The J24 was designed in 1977 and was soon established as the world's most popular keelboat, which it has remained ever since. The class is established in nearly 40 countries with well over 100 active fleets. This 24' keelboat is normally sailed with 5 crew but can be sailed with 4 or 6 as long as the total crew weight is under the class 400kg limit.

Tuesday, 1 May 2012

Jolly Roger, GBR 4270, at 2012 Primo Cup – Monaco


I'd assumed the Primo Cup would be a few days in a beautiful sun filled Monaco bay, 14 knots, flat seas and a chance to reacquaint with the J24 after 7 months off for me. As it turned out the weather had different ideas. Seas that were unprecedented at nearly 9ft from peak to trough and winds that topped 30 knots I found that I had little time to think about more than hanging on. There was an air of dogged determination on our boat, no one wanted to admit they were cold, sea-sick and wet to the core. Fortunately we were able to hide behind the decision of the race organisers who declared it 'titanic conditions' after one race and thought that it was best to cancel racing for the day after plucking one too many sailor from the sea. The conditions gave Carlo Borlenghi, the photographer, fantastic photo opportunities - fortunately, you can't see my fear filled eyes as we are climbing the mountainous seas.

There was only one day where the weather only allowed one race, which is a credit to the race organisers who organised the racing very efficiently, adapting to the conditions to give us some great races. The yacht club hosted some great evening entertainment and are looking forward to welcoming more UK teams next year. The Primo is a fantastic event to kick-start the season and prepare for the big regattas later in the year, Monaco will be hosting the J24 European Championship from 6 to 12 October 2013, so put both events in your diary for 2013. You wont be disappointed and can expect and fabulous few days racing. We enjoyed the regatta, gained some experience sailing in big seas and gained a 3rd and two 4th in some tricky conditions. It was great to be sailing with Denis Frederiksen and Marianne Schoke again who both kept us on our toes, it was a very competitive event.

There was success for Monaco with regular participant in the Primo Cup, Francois Brenac, taking first place with his crew on St Andrews Insecurities., Mariane took second, sailing on Julia. A second Monegasque triumph went to Claude Rodelato who came in third on Topo Too, Jolly Roger came 5th overall with Dennis in 4th. It was great to be back on the water!

Nina Squire - Jolly Roger


No comments:

Post a Comment