Sunday saw the conclusion of the J/24 European Championship organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda with the International J/24 Class Association, the Italian J/24 Class Association and the support of title sponsor Range Rover. The Race Committee held three races, with a Mistral wind blowing at 10 to 15 knots, thus completing the maximum of 10 races set out in the schedule.

With precise manoeuvres and a 1-2-5 scoreline for today, the defending European champion, Irish boat Headcase, once again claimed the top spot in the blustery waters of Porto Cervo. “We’re really happy,” commented Cillian Dickson, helmsman on Headcase, “it’s like a dream to have won the J/24 European Championship again. We are really satisfied. Today was a difficult day, we pushed the boat to the maximum and sometimes it didn't go exactly as we would have liked. We handled an equipment failure well and in the end we achieved an excellent result.”

Ireland's Headcase skippered by Cillian Dickson, winner of the J/24 Range Rover European Championship by a massive nine point margin. Photo: Daniele Macis

In addition to helmsman Dickson, the winning crew for the J/24 European Championship was made up of Sam O'Byrne, Ryan Glynn, Marcus Ryan and Louis Mulloy - a close-knit group of sailors and friends who also took victory in the Corinthian classification.

"it’s like a dream to have won the J/24 European Championship again"

Second place, with a 9-point gap, went to La Superba, representing the Italian Navy (Marina Militare) and with Ignazio Bonanno at the helm alongside former 470 world champion Gabrio Zandonà on tactics. They put in a good attempt to catch the provisional leaders today, but a 4-1-2 scoreline was not enough to oust Headcase from pole position. Third place went to the Hungarians on J.Bond who, after scoring a second and third place in the first two races, concluded the final race in 11th place.

Ignazio Bonanno, helmsman of La Superba: “Congratulations to the Irish crew on Headcase, they were really good. We tried to make life difficult for them until the very end, we are satisfied with our result, an excellent second place. With the strong wind yesterday, unusual conditions in the Mediterranean, we had little speed on the upwinds, we tried to modify the set-up but we are not used to strong airs. Today's performance, on the other hand, was excellent.”

Today's first race started with the Mistral at around 16 knots, with the fleet largely on the favoured left-hand side of the course, and saw Headcase bag their sixth race win with a clear lead over the rest of the fleet. Second were the Hungarians of J.Bond, and third the Germans of Hungriger Wolf, who concluded the Championship in fifth place overall. In the second race the Mistral dropped to 10 knots, opening up more tactical options on the right-hand side of the course. A photo finish on the line went to La Superba, who sailed the last downwind leg in cleaner air, arriving at the finish line together with Headcase, second, and J.Bond, who took third place after dominating in the first three legs of the race. The wind picked up again for the third race of the day, and the bullet went to one of the leading local crews, Vigne Surrau helmed by Aurelio Bini. This final win brought the team representing CN Arzachena to finish in fourth place overall, the top-placed crew from the Sardinian fleet.

The J/24 European Championship 2024 embodied the core values of this historic class: inclusiveness and fair play. There were a significant number of women on the water, with many mixed crews taking part. The J/24 class also welcomes all ages: from the youngest competitor, 17-year-old Mattia Gelsi, on Furio & Fantaghirò, to Massimo Mariotti, owner of Avoltore and Honorary President of the Italian J/24 Class, who continues to race with great enthusiasm at 86 years of age. A notable example of the class's fair play was the gesture by the German crew on Vitesse, after a collision yesterday - in which they were at fault - prevented the Australian team from continuing in the event, they lent them their boat to compete today.

Video highlights of the J/24 European Championship

A packed prize-giving ceremony took place in Piazza Azzurra, attended by Giovanni Tamburi, Vice President of the YCCS Board of Directors, Marco Santucci, CEO of Jaguar Land Rover Italia, and Pietro Diamanti, President of the Italian J/24 Class.

