Menu

Ireland's sailing, boating & maritime magazine

Displaying items by tag: J boats

The Key Yachting team will be at BOOT Düsseldorf, the largest indoor boat show, showing the latest models from 3 of our key brands; J Boats, Grand Soleil and Tofinou.

The show takes place between 21st - 29th of January 2023 at the Messe Düsseldorf in Düsseldorf, Germany.

Find out the models on show below.

J Boats

J Boats will be exhibiting the J/45, J/99 and the J/112E, 3 performance staples in the J Boats range. As Irish sailors will know, Mike and Ritchie Evans J /99 Snapshot became the Irish ICRA boat of the year in 2022. A new J112e is due in Dun Laoghaire in June 2022 for an Irish owner.

The J112E will be on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key YachtingThe J112E will be on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key Yachting

The J45 from Key Yachting will be on display at BOOT Düsseldorf 2023

The J99 will be on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key YachtingThe J99 will be on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key Yachting

Grand Soleil

Grand Soleil will proudly present the brand new, fast and high-performance 40, which only recently premiered at Cannes Yachting Festival 2022. She is a smaller sister to the Grand Soleil 44, such as Bob Rendell's Samatom from Howth, which has shown great form on Irish race courses recently.

The Grand Soleil 40 on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key YachtingThe Grand Soleil 40 on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key Yachting

Tofinou

Tofinou will be taking their newest model, the 9.7. This model is a versatile day boat with a hull inspired by the latest racing boats.

The Tofinou 9.7 on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key YachtingThe Tofinou 9.7 on show at BOOT Düsseldorf by Key Yachting

Key Yachting are now taking appointments for the J Boats, Grand Soleil and Tofinou stands; if you would like to visit us at the show, then contact Key Yachting agent in Ireland, Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or at 00 353 87 250 6838

For more information about the show, click here

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
Tagged under

It’s not long to go until Cannes Yachting Festival kicks off. We will be there at Cannes with all four of our boat brands; Nautitech, Grand Soleil, J Boats and Tofinou.

We are excited to be at the festival with J Boats, showcasing the J/45 after her premiere last year at the festival, alongside the J/99.

J/Boats are easily controlled, forgiving, and sea-kindly but at the same time incredibly exciting to sail and race. The advanced composite construction ensures that for their size, these boats are faster, lighter, and stronger than their contemporaries.

The J/45 is a true sailing yacht, designed and built for the sea by dedicated life-long sailors. The J/45’s feather-light touch on the helm and easy reach of the sail controls delivers pure enjoyment as you sail in perfect balance through the waves while everyone else aboard relaxes.

The J/99The J/99

The J/99 combines great sailing performance and stability with below-deck comfort that can be sailed by just one or two people. Want to jump into the next adventure-style overnight race or cruise rally? No problem, the J/99 does it all. Easy, high-speed sailing whether solo, twin, or with the whole crew.

If you’re interested in the J/45 or J/99 or any other model from the J Boat range, then why not join us at Cannes to talk all things J.

Contact us at [email protected] or call us on 02380 455669 for more information or to book an appointment at Cannes.

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
Tagged under

It has been a great year so far for J/Boats and Grand Soleil in Ireland.

The SSE Round Ireland Race 2022, held by the Wicklow Sailing Club, saw great race results. J-Boats impressively took all three podium spots, including the overall winner, J/111, SL Energies Groupe Fastwave, owned by Laurant Charmy from France.

J/99 Snapshot from Howth—2nd overall and winner class Class 3 in Round Ireland raceJ/99 Snapshot from Howth—2nd overall and winner class Class 3 in Round Ireland race Photo: Bob Bateman

J/Boats and Grand Soleils filled six of the top seven places, with J/Boats winning Class 1, 2 and 3.

J/121, Darkwood took the win overall in IRC Class 1, closely followed by the Grand Soleil 44 Samatom, which also won best ISORA yacht.

