Four more races went in the books on Friday at the J/24 Pape Chevrolet North American Championship, and a new leader has emerged: Tony Parker’s Bangor Packet. Tallying consistent scores of 5,2,7,7,2, the Maryland-based helmsman holds a two-point lead over Will Welles’ Cougar. Another two points back in third is Nicolas Cubria’s Worknet of Argentina. Hosted by Portland Yacht Club, cloudy conditions and winds at 13-15 knots greeted competitors in the opening contest as Welles took line honors. Parker and Tim Corbett’s Eskimo Sisters followed. John Mollicone’s Helly Hansen, Evan Petley-Jones’ Lifted and Travis Odenbach’s Honey Badger comprised the top trio in Friday’s second race. As the sun began to poke through, the breeze built to 15-20 knots at times with temperatures around 70 degrees. Welles again snagged a bullet in the next contest, with day one leader Christopher Stone’s Velocidad in second and Petley-Jones in third. Closing out the day with a victory was Mollicone, trailed by Parker and Odenbach. Racing continues through Sunday for the competitors from Argentina, Canada, Mexico and the USA in the 50-boat fleet. Complete results may be found at http://www.2015j24nas.org/, and photos are available on the J/24 Class Facebook page.
International Class Association
