J/22 Winter Series in full swing in Charlevoix
by J/Boats 27 Nov 2023 12:47 NZDT
15 October - 26 November 2023
J/22 Winter Series in Charlevoix © Kevin Dietrich
The Charlevoix Yacht Club is hosting the 36th Anniversary of Arena Sailing and the Cranberry Cup Regatta in the Round Lake Yacht Basin in Charlevoix, Michigan.
Nine J/22s from USA 135 to USA 1200 are competing every Sunday afternoon from October 15th through November 26th, 2023. Races start at 1:00 PM and six very short races are scheduled for each day.
John Kunitzer PRO and crew adjust course length and format to maximize racing over the 2-hour time limit. They occasionally throw in starboard roundings, and the "around the outside" circular course to keep sailors on their toes. Races usually last 12 to 20 minutes and the 3-minute start sequence kicks off shortly after the last boat finishes. This small venue and short course racing draw skippers and crews from the other CYC Fleets, now that their season is over. Scoring includes daily winners, high point scoring for the season, and the always fun "Ricky Bobby" - where you only get points for finishing first.
J/22s are the perfect boat for this venue and format of racing. They are tough, durable, and quick, but with enough weight to maintain momentum through the myriad lulls. Crews of 2-4 people typically sail the boats and weight has little correlation to finish position...neither does bottom finish, age, or condition of sails and rig tuning. This is mostly just skipper and crew teamwork, judgment, and a healthy dose of luck! Thanks for this contribution from J/22 Fleet #45 Captain- Tom Barnes.
After six weeks, it's Texter's SAYONA leading the nine-boat fleet with five bullets and one second for a total of 7 pts (note- the scores are "daily winners" since there are from 3 to 6 short races each day). Second is Camp's SKADOOSH with daily scores of 2-4-1-4-2 for 13 pts. Then, rounding out the provisional podium is Golder's CHIHUAHUA with a 6-3-2-2-3 daily tally for 16 pts.