2023 J/70 World Championship at St. Petersburg Yacht Club - Day 1
by Julie & Christopher Howell 1 Nov 2023 00:44 GMT
October 27 - November 5, 2023
2023 J/70 World Championship © Hannah Lee Noll
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Eighty-three teams from 14 nations have come together for the J/70 World Championship at St. Petersburg Yacht Club in Florida, launching on Halloween Day and continuing through Saturday, November 4.
Following a short onshore postponement, the excitement took to the waters of sunny Tampa Bay for two races in winds that began at 6 knots and increased to 12 by day's end. Laura Grondin's Dark Energy (USA) with Taylor Canfield, Scott Ewing and Ian Liberty compiled a consistent day of a fourth and second for 6 points. Luis Albert's Patakin (ESP) holds second place at 15 points, four ahead of Peter Duncan's Relative Obscurity (USA). Ryan Cox's DL (USA) stands atop the 27-boat Corinthian Division, and Tim Ryan's Vamos (AUS) leads the 14-boat One-Pro Division.
Teams were anxious for the start of Race One, as 11 boats were identified UFD. The top three finishers were: Ralph Rosa's Mindset (BRA), Jack Franco's 3 Ball JT (USA) and Cate Muller-Terhune's Casting Couch (USA). The Race Committee adjusted the line due to a wind shift prior to Race Two. In this contest, there were six more UFD penalties. Withstanding were Peter Duncan's Relative Obscurity (USA), Laura Grondin's Dark Energy (USA) and Charlie Thompson's Brutus III (GBR).
An army of volunteers, International Measurers and SPYC staff conducted four days of registration and inspections, culminating in a spirited opening ceremony on Monday evening. Festivities included champagne from the SPYC Officers, flag bearers of the junior sailing program, and presentations from America's Cup Ed Baird and local mayor Ken Welch, among others.
Full results available here.