| Ian Dawson (holding trophy), Craig Noakes (holding baby) , and crew celebrate with Regatta Chair Dale Robertson (second left) and suitably blazered Squadron dignataries (Commodore Mat Murphy and VC Sailing Judy Robertson) |
The Top Three
- Ian Dawson, Yertle, BBYC, 26 pts
- Peter Wickwire, Sunnyvale, RCYC, 26 pts
- John Whynacht, Sticky Fingers, LYC, 26 pts
The 2010 J24 Nationals are over. Protests have been dealt with, standings finalized, and many, many prizes distributed. The win by Ian Dawson and Craig Noakes’ Yertle, which was reported first here yesterday, held up. The most remarkable result, of course, was that Yertle emerged from a three-way tie for first winning on the strength of three first place finishes in individual races.
If this has ever happened before, I have my doubts. Yertle had to win the last race and did so by overtaking Lisa Ross in Jamn It on the final leg. Ian and Craig needed Peter Wickwire to finish no better than third, which Peter, in fact, did, fully aware that if Lisa could hold on his Sunnyvale would win the regatta. Both required Johnny Whynacht in Sticky Fingers to finish eighth or worse (i.e., a drop), which he unfortunately did by coming in tenth for his worst race in what was otherwise a very consistent series.
The event closed with a first class lobster supper and prize giving in the Squadron’s Spar Loft attended by more than 150 sailors and officials. Class President Dale Robertson, who did a spectacular job recruiting sponsors (see the bottom of this page), distributed the largesse of Sperry Topsider, Slam clothing and gear, Jackson-Triggs, and others to the countless volunteers who supported the event as well as to top finishers and notable also-rans (e.g., Best Dressed Lisa Ross and Best Comeback Eric Koppernaes). Plaques were distributed to all crew members of the top five boats along with many sponsor-provided items. The event concluded after the Yertle crew collected their trophy and participants were told to look under their chairs for tags that indicated they had won prizes such as Sperry shoes or Henri Lloyd clothing provided by The Binnacle. A melee ensued and we can only hope that everyone left with shoes and jackets that fit.
By the time the band Big City was warming up for the finale, I have to admit I was too dog tired. It was nice, though, to see Tom Taylor from St. Catherines, who I used to sail with in Kingston, Ontario, and who brought his boat, A1, farther than any other competitor at the event. Tom was hoping for more wind than we provided this time but acknowledged that you couldn’t knock the sun, which is usually harder to find in Halifax than breeze.
I got a second wind, myself, when Big City kicked into their version of Suspicious Minds. I lasted long enough to get a few dances with my wife, Lorna, while the young women of Black Jack cut a vicious rug. Next August, when the J24 North Americans come to town, we’ll see if we can’t come up with a shorter line up for measurement, no fog, a touch more breeze, equally comfortable temperatures, and the same good times and terrific competition.
wow! was awesome to see 29 J24s tacking and jybing in Halifax Harbour! Great to witness some fantastic battles from our perch on our Grampian 79 Hipnautical, and as well to realize how many excellent east coast sailors we have(and the rest of Canada too!). From Whynacht to Blunden to Ross to Koppernaes, and all the other skippers and crews, I think we are more than ready for the North American Championships!!!
Right with you. It was great and we will be ready for more next year.
What dates are the NA in august?
It will be the same August weekend next year. Looking at next year’s calendar, I would guess Wednesday, August 17, through Saturday, August 20. Watch the J24 Canada site for official information. I am sure we will set up a site similar to this one as soon as the details are fixed. Glad you are interested.