J/24 Sailboats Compete at the 2024 Torbay Royal Regatta

J/24s at the Torbay Royal Regatta 2024

24-26 August 2024

Twelve J/24s representing five clubs made the trip to Torbay for the 2024 edition of the Torbay Royal Regatta. While multiple forecasts predicted the weekend weather, they all agreed on one point: at least one day would be windy, promising an exciting event. Remarkably, three boats even made the journey by sea, completing the six-hour passage from Plymouth to Torquay.

Day 1 began with an extended postponement as the anticipated low-teen winds failed to materialize. Crews rigged their genoas and adjusted rig tensions, only to be caught off-guard by a sudden wet squall sweeping into the bay. This led to frantic headsail changes, and despite starting under the blade, the wind shut off by the top mark, compelling them to switch back to the genoa on the run. MaJic trailed WiJit around the windward mark and managed to take the lead for the second lap, where the wind once again picked up, pushing the fleet into a fierce battle to keep their boats upright. Shane Hewlett’s Mr Mann clinched victories in the first two races, finishing ahead of MaJic and WiJit.

The first day also brought its casualties; Andy Willett’s Motley Crew suffered headsail and spinnaker damage, while NJ02 experienced a broken boom. The remaining J/24s faced the challenge of avoiding capsized cruisers, with one crew member from Parky opting for an unexpected dip in the bay at the final gybe mark.

After returning ashore without casualties, crews immediately began repairs. NJ02 was able to procure another boom from Class Chair Dave Cooper, while Motley Crew hastily arranged for replacement sails. The crews were welcomed with Pimms at the RTYC Commodore’s Welcome, but most kept their night short in anticipation of a demanding Sunday.

Sunday morning greeted sailors with a Yankee flag flying ashore, reflecting the lack of enthusiasm towards the wind, evident in the reluctance to leave the dock. However, the fleet set off again under jib. A tightly packed group of boats rounded together amid blustery, challenging conditions. WiJit found themselves entangled with their kite at the bottom of the run but managed to salvage a 4th place finish. Once again, Mr Mann topped the leaderboard, followed closely by MaJic and Daniel Thompson in 3rd place, who impressively helmed DanJerous When Wet in the tough conditions for his first J event.

By race 5, the wind had significantly increased, with reports indicating pressure reaching the early 30s. The lead pack was adeptly navigating the conditions, with the top four boats hoisting spinnakers on the final run, achieving boat speeds in the teens while also shredding halyards. MaJic secured another win but faced a setback with a broken tooth on the helm. Luckily, the Class Chair was on hand once more to help, arranging for urgent repairs. Unfortunately, Jason Culmer and Caspar Barton saw their top Westerly snap in the stormy weather. Fortunately, a spare mast was located in Exeter, and the team worked overnight to prepare for Monday’s races. Anticipating deteriorating weather, the organizers wisely retired the fleet for the Sunday evening barbecue, where sailors mingled and relaxed with refreshing Aperol Spritz drinks.

The final day promised to be calmer than Sunday, with sunnier conditions and genoas back in use. Rumors of a match race between MaJic and Mr Mann added excitement, drawing other boats into competitive positions. John Gorman’s Italian Job led at the windward mark, closely pursued by WiJit. The fleet raced closely together, intensifying competition on the course, exacerbated by a kamikaze HitchHiker and the need to maneuver around cruising yachts determined to target the J/24s. The contest between the two leading boats escalated, heading into the last race with both teams tied at 7 points. An unexpected surge from Ben Maddaford’s Jam from around mark 1 secured victory, followed by DanJerous When Wet and WiJit in a strong finish. Mr Mann wasn’t able to place high enough for an unforced genoa error on MaJic at the finish line, resulting in MaJic winning overall, with Mr Mann in 2nd and WiJit securing a solid 3rd place. Violent J finished with the best Westerly position, while WiJit won the Torbay Admiral’s Cup team trophy alongside Antix and Bewitched in the IRC and Sportsboat classes, respectively.

Thanks go to RTYC and everyone involved in organizing the event, as well as to all the J sailors who demonstrated the competitiveness of the fleet and the camaraderie inherent in the class. The final UK event of the year will take place at Plym Yacht Club on 21/22 September. This event provides the last opportunity to qualify for the 2025 World’s next year in Plymouth, so if you’re interested in participating or learning more about the J/24, reach out for more information.

Overall Results: