J/22s compete in KPMG International Regatta

(CNS): Seven boats participated in the first J22 racing of the New Year vying for the Commodores Cup and a place in the KPMG International regatta to be held in Cayman at the end of February. The Commodores Cup was run over two weekends, the 11 and the 18 of January, and six crews qualified to represent Cayman in the upcoming KPMG International J/22 Invitational Regatta which will be held at the end of February. (Left: Commodore Cup winner Compass Marine, helmed by Mike Farrington)

The first day commenced with winds from the north east of 15 knots gusting higher but as the racing progressed the winds calmed to about 12 knots, according to a release from the Cayman Islands Sailing Club (CISC). The second day saw 10-14 knots of wind from the east north east. The winds were very consistent with 10-15 degree shifts either side of the rum line.

Four races were held on the second day of racing, each being approximately half an hour in length and following the classic windward-leeward course. The youth boat Fortis helmed by 15 year old Marina Maffisanti with crew members Chris Delaney, Stuart and Ronan Jennings went into the second day in first place and although the lighter conditions did not suit them so well, the crew put in some consistent finishes to take second place overall. Mike Farrington, Paul Johnstone and Matt Diaz on Compass Marine, after being over the start line early in the first race of the day, showed great skills to win the remaining three races and take first place overall. Jane Moon and the all female crew on Ciao! started the second day with a win and with good subsequent finishes ended the series in third place.

The Race Officer was Commodore Andrew Moon assisted by Peta Adams, Denise Couch and Amanda Maffessanti.

After the final results were tallied, the following crews have qualified to represent Cayman in the upcoming KPMG International J/22 Invitational Regatta being hosted by Cayman Islands Sailing Club 26th February – 2nd March 2009:-

Compass Marine/Mike Farrington
Fortis/Marina Maffessanti
Yahoo/Bruce Johnson
Ciao!/Jane Moon
Radium/Donald McLean
Natural Mystic/Jo Richards

The Cayman teams will be facing tough competition from the visiting crews from Royal Bermuda Yacht Club, Nassau Yacht Club, Montego Bay Yacht Club, Royal Burnham Yacht Club (UK) and Manhattan Sailing Club. The event features three days of racing and social events and is sponsored by KPMG, Kirk Freeport, Harbour House Marina, Caribbean Marine Services, Tortuga Rums, Flowers Bottled Water, English Bakery, Subway, Cayman Islands Sailing Club and, in particular, the local J/22 boat owners.

More information is available at www.sailing.ky