Please select your home edition
Edition
Nov Dec 24 Jan feb 25

J/112E wins Class 2 at the U.K. IRC Nationals

by J/Boats 20 Sep 2020 13:57 BST 11-13 September 2020
IRC Two winner - David Franks J/112E Leon - RORC IRC National Championships 2020 © Paul Wyeth / pwpictures.com

Mid-September it may be, but conditions for the Royal Ocean Racing Club's 2020 IRC championships felt more like June last weekend, with shorts and T-shirts conditions and allowing a full schedule of racing to be laid on by PRO Stuart Childerley and his team. The event concluded Sunday with two windward-leeward races on the central-eastern Solent in more variable and generally lighter winds than on Friday or Saturday.

The hardest fought victory across the three classes was that of 2012 winner David Franks aboard his J/112E Leon. They had been handicapped with Franks only coming out of COVID-19 isolation on Friday; maths not working in their favor from the event's mandatory crew number reduction rules (for social distancing), but mainly from being one of the lowest rated boats in IRC Two and having to find lanes and constantly fight their way up through the fleet. On the plus side the Leon crew had sailed together previously this year.

Franks commented on the regatta, saying "it has been fabulous, a very good event, well organized. It was lovely to see so many boats out on the Solent."

"Normally we do well in the light, despite the fact that we are the smallest boat," continued Leon's Franks. "Today the wind's velocity was going up and down and was all over the place in direction, so it was hard to know what was going on. It was very challenging, a lot of work."

In the IRC 3 Division, the Royal Air Force Sailing Association team on their J/109 Red Arrow managed a few good races on the final day to finish 4th in class. Posting nearly all 5th's, Ross Bowdler's J/80 Justify ended up finishing fifth place, surprise-surprise!

Joining the UK IRC Nationals fleet on Saturday and Sunday were the twenty-two entries for the IRC Two-Handed Nationals. After a four-race series, Mike Yates' J/109 Jago sailed a consistent 2-5-6-2 series to end up tied for second place on 9 pts total, but losing the tiebreaker on countback to settle for the bronze. After a disastrous second race, Bruce Huber's J/112E Xanaboo posted a 4-10-2-4.5 tally to secure fifth place, a great performance for their first outing of the year! Other J's in the top 10 included Stephen Roberts' J/105 Jin Tonic in 7th and David Greenhalgh's J/92 J'Ronimo in 9th place.

Click here for more UK IRC Nationals sailing information.

Related Articles

2025 RORC Transatlantic Race day 3
Most boats clocking exhilarating double-digit speeds The adrenaline-fueled magic carpet ride continues for the entire RORC Transatlantic Race fleet, with most boats clocking exhilarating double-digit speeds. Posted on 14 Jan
Enter now for 2025 Sydney Harbour Regatta
To be held over the weekend of 1st and 2nd March, 2025 To be held over the weekend of 1st and 2nd March, 2025, online entry is open and the Notice of Race is online for the Nautilus Marine Insurance Sydney Harbour Regatta - so come and help celebrate the event's 20th anniversary this year! Posted on 14 Jan
HKRNVR Memorial Vase 2025
Part of the Top Dog Trophy Series 2024-2025 53 boats enjoyed some fresh (and cold!) sailing in Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour on 11 January as they competed in the HKRNVR Memorial Vase. Posted on 13 Jan
Safety first (like DRRR)
Safety first was definitely the first rule of the sea, as explained to me when I was young Safety first was definitely the first rule of the sea, as explained to me when I was young. You know, one hand for you, one hand for the boat, and so forth. Nothing has changed, but what of the regulations surrounding it all? Posted on 12 Jan
11th RORC Transatlantic Race sets off
Perfect sailing conditions just outside Marina Lanzarote The RORC Transatlantic Race launched in spectacular style, with perfect sailing conditions just outside Marina Lanzarote. The stunning backdrop of Arrecife and the excitement in the air set the stage for an unforgettable start. Posted on 12 Jan
Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race 2025 Overall
Fenice takes Line Honours and IRC Overall win The Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race, featuring a competitive field of four yachts, has concluded successfully at Sanya, Hainan. Posted on 12 Jan
Change of course adds tactical twist
The Canary Islands have been removed from the RORC Transatlantic Race course The 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race is set to begin with a new twist, following an important amendment to the Sailing Instructions announced on Thursday, January 9th. Posted on 10 Jan
Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race kicks off
Four boats made a clean start in stunning Victoria Harbour After a hiatus of seven years, the Volvo Hong Kong to Hainan Race 2025 got under way this morning in an easterly breeze of around 5 to 7kts. Posted on 9 Jan
RORC Transatlantic Race launches centenary year
The 11th edition of the race begins on Sunday The 11th edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race begins on Sunday January 12th, 2025. An impressive, highly diverse fleet will depart Calero Marinas Marina Lanzarote to tackle the 3,000-mile oceanic race to Camper & Nicholsons Port Louis Marina, Grenada. Posted on 8 Jan
RSHYR 2024 | 50 feet and below start videos
Start videos from the third and fourth lines Start videos from the third and fourth lines Posted on 8 Jan