SAVASANA SHINES IN J/70 WINTER SERIES OPENER

North Designs Powered Top Five in Tampa

Sunny conditions welcomed forty-eight teams for the J/70 Winter Series opener, hosted by Davis Island Yacht Club. North clients dominated the fleet, taking the five top spots. Congratulations to Brian Keane and his corinthian team on Savasana for winning first place overall.

The weekend kicked off as usual with the Friday Porch Series, a series of practice races and starts for all competitors organized by North expert Jackson Benvenutti. All teams did practice starts and races to get warmed up for the weekend, followed by a comprehensive debrief led by coach Jackson. The club was packed with enthusiastic sailors sharing ideas, techniques, and information.

On Saturday the fleet only got one lap in before the wind shut off for the day. Once racing was abandoned, sailors were treated to chili and beer at DIYC, proving once again why it is one of the most hospitable clubs around. That evening, teams headed to some of Tampa’s many sports bars for NHL hockey action.

On Sunday morning, three races were sailed in a 5-10 knot easterly breeze that put a premium on clear air off the start and avoiding holes. Here are two lessons learned:

Steer With Your Weight Downwind

The spinnaker trimmer moved side to side (along with some help from the bow person) to help steer the boat, which reduced the amount of rudder movement needed.

Accelerate As A Team

Starting in light air, there is always a battle between allowing enough distance to accelerate without being covered by competitors. On final approach, our jib trimmer relayed distance to the line. That allowed trimmer and driver to be on the same page for the final acceleration.

The next regatta in the J/70 Tampa Winter Series is set to begin January 10, we look forward to seeing everyone there!