Edoardo Recchi, YCCS Secretary General and Sports Director: “We are delighted to have welcomed the J/24 Class back to Porto Cervo, after the last European Championship was held here in 1989. The atmosphere of this event was particularly enjoyable, marked by the friendly yet competitive spirit typical of the class. Despite no racing being possible on the first day, the range of weather conditions over the following days allowed for the completion of all 10 scheduled races. It was thrilling to see the large fleet of J/24s competing in the waters off Porto Cervo, with Mistral winds reaching up to 16 knots and Scirocco winds exceeding 20 knots. Our congratulations go to the Irish team on Headcase for their victory, and to all the participants for their sportsmanship. On behalf of the YCCS, I would like to thank the International J/24 Class Association and the Italian J/24 Class for their collaboration in organising this event, and our partner Range Rover for their support as title sponsor.”

Pietro Diamanti, President of the Italian J/24 Class: ‘When it was suggested last year to come to Porto Cervo, we were proud to accept. I am pleased to see almost 50 participants, achieving such a significant number is not easy. The organisation of the event, both at sea and ashore, has been perfect, and for that I would like to thank the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda."

J/24 European Championship results

The next event organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda will be the Grand Soleil Cup, scheduled for 21 to 23 June 2024.

Ireland's Cillian Dickson and his Headcase crew have won five of seven races sailed at the J/24 European Championships, and they are on target to retain their European crown in Porto Cervo, Italy.

After yesterday's four races in a Mistral wind, today, the J/24 fleet sailed a further three races in a Scirocco breeze that built from an initial 12 knots to reach 20-22 knots. Steep waves over a metre high made for challenging conditions for the fleet, which demonstrated impressive technical ability on the race course.

Big breeze at the 2024 J/24 European Championship. Photo: Daniele Macis

Reigning European champion Headcase was the uncontested star of the show today, claiming victory in all three of the races held. The Irish team proved themselves to be a cut above, thanks to great teamwork and having trained in similar conditions. With five bullets and a third-place finish, Headcase leads the provisional classification with just eight points in total and one more race day to go. From the fifth race of the series, each team can discard their worst result - a 14th place on the first day in the case of the provisional leader.

Louis Mulloy, bowman on Headcase: “Today we came away with three bullets, but it was pretty tricky racing. In the first race we only managed to get to the front of the fleet on the last downwind leg, in the second race we really had to work very hard to get into that lead position, and even harder to hold onto it. In the last race the breeze was building again, and we got into conditions that we are comfortable in, we pushed really hard, and we’re happy to have come away with another bullet in that one as well.”

La Superba, the J/24 representing the Italian Navy, sits in second place (two fourths and a second place today), on a total of 18 points. Further back in third place, with 33 points, is Jamaica, owned by the President of the Italian J/24 Class, Pietro Diamanti, who has consistently placing in the upper ranks of the classification, and today discarded the result of the last race due to a breakage.

“Jamaica is a historic boat,” said Diamanti, “I have been racing with her since 1995. I am happy to be here in Porto Cervo, a unique location, in the company of friends and having fun together. We are very satisfied with how the races are going and I have to admit that we are achieving results above our expectations in this European Championship.”

Yesterday's leader, Hungarian boat J.Bond, slips back to fourth place with 39 points, followed by Aurelio Bini's Vigne Surrau, just one point behind in fifth place.

La Superba, the Marina Militare (Italian Navy) team racing in the Range Rover J/24 European Championship. Photo: Daniele Macis

For tomorrow, the final day of racing, the first start has been brought forward to 10 a.m. CEST, with a westerly wind forecast of 15-16 knots. The intention is to run three races.

The event is organised by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda with the International J24 Class Association and the Italian J/24 Class Association, and the support of title sponsor Range Rover.

2024 J/24 Europeans results after 7 races 

2024 J/24 Europeans results after 7 races 

Wicklow Sailing Club is preparing to host the inaugural Little Dragon sponsored J24 Southern Championships on July 27th and 28th, 2024.

Promoters say the event will spotlight the J24 class for the first time in Wicklow and is the result of dedicated efforts by J24 sailors and club committee members Conor Haughton and Johnny Flood.

"Hosting the Little Dragon J24 Championships is a significant achievement for Wicklow Sailing Club," Johnny Flood, WSC Cruiser Commodore, told Afloat. "Our volunteer-led club works tirelessly to host the prestigious Round Ireland Yacht Race biennially. Introducing another keelboat regatta to our calendar was no small feat, but we see the J24 class as an accessible opportunity for our members and juniors. We hope it will inspire more of our own members to pursue keelboat racing."