IRC Class 3 saw the J/99 Snapshot win, as well as the best ICRA Yacht, an excellent success for the crew. Class 2 was won by the overall winner, SL Energies Groupe Fastwave.

J/111—SL Energies Group FastwaveJ/111—SL Energies Group Fastwave Photo: Afloat

We also recently saw great results from Irish and UK J-Boats at Volvo Cork Week 2022.

One hundred ninety-two boats and around 2,000 sailors participated in the Royal Cork Yacht Club event.

Racing was held on five courses for 14 classes, the biggest Cork Week for several years.

Key Yachting’s J99 Jam made the trip to Ireland from Hamble for its first Cork Week.

Samatom—Grand Soleil 44—Winner ICRA nationals at Cork week—Coastal class. Samatom was also 2nd in Class on the Round Ireland race and top Isora boat overall.Samatom—Grand Soleil 44—Winner ICRA nationals at Cork week—Coastal class. Samatom was also 2nd in Class on the Round Ireland race and the top ISORA boat overall. Photo: Afloat

J/112 Happy Daize Photo: Key YachtingJ/112 Happy Daize Photo: Key Yachting

 J/121, DarkwoodJ/121 Darkwood Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Although the sun was out for most of the week, the wind was light and shifty, making for complex racing conditions. Despite the challenges, J/112E Happy Daize won class 1 overall, closely followed by J/111 Journeymaker 2 in 2nd place.

Class 2 racing at Cork Week Photo: Rick TomlinsonClass 2 racing at Cork Week Photo: Rick Tomlinson

John Maybury and his crew from RIYC on the J/109 Joker 2 had a great result, winning Class 2 overall. The J/109 Storm followed in 2nd place, with the J/109 Chimera taking 3rd.

J/109 Journeymaker 2 Photo: Key Yachting J/112 Happy Daize Photo: Key YachtingJ/111 Journeymaker 2 Photo: Key Yachting

The Coastal Class was won by the J/109 Mojito, with the Grand Soleil 44 Samatom winning the Coastal IRC ICRA Class.

J109 Mojito at Volvo Cork Week 2022 Photo: Rick TomlinsonJ109 Mojito at Volvo Cork Week 2022 Photo: Rick Tomlinson

Seeing lots of our clients and owners at both events outstanding.

We look forward to seeing more great racing from J Boats and Grand Soleils this year.

Key Yachting is the agent for both J-Boats and Grand Soleil’s, as well as Nautitech and Tofinou.

For any For information on the Key Yachting brands in Ireland, contact Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or call 00353 872 506 8383

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
Tagged under

The Key Yachting J-Cup, in association with B&G, kicked off with 56 teams enjoying superb sunny conditions in the Solent. A south westerly breeze built steadily during the day, and by the second race the gradient breeze was up to 15 knots, with 20 knots in the gusts. Race winners on Day One of the Key Yachting J-Cup: J/99 Jump 2 it, J/105 Jacana, J/92s Upstart, J/111 McFly, J/109 Jumping Jellyfish, J/109 Joule, J/70 Brutus, and J/70 Jelvis.

Results link here 

J/99s racing at the Key Yachting J-Cup © Paul WyethJ/99s racing at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

IRC One

Kevin Taylor’s J/99 Jump 2 it raced beautifully today, scoring a perfect two bullets. Derek Shakespeare’s J/122 Bulldog is second after the first day, but only on countback from Michael & Sarah Wallis’ J/122 Jahmali. Wayne Palmer’s J/99 Jam had a close battle with Vernon Bradley’s J/99 Black Jack. Jam ending the day ahead of Black Jack by two points, the two skippers did enjoy a friendly beer after racing, but the gloves will be back on for tomorrow’s racing!

