four bullets, with the only real challenges coming from Jambalaya (Andy Bird – 2nd on day one) and J Dream (David Apthorp – 3rd on day one). With Diablo J (Gary Fry & Nick Martin) struggling to find their mojo and Fay J (Paul Griffiths) not starting due to engine issues, Voador had the regatta won on day one.

The ‘Ant and Dec of the Solent’ (Moogs and James – Diablo J) led the events after the Championship dinner and all involved knew that Sunday morning was going to hurt. As ever, the Diablo J crew kicked off the drinking games and the evening will be remembered by the crews for a very long rendition of ‘Grand Old Duke of York’ and ‘Singing in the Rain’, with the drinking punishments being handed out by Ant and Dec.

Fay J joined the regatta on Sunday to perfect sailing weather with 10 to 15 knots Easterlies and blue skies. With first place tied up the race was on for the remaining cups. On the first finish, Voador crossed one boat length ahead of Diablo J and Jambalaya crossed moments later. The last race honours went to Voador, with some very close racing behind between Diablo J, Jambalaya and J Dream, which ended with Diablo J second and Jambalaya third.

After a brief spell in the protest room, the results were Voador first, Jambalaya second and Diablo J third. Voador’s amazing results once again showed that a family crew is the way to win the championship, carrying on the trend set by J-Spot.