J35 Class Summer 2020
Greetings J35 Racers,
The year of 2020 has been SIGNIFICANTLY disrupted by the worldwid pandemic of Covid-19. Nearly every major race has been cancelled with the notable exception of the Bayview Yacht Clubs, Port Huron MI to Mackinac Island MI race, though that race is being run with significant restrictions and alterations from normal. Some regional distance races are also still on, Racine WI YC Hook Race, and the Muskegon Yacht Clubs Lake Michigan Clipper Cup are still on here on Lake MI.
For the most part local beer can racing has or is starting to return in most parts of the country. Her in West Michigan we stared racing the end of May informally and started scoring our races for the season on June 24th. Distance races, pre & post race socializing, have been severly impacted which certainly reduces some of the fun factor but the competition has still been intense and spending time with good friends and family on the water is always enjoyable even if we have to wear mask and maintian prudent social distancing.
Our North American Championship Regatta has been postponed until 2021 in Milwaukee Wisconsin. This was due to the uncertainties of the Covid-19 situationo as well as some high water storm damaage to South Shore YC's marina. For an NA Regatta ther needs to be certainty to competitors can make plans and take care of logistics.
All in all this is going to be a lighter season for many of us, which gives a good opportunity to spend time with family, or make a dent in the long list of projects that any 30 year old boat always has. We are looking at some electronic updates on my boat, along with some interior renovations and updates.
All in all there is still much happening in the J35 world as the boat continues, after 36 years, to be one of the best, most affordable, offshore one design’s on the planet.
Visit our Web site www.j35.org , our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/j35onedesign/ and our SA Forum http://forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?/topic/100917-j35-anarchist/ Post your results, questions, pictures, and stories. Keep our J/35 community lively and up to date.
I hope your season goes will and you stay safe and healthy !