Tight racing in the IRC One division at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul WyethTight racing in the IRC One division at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

“That was fantastic!” exclaimed Jump 2 it’s Kevin Taylor. “The whole crew put in a superb performance leaving me to just focus on driving the boat. To be honest, Jump 2 it is specifically set up for inshore racing, while Jam and Black Jack have a more offshore set up. I was really pleased to beat the two larger J/122s on corrected time, my crew deserve all the praise. We are really focused on just sailing the boat well, and after today, I am just so happy with how we are performing.”

IRC Two

Mark Stevens J/105 Jacana had an excellent day, scoring a 1-2, to lead the class by one point from defending IRC Two champions J/92s Upstart, sailed by Robin Stevenson. David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J'ronimo is third after two races, just one point ahead of Becky Walford’s J/92 Brenda’s J

UK J111 National Champion’s McFly sailed by Tony Mack Photo: Paul WyethUK J111 National Champion’s McFly skippered by Tony Mack whose crew inlcudes Royal Cork's Harry Durcan Photo: Paul Wyeth 

J/111 UK National Championships

Defending UK National Champion’s McFly sailed by Tony Mack, started the regatta with two straight wins to lead the class after the first day. Louise Makin & Chris Jones’ JourneyMaker II is second after two races with Tim Tolcher’s Raging Bull 2 in third.

Part of the J111 fleet at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul WyethPart of the J111 fleet at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

“We had good boat speed today, which was one of the main reasons for our performance,” commented McFly’s Tony Mack. “With the breeze building, we made sure that we retuned the rig in between races. We have had a few changes in our crew brought upon us, but the new sailors have settled in really well. As always, starts are very competitive in the J/111 fleet, and I am sure the level of competition will remain high for the whole regatta. It was great fun today, especially planing in the second race.” 

J/109 UK National Championships

The J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul WyethThe J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

Defending J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish, won the first race of the regatta by just 30 seconds from John Smart’s Jukebox. Race Two was even closer with Arjen van Leeuwen’s Dutch J/109 Joule taking the gun by just 12 seconds from Jumping Jellyfish. The J/109 fleet enjoyed thrilling racing, with seconds separating the boats. Race Two was a seriously competitive start, causing a general recall for the 12 boat fleet.

The J109s have a 12 boat fleet at the Key Yachting J Cup Photo: Paul WyethThe J109s have a 12 boat fleet at the Key Yachting J Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

Anthony & William Tahourdin racing J/109 Jedi, may not have got the best results today, but the crew were full of smiles enjoying a beer at the RORC Clubhouse after racing. “We bought Jedi just before lockdown, so we haven’t done much racing with her, but the J/109 is a great boat; we race inshore and offshore and we can sail her just two-handed as well, I can’t think of a more all-rounder than a J/109, which gives such competitive racing.” Commented the Tahourdins.

J/70 UK National Championships

On the first day of the UK Nationals, Paul Ward’s Eat Sleep J Repeat is top of the leaderboard without winning a race. Such was the ferocity of the racing in the 27-strong J/70 fleet that a 2-3 score was enough for pole position. Charles Thompson’s Brutus won the first race and placed fifth in Race 2 to finish the day in second place, just a point off the lead. Doug Struth’s DSP had a tremendous day at the races; the Corinthian team helmed by Tom Mallandine, scored a 4-2 to finish the day tied on points with Brutus, but third on countback. Martin Dent’s Jelvis recovered from a ninth in Race 1, to win the second and place fourth on countback from defending National Champion Nick Phillips’ Chaotic.

There is a 27-strong J/70 fleet competing at the Key Yachting J Cup Photo: Paul WyethThere is a 27-strong J/70 fleet competing at the Key Yachting J Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

“There is a great standard right through this fleet,” commented Eat Sleep Repeat’s Elliott Willis, world-class 470 sailor and Melges 32 World Champion. “Well done to DSP, I raced against Tom (Mallandine) way back in youth sailing. Tom is a talented sailor, but well done to the whole DSP crew, they were really impressive. Today, you had to get a good start, as without one it was really difficult to get back in it. With really shifty condition in the first race, decision making on board was crucial, especially timing of when to take the shift.”

