With a month to go, entries have started flowing in for what just could be the largest gathering of J/24s in Australia for some years. The first entry came from the ever keen Ron Thomson from Melbourne—that’s correct, the Victorians have drawn first blood. Simon Grain, another Sandringham Yacht Club stalwart, will also be making the journey to Cronulla with possible others (Mr. J/24 himself Hugo Ottaway?). Defending the high ground of the Cronulla Sailing Club will be the forever young David Mckay (Yachtsman of the Year 1970-71, who continues to celebrate his Moth World Championship win 1969/70), Barry Ryan (a strong contender with his local crew) and Clinton Hood with his strong and loyal crew who have been sailing to success in many club races. As always, more competition will be heading to Cronulla from the rest of NSW: Authur Crothers, John Crawford, Terry Wise and also reports of Sean Kirkjian gathering teams and making the journey south, as well as the always-present Marc Van Dinther from Botany Bay Sailing Club, bringing his gun crew and practicing constantly. This Championship will be a fantastic event, held within the forever friendly Cronulla Sailing Club that prides itself on being run by volunteers and not by employees. Those volunteers are led by Fiona Campbell and David Mclachlan, who can remember the last time a NSW State Championships was held in Cronulla. If you own a J/24 and are interested in dusting it off and getting involved, there’s still time. Contact the NSW J/24 Committee to find out just what you need to do. The J/24 Class has and is continuing to resurface not only in Cronulla but NSW and beyond. What other keelboat Class offers competitive racing at a bargain price? Enjoying the close one-design racing and also the after-race action of the BBQ, refreshments and hospitality the club is renowned for! Contact the Australian JCA at http://j24.com.au/.
International Class Association
