Photography by Hannah Lee Noll
This weekend, excitement is building on Eagle Mountain Lake as Fort Worth Boat Club hosts the inaugural US Nationals for the J/70 Sailing Class. This event is set to be a showcase of skill, speed, and the true spirit of sailing.
The J/70, renowned for its blend of ease and performance, has made sailing both accessible and enjoyable for enthusiasts worldwide. With its sleek design and carbon fiber mast, the J/70 is not only swift on the water but also a blast when sailing downwind. It's ideal for sailors of all levels, offering a comfortable cockpit, straightforward rigging, and exceptional stability.
This event isn't just about competition; it's also about promoting growth and inclusivity within the sailing community. The J/70 class supports initiatives like Young Crew and Mixed-Plus, which aim to increase participation in keelboat racing. Young Crew encourages teams consisting entirely of members under 25, while Mixed-Plus enhances diversity by allowing no more than two men over 18 on a team. These efforts foster a supportive and diverse sailing community.
At the Starboard Foundation, we are dedicated to promoting accessible and inclusive sailing and boating experiences for everyone. This event is a testament to the spirit of community and competition—a wonderful opportunity to witness the fun of sailing and support the sport's growth.
Race Day One Highlights:
The first annual J/70 US National Championship kicked off Friday with 18 teams battling through challenging, shifty conditions on Eagle Mountain Lake in Fort Worth, Texas. Overcast skies and a puffy, unpredictable breeze ranging from 10-15 knots with higher gusts created a complex environment that tested teams.
Led by Principal Race Officer Mark Foster, the fleet includes eight Corinthian teams, one Mixed-Plus team and five One Pro teams. As the first day concluded, the overall standings positioned James Murray’s Hestia at the top of the leaderboard with scores of 2,1,2 for only 5 points. They also lead the One Pro Division, with team of Zeke Horowitz, Will Howard and Steven Leuck. Al Minella’s Level 5 and Bruno Pasquinelli’s Stampede are tied at 13 points for second and third, respectively. Ryan Cox’s DJ leads the Corinthian category.
Race 1 set the tone with Bruce Golison’s Midlife Crisis taking first place in a closely contested battle, followed by Murray’s Hestia and Minella’s Level 5. The excitement continued in Race 2, where Hestia emerged victorious. John Sommi’s Relative Obscurity was runner-up, with Pasquinelli’s Stampede finishing strong in third. The final race of the day, Race 3, was won by John Gochberg’s USA551, with Hestia taking another second and Level 5 claiming third.
Competition continues through Sunday.
Let's cheer on all the competitors and enjoy the spectacle! A big thank you to Fort Worth Boat Club for hosting such a fantastic event. It's not just a competition; it's a celebration of sailing and our community here on Eagle Mountain Lake.
For those unable to attend, follow along with the event highlights on social media.
Make sure to like, follow, and share:
📸: Hannah Lee Noll on Instagram and Fort Worth Boat Club on Facebook.
Learn more about the USA J/70 Class Association
-Starboard Foundation
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