DSP leads the 19-strong J/70 Corinthian Division. Jon Calascione & Marshall King’s Calypso is second and the Dickinson family racing Jellyfish is third. Both Calypso and Jellyfish scored consistently well to cement their position, scoring top ten results in both races.

“DSP was really quick today, it all seemed to come together really well, I just wish we had more races!” commented Doug Struth. “We came really close to winning the last race; the leader Jelvis, had sailed low on the last leg, while we stayed high, but fair play to Jelvis, they judged the downwind leg to perfection. We hope we can keep up the momentum tomorrow, it looks like there will be a bit more breeze, enough to keep us planing all day – I can’t wait!” 

The Key Yachting Daily Prize Giving was held at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse. Key Yachting’s Wayne Palmer and Hannah Le Provost welcomed winners to the stage to receive a bevy of prizes from regatta sponsors. With complimentary cold beers from the RORC, and Key Yachting providing hot jacket potatoes and live music, the evening was very well attended!

The Key Yachting Daily Prize Giving was held at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse Photo: Paul WyethThe Key Yachting daily pizegiving was held at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse Photo: Paul Wyeth

Racing at the Key Yachting J-Cup continues tomorrow, 1st July. For more information about the J/Boats range. Visit Key Yachting, the exclusive agent for J Boats in the UK and Ireland for over twenty years.

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
Tagged under

Key Yachting, the Irish agent for both J Boats and Grand Soleil, are delighted to note that, along with two Grand Soleil's entered, nine J Boats entered in this year's Round Ireland event commencing this Saturday.

The two Grand Soleils are both well known in Irish racing circles.

Bob Rendell's Grand Soleil 44 Samatom won its class at last year's Sovereigns Cup, and Denis and Anne Marie Murphy's Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo from Royal Cork, was the 2021 Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race winner.

Both should be in with a good shout if the conditions are to their liking.

Bob Rendell’s Grand Soleil 44 SamatomBob Rendell's Grand Soleil 44 Samatom Photo: Afloat

Of the nine J Boats entered, the one to watch may be Michael O'Donnell's J/121 Darkwood from the Solent, which, along with Michael O'Donnell, will include several other Irish within her crew. Darkwood has been very successful in the RORC races this year.

Andrew Hall from the UK will race his J/125 Jackknife, which can be very competitive, particularly off the wind.

Chris Power Smith's evergreen J122 Aurelia from the Royal St George Yacht Club always shows well.

Michael and Richard Evans will compete in their J99 Snapshot, which won Sovereigns week overall last year. Two J109s, two J111s, plus a J105 make up the nine.

Mark Mansfield, Irish Agent for Key Yachting, wishes all the J Boats and Grand Soleil entries well in the race. Mark will be racing aboard Bob Rendell's Grand Soleil 44.

For further information on any Grand Soleil or J Boat, Mark can be contacted at 087 2506838 or [email protected]

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
Tagged under

A new boat has just been added to the Key Yachting brokerage listing in Ireland writes Key Yachting Ireland representative Mark Mansfield

The 2016 J/112e—Jib and Tonic has just gone on the market and is ready to race or cruise for the 2022 season.

She Joins Jump Juice, the very well-known Ker 37 also listed by Key Yachting.

J/112e—Jib and Tonic

The 2016 J/112e—Jib and TonicThe 2016 J/112e—Jib and Tonic

Both boats could be launched and raced straight away with good bottom finishes, engines recently serviced and good sail inventories.

Either of these could be racing in Wave Regatta in June, Round Ireland Race in June, Cork Week Regatta in July, or racing and cruising around Schull in August and doing Calves Week.

J/112e Jib and Tonic on her berth at Dun Laoghaire J/112e Jib and Tonic on her berth at Dun Laoghaire Marina

The newest listing is the very fresh and very lightly used J/112e, Jib and Tonic.

