Inaugural J/70 North American Championship begins Thursday

Ninety teams have descended upon Annapolis, MD for the first-ever J/70 North American Championship. This inaugural event is title-sponsored by Hillman Focused Advantage Fund and hosted by the Annapolis Yacht Club and J/70 Fleet #1. Competitors from the USA, Bermuda, Canada and Mexico have invaded the area over recent days as teams complete the registration procedures and tune-up on the Chesapeake Bay.

The anticipation for this North American Championship has been growing at a feverish pace since June when the regatta reached its 90-boat entry threshold within 28 hours.

“It’s tremendous to see a great turnout from all over North America for the first Class championship,” praised Jeff Johnstone of J Boats. “Fleet 1 and Annapolis Yacht Club have done an incredible job organizing a major championship on such short notice. It’s particularly gratifying to see such a broad cross section of sailors from one-design boats and with helmsmen ranging from ages 13 to 76. It’s all building up to tomorrow with 90 boats on one starting line.”

Racing commences Thursday and continues through Saturday. Visit www.j70nac.com for complete regatta information and live racing updates.

Christopher E. Howell reporting