Basilica J/24 World Championships at Weymouth - Overall
by Nancy Zangerle 16 Sep 2005 18:18 BST
12-16 September 2005
NEW J/24 WORLD CHAMPION CROWNED
The 2005 J/24 basilica World Championship has been won by Anthony Kotoun and the crew from JIGALO, representing the U.S. Virgin Islands (ISV). “Coming to the J/24 World Championship, you know that you have to have the best crew possible. I’m lucky to have the best crew with me” said Kotoun.
“The Race Committee, the venue and the welcome from the town have been outstanding. How many regattas can you go to where in three of five days racings, the 24s are sporting jibs,” exclaimed the new World Champion.
In the last race of the series, under sunny skies and a fresh 24 knot breeze, many of the week’s contenders came back to put on a stellar performance. Max Skelly and his crew aboard MURDER PICTURE (USA), climbed back on the proverbial horse to win the last race of the championship series by a sizeable margin. Skelly missed both races on Thursday after breaking the rudder in the first race of the day.
Teams from Argentina, Australia and Italy fought for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th at the finish. A redeeming 2nd place went to Sean Kirkjian and his JOBS FOR THE BOYS team (AUS). Kirkjian sustained hull damage during a collision on Thursday. The team worked hard through the night to have the boat back on the starting line for the final race. They were rewarded for their efforts.
Luigi Ravioli and the crew from FIAMMA GIALLA (ITA) also made repairs from Thursday’s damage to finish 3rd. Alejo Rigoni driving LUCA VIVE (ARG) finished a close 4th.
The fleet was awarded many special awards. Ian Southworth, ECHIDNA (GBR) was the top UK finisher in 9th place. Tomomi Hatakeyama, GEKKO (JPN) was the best helm under 30 years old. ANTIGEN helmed by Kirsten Harmstorf finished 39th and won the Jaeger Trophy for the best finish in an All-Women’s Crew. Tim Sheard, sailing Jay Kay (IRL) finished 51st with the oldest boat entered – Hull number 191.
The championship event has been spectacular, especially in terms of the support from the Weymouth and Portland area. The J/24 World Championship is the first to be held since the announcement of the 2012 London Olympics. The National Sailing Academy, the staging area for much of the J/24 pre and post-race activities will be the center of the sailing events in 2012.
For full results see the event website at www.j24-weymouth.com