As is known, the J/112e is an exceptional performer on IRC, with versions of this design having won the IRC/ORC World Championships in the past, winning Cowes Week 2021 and winning the 2021 ORC World Championships. 

The J/112e also has a very comfortable interior, with two comfortable double cabins, and a very roomy and comfortable main saloon. Her sail and instrument inventory is impressive and on average she has only been used about 15 days a year since new and this is shown by only 97 hours on the engine. The engine is just serviced and she is being antifouled this week. She is ready to go.

J/112e Jib and Tonic interiorJ/112e Jib and Tonic interior

Click for full brokerage details of Jib and Tonic

Jump Juice, the Ker 37

Jump Juice—Ker 37Jump Juice—Ker 37

Jump Juice, the Ker 37, is also ready to go and, like Jib and Tonic, has a particularly impressive sail inventory.

A substantial refit was done on her a few years ago including upgrades to instruments and a paint job on the hull. Jump Juice has been a consistent winner in the past and apart from her speed, is a particularly impressive and attractive yacht—a real head-turner.

Click for full brokerage details of Jump Juice 

Full details for each of these Irish VAT paid yachts are available below in the links. Further information can be got from Mark Mansfield of Key Yachting at, [email protected] or ph. 00 353 87 2506838.

Click for full brokerage details of Jump Juice 

Click for full brokerage details of Jib and Tonic

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
Tagged under

Demand for brokerage boats in UK and Ireland is exceeding supply and now is the perfect time to sell your boat with Key Yachting.

There has never been a better time to sell your boat, with yards expected delivery slots creeping well into 2023 for new boats, demand for pre-loved boats has never been greater.

UK Sales director – Hannah Le Prevost “Currently we have clients waiting for new listings to come on to the market and some brokerage models don’t even make it to the open market before they are sold, as demand is so high.”

The Brokerage Market in both UK & Ireland has been very buoyant recently with sales of second-hand J 109, J99, J122, J70 and J 80 all recently completed. Key Yachting Ireland currently has three Brokerage boats under offer and is looking for further performance-orientated and cruising boats to list.

Irish Broker – Mark Mansfield “We have more buyers than sellers, so now is a great time to list with above-market prices being achieved. If you are not planning to use your boat in 2022, why not talk to the Key Yachting team, in UK or Ireland – as It really is a seller’s market!

Juggerknot J 99 —recently sold to a Client in the United StatesJuggerknot J 99 —recently sold to a Client in the United States

Why use Key Yachting to sell your boat?

Key Yachting UK & Ireland has an unrivalled knowledge of J Boats, Grand Soleil, Tofinou, and Nautitech, which not only benefits the seller but the new owner as well. Key Yachting’s Headquarters based in the UK is located in Hamble the home of the UK yachting industry. Its modern office holds a prime position in MDL Hamble Point Marina. Brokerage boats are within view of the office, offering both ease of access for potential clients and first-class care during their time with us.

Wakey Wakey, J 109 recently sold to Kinsale and now called Artful DodgerWakey Wakey - J109 recently sold to Kinsale and now called Artful Dodger

Key Yachting’s Ireland office is operated on a mobile basis, with Broker “Mark Mansfield” travelling to boat locations for valuations and viewings. Key Yachting uses two online marketing forums – Yacht World, the world’s leading brokerage marketing service, where your boat will have maximum exposure to the global boat purchasing market. Additionally, your yacht will be displayed on Key Yachting’s own website alongside the new models and be promoted out via social media.

Key Yachting has built a database of prospective owners, which is unequalled by any other company and produces regular brokerage e-shots with a reach of over 4,000 recipients, in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Worldwide. Key yachting has years of practical experience in new and used boat sales, the team will be able to analyse the market and advise on market positioning, providing documented details of similar boats sold, and currently on the market, so you know your boat is strategically positioned to sell. Prior to listing your boat, key yachting will usually visit the vessel to complete a thorough checklist of her condition and inventory, allowing us to suggest ideas to improve appearance and saleability keeping costs in mind, as you can only make one first impression.