Flood says the event is anticipated to draw 75 - 100 J24 sailors from across Ireland. Online entry here and download the Notice of Race below.

Irish J24 competitors gathered at Foynes Yacht Club this past weekend for the Western Championships on the Shannon Estuary.

Saturday's races saw challenging conditions, with four races completed in 10 to 12 knots of breeze. Anticipating calm conditions on Sunday, participants were greeted with beautiful sunshine and a steady 6 to 9 knots of breeze, setting the stage for an exciting day of competition.

Derek Bothwell, the Race Officer, was praised for setting a perfect course of three laps of windward-leeward and efficiently finishing the race by shortening the course, allowing for a total of five races for the Westerns.

Headcase once again showcased an outstanding performance, securing first place and earning best wishes as they prepare for the J24 European Championships in Sardinia.

Racing downwind on the Shannon Estuary at Foynes Yacht Club for 2024 J24 Western honours 

The Silver Fleet also celebrated as Hung Jury emerged victorious. The high standard of sailing displayed by all competitors was a joy to watch and drew accolades from spectators.

J24 Western Championships Race Officers Derek and Gaye Bothwell 

Acknowledgements were made to those who contributed to the event's success, including Derek and Gaye Bothwell for their exceptional Race Management, Mark Usher, President of the J24 Association, the FYC members for their assistance throughout the weekend, and Commodore Bev for organising a fantastic event. Special recognition was given to Pat Lawless for crafting the beautiful trophies, BCS Crane Hire for their exceptional service, and Shannon Foynes Port Company for their regular updates on Shipping.

As the weekend came to a close, sailors eagerly looked forward to the next event in Wicklow at the end of July.

J/24 One Design keelboat enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (YCCS) teams up with the International and Italian J/24 Classes to host the J/24 European Championship in 2024.

The event is open to all J/24s and is scheduled from 10th to 16th June. The 2023 Irish 'Headcase' winners will defend their title in Porto Cervo.

As regular Afloat readers know, the story of the restored J/24 Headcase in recent years has been a particularly heart-warming one of all-Ireland camaraderie and success, and in August, the emphasis was firmly on international success with a final race victory to give a two-point win in the J/24 Europeans on Lake Balaton in Hungary, racing against 42 boats from eight nations.

The 2024 championship will officially open on the evening of 12th June with the Skippers' Briefing, followed by a Welcome Cocktail on the panoramic terrace at the YCCS.

The eagerly awaited event will comprise of a total of 10 races scheduled from 13th to 16th June, with a maximum of four races to be held each day. 

The YCCS is delighted to welcome a fleet that has contributed significantly to the popularity of sailing, and the championship will definitely be one of the most sought-after events of the 2024 season for the Class. 

Entries are now open and will be accepted until 10th April 2024.

Cillian Dickson’s 'Headcase' of Ireland won the 23-boat Corinthian division at the J24 World Championships in Greece on Saturday, but a last race tilt for an overall podium place in the open championship saw the Irish drop from second to fourth when they scored a lowly 21st in race ten. 

The Corinthian title completes a successful summer for the Headcase crew, who lifted the J24 Euro title late last month in Hungary.

Keith Whittemore’s Furio of the USA, with team Willem van Waay, Marianne Schoke, Brian Thomas and Melanie Edwards, has been crowned 2023 J/24 World Champions.

Whittemore, who also won the 2019 J/24 World Championship in Miami, Florida, USA, ended this event with only 25 net points in the full 10-race series.

Cillian Dickson’s Headcase of Ireland are Corinthian J24 World Champions for 2023 Photo: Nikos Pantis

After discarding a 19 from race seven, the Seattle, Washington-based helmsman kept scores in the top seven, including three bullets. Ignazio Bonanno’s La Superba of Italy compiled their reliable solid scores all week, winning two races, for 40 net points and the silver position. Tony Parker’s Bangor Packet, also of the USA, was in the hunt throughout the Championship, placing third overall with 52 net points. Parker has been sailing in the J/24 Class for all of its 45 years, and shipped his hull #58 to Greece.

Cillian Dickson’s Headcase of Ireland won the 23-boat Corinthian division, also placing fourth overall and tied on points with Parker. The crew included Ryan Glynn, Marcus Ryan, Louis Mulloy and Sam O'Byrne. The all-amateur podium comprised Stephan Mais’ Running Men of Germany and Alexandros Tagaropoulos’s Hellenic Police of Greece.

