This past June 27 – 29 2008 the JY 15 North Americans were sailed over three days in Niantic Connecticut hosted by the Niantic Bay Yacht Club. Twenty four boats competed in tight racing mostly in light air typical of eastern Long Island Sound in June marked by occasional fog, haze and nearly unbearable heat.

 Among the 24 boats the competition was tight and after 15 races, with five races per day, the closeness of scores was remarkable.

 The first day, Friday, was light air with flat water. Saturday had barely enough wind to get the first two races off and lots of recreational weekend boat chop, everyone’s favorite combination - the kind of stuff where you get one whiff of bad air or hit a wave with your centerboard up and you’re toast. On day three we finally got to hike out as the pace picked up with some steadier breeze.

 But no one dominated and after a round of good finishes anyone might end up deep the next race after missing one small windshift or not catching the current right. As for current, not even the locals could figure it out. On day one many thought the right was way to go with a typical south westerly breeze, but it turned out the left had some current favor. Bill and Julie Nightingale managed to take advantage of this inexplicable phenomenon to earn one 3^rd and four bullets on the first day. From there on it was their regatta to lose and that they very nearly did. For it was not until the results were read at the awards ceremony that it was revealed Nightingales bested Kevin and Birgit Gillman by only one point for the win and only two points ahead of John Potter. Who can keep track of that math with 15 races?

 Niantic Bay Yacht Club was a great venue with great laid back hospitality. Race committee did a fantastic job – 15 races in three days of light air speaks for itself. Joe Healy, who supposedly Vegas had odds on winning the event, brought his disco yacht and stayed on it all three nights. Word is some late night parties onboard may be the reason he forget to insert his stern plugs the first day – oops. Chris Vann and Jay Vann continued their father son rivalry with son Jay getting the upper hand and Chris pledging revenge in Key Largo. Ted Corning and son made the trip from Rhode Island and have let it be known that future regattas will be theirs. Jeff Morgan dusted off his boat and has put the fleet on notice that competition is heating up in the JY15 circuit. Veteran John Potter promises more heat as he won’t be distracted by having to sell a years worth of ice the following weekend next time.

 For JY15 sailors this was a challenging regatta. Concentration levels were put to the test with so many races perhaps giving some disadvantage to crewtons not prepared for such a marathon. But of course husband wife teams, in it for the duration, came out on top finishing first and second.

 Almost any of the 24 teams could have won this event. It was friendly competition and JY sailors should spread the word and get the numbers up for future JY events. Please make sure everyone tries to attend the Midwinters in Key Largo in February, which if you didn’t go, just ask someone who did as John Potter advises.

See results below.

Regards,

Bill Nightingale

Rowayton, CT