Photos, video clips and comprehensive video are produced at the earliest opportunity of the sales process, to show the boat at her very best and allow us to share the details with prospective buyers.

Following a successful sale, the Key Yachting team can offer ongoing support to the buyer in the form of spare parts, upgrades, berthing etc.

Key Yachting’s primary business is the sale of new and brokerage boats but Key Yachting also offer marine services including marina berthing, storage ashore, and professional boat maintenance, spares, commissioning, and upgrades.

For more information email Irish Key Yachting Agent, Mark Mansfield: [email protected]

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil

Britain's biggest boating festival, the Southampton International Boat Show at Mayflower Park, is coming soon, 10-19 September 2021. With Government travel restrictions having lifted, those double-vaccinated can enjoy a trip "abroad" by visiting Southampton, which is currently competing for the UK City of Culture award 2025.

The show features everything the leisure marine industry has to offer. Ranging from paddleboards to superyachts and all the products and services you need to enjoy life in, on or around the water – you will find it at the show.

The Key Yachting team will proudly showcase three exceptional boats for this year's event, the Nautitech Open 46 (4 cabins), J/99 and Grand Soleil 42 LC (2 cabins).

The Nautitech Open 46 (4 cabins) is an excellent catamaran offering cruise, volume, speed, comfort, and a sleek and elegant design. The living room and the cockpit have been merged to gain space - it's the essence of the "Open" concept. The living room of the Open 46 offers beautiful volumes, like an invitation to enjoy daily life in an exquisite and warm atmosphere. The interior is chic, made of dark wood with bright natural light and neat details in stainless steel. Come and be inspired by this elegant boat.

Nautitech 46Nautitech 46 Photo: Nautitech Boats.com

The J/99 does it all - combining excellent sailing performance and stability with below-decks comfort in a boat that just one or two people can sail. The deck layout and sail plan are optimised for easy handling, while the roomy cockpit accommodates 8+ for fun day sailing. Want to jump into the next adventure-style overnight race or cruise rally and can't find crew? No problem. The J/99 will reward you with easy, high-speed sailing, whether solo, twin, or with the whole gang.

J/99 Snapshot J/99 Snapshot Photo:Bob Bateman

The J/99 is a standout and a new boat into Ireland, with "Snapshot" owned by Michael and Richard Evans winning its class in a competitive fleet at the Sovereigns Cup 2021, one of Ireland's biggest regattas.

The Grand Soleil 42 LC (2 cabin) is a model of the Blue Water line. This boat offers comfort, generous spaces and sailing autonomy. The 42 LC is available in two versions: standard or sport. The former is equipped with aft benches and a carbon arch over the cockpit, designed to keep this area free of the mainsheet traveller. This boat is a fantastic pedigree and a premium brand, always offering good performance and speed, even in cruising models.

Grand Soleil LC42Grand Soleil LC42 Photo: Grand Soleil

The Southampton International Boat Show organisers have taken Covid precautions seriously and added new features and more space – making the show bigger and better than ever before.

If you are looking for some sailing inspiration, to enjoy some social time, fine dining, or just the opportunity to attend a real-life event, then this is a show not to miss.

Come and say hello to Mark Mansfield, our Key Yachting Irish agent. Mark is a top-level competitive sailor, and his experience includes competing in four Olympics from 1992-2004 and has been professionally sailing and consulting since 2015. Book a meeting for the show now.

Tel: +353 87 2506838 and email: [email protected]

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil

Following on from the excellent showing in the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race, The Grand Soleil and J Boats brands have again displayed their racing prowess by winning the Sovereigns Cup Overall, coming first and second in the Largest IRC Class—Coastal, and finishing in all three podium position in the hotly contested Class 1.

As previously reported, The Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race was won by the Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo, owned by the Murphy Family from RCYC, who also took Class 1. All class two podium positions were taken by either Grand Soleil or J Boat models. The J/99 Juggerknot 2, owned by Andrew Algeo from the RIYC, took the class win.

Roll on two weeks, and many of the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle boats were again in action at the O'Leary Insurances Sovereigns Cup. The two big classes were Coastal which had 17 entries, and Class 1, with 13 entries.

In IRC Coastal Class, first, second (joint) and third on the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle Race were competing. Also competing was Bob Rendell's new Grand Soleil 44, Samatom, which raced with cruising headsails in the D2D race. For Sovereigns Cup, she had her new racing headsails. A very tight regatta in varying conditions over the four days brought very close racing, with the results going down to the wire.

In the end, Bob Rendell's Grand Soleil 44, Samatom, from Howth Yacht Club, with Key Yachting Irish Agent Mark Mansfield calling tactics, took the class win by 1 point, counting a first and 2 seconds.

Second overall was the Murphy Family's Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo. The one-off Ker 37, Jump Juice, rounded off the podium.

Grand Soleil 40, owned by the Murphy Family from RCYC, took second in IRC CoastalThe Grand Soleil 40, Nieulargo, owned by the Murphy Family from RCYC, took second in IRC Coastal Photo: Bob Bateman

In Class one, 10 x J 109's and a new J99 went head to head. Mike and Richard Evans new J/99 Snapshot got the better of all 10 x J/109's to take the class win by 9 points and, in so doing, was also awarded the overall Sovereigns cup as the top IRC performer of the regatta. Second overall was the J/109, Artful Dodger from the home club, recently purchased through Key Yachting brokerage by Finbarr O'Regan.

A great result in his first big regatta. Third overall was the J/109 Storm owned by Pat Kelly from Howth.

In her first regatta, Richard and Mike Evans new J/99 Snapshot, Winner Class 1 IRC and Overall winner of the Sovereigns CupIn her first regatta, Richard and Mike Evans new J/99 Snapshot, Winner Class 1 IRC and Overall winner of the Sovereigns Cup Photo: Bob Bateman

If you want to compete at the top end of IRC racing in Ireland, look no further than the Grand Soleil and J/Boats models. Not only are they fast, but they are also very comfortable and are true cruiser racers. Key Yachting is also the agent for Nautitech Catamarans and Tofinou dayboats.

For further information on any of the Key Yachting brands in Ireland, contact Irish Agent for Key Yachting, Mark Mansfield, at [email protected] or 087 2506838.

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil

Day One Report (24 June 2021) Racing at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup started today with two windward-leeward races in the Eastern Solent. North Sails weather forecaster Chris Tibbs predicted a building southwesterly breeze and he was spot on. 50 J/Boat teams, racing in five different classes, enjoyed excellent sailing conditions for the first day of the regatta. Congratulations to today’s race winners. Robin Stevenson J/92s Upstart, Jack Banks J/92 Nightjar, Paul Ward’s J/70 Eat Sleep J Repeat, Martin Dent’s J/70 Jelvis, Johnny Cooper’s J/112E Jooped, David Richards’ J/109 Jumping Jellyfish, Mike & Susie Yates’ J/109 JAGO, and Chris Jones & Louise Makin’s J/111 Journeymaker II.

After racing, a sit-down prize giving was held on the Royal Southern’s al fresco Quarter Deck. Key Yachting Sales Director, Hannah Le Prevost announced the winners. The J/Boats family enjoyed complimentary burgers and a bucket of beer from the ‘Southern. Singer/Song Writer Jonny Moody played a great live set with sailors grinning from ear to ear after a fantastic day on the water. Today’s prizes were generously donated by North Sails and Wight Vodka.

Racing at the Landsail Tyres J-Cup continues on Friday 25th June with three races scheduled for all classes.

Results here

Published in J Boats & Grand Soleil
Tagged under
Page 1 of 3