The IJCA awarded its perpetual Youth Turner Trophy to Papanikitas Spiridon-Eleftherios’s Hellenic Naval Academy.

Competitors revelled in gorgeous conditions for five days at the Nautical Club of Thessaloniki in Greece. Saturday’s race winner was Kohei Ichikawa’s Gekko Diana of Japan.

Top Three Overall:
1) Keith Whittemore, Furio, USA, 25 points
2) Ignazio Bonanno, La Superba, ITA, 40 points
3) Tony Parker, Bangor Packet, USA, 52 points

Top Three Corinthian:
1) Cillian Dickson, Headcase, IRL
2) Stephan Mais, Running Men, GER
3) Alexandros Tagaropoulos, Hellenic Police, GRE

A win in race nine has put Cillian Dickson's sole Irish crew into the silver medal position with one race left to sail at the 35-boat J24 World Championships in Greece.

The recently crowned Irish Euro Champions have recovered from a U Flag result earlier in the series to count a stunning 2, 3, 1 on the penultimate day at the Nautical Club in Thessaloniki. 

Seattle's Keith Whittemore sailing Furio sustained his hold on first place, although it was feast or famine for the American team with a bullet and a 19 on the day (the 19th becoming their discard). They have 21 net points, now being chased by the Irish on 30. Ignazio Bonanno’s La Superba of Italy is lying third on 37.

Dickson’s 'Headcase' crew preserved their hold atop the 23-boat Corinthian division. Check them out leading to a mark at eight seconds on this Facebook vid timeline from Day three below.

Race eight began on schedule at 1500 local time on Friday; however, was twice abandoned due to 30-degree wind shifts shortly after the start. When finally underway, Whittemore’s Furio added their third victory of the Championship, ahead of Ignazio Bonanno’s La Superba of Italy. Multiple teams suffered BFD penalties in race 9, but thriving was Dickson’s Headcase taking line honours, plus Manolakis Antonios’s Aurora–Spanopoulos runner-up and Whittemore third. Day four vid highlights are below.

The final championship race will be sailed on Saturday.

Ireland will defend its J24 European title at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda, Italy, next year.

With the 33rd edition of the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup now wrapped up (in which an Irish crew won Maxi Division A), work on the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda's 2024 sporting calendar continues. 

From 10th to 16th June 2024, the European Championship for the J/24 class, one of the most popular one-design keelboats in the world, will be organised by the YCCS Association in Porto Cervo in association with the J/24 Class.

As regular Afloat readers know, the story of the restored J/24 Headcase in recent years has been a particularly heart-warming one of all-Ireland camaraderie and success, and in August, the emphasis was firmly on international success with a final race victory to give a two-point win in the J/24 Europeans on Lake Balaton in Hungary, racing against 42 boats from eight nations.

This week, the plucky Irish crew are contesting the World Championships in Greece, where day one saw a great start with two third places only to end with a UFD score in the third race as Afloat reports here

Despite a promising start of two third places for Ireland's newest European sailing champions at this week's J24 World Championships, the Irish 'Headcase' crew suffered a setback on the final race of the opening day at Nautical Club Thessaloniki, Greece, when they scored a 'UFD'. 

The Cillian Dickson-led Corinthian crew are the sole Irish entry in the ten-nation event and are lying 11th overall in the 35-boat fleet. 

UFD means U-Flagged - a ruling where a boat is deemed to have prematurely started a race that is started under “U” Flag and is disqualified from that race and awarded the maximum number of points unless that race is subsequently restarted.

In a thrilling race to the finish, American sailor Keith Whittemore's boat 'Furio' held on to a narrow lead to emerge victorious in the first three races of the J/24 Class World Championship. The Championship, which marks the 45th anniversary of the event, saw sailors compete in ideal conditions of 8-10 knots and bright blue skies. The event was hosted by the Nautical Club of Thessaloniki in Greece and saw 35 boats participate, representing Argentina, Australia, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, and the United States.

Despite a strong start by Italian sailor Ignazio Bonanno's boat 'La Superba', which won the first race with style, Whittemore's 'Furio' soon took the lead, with two second-place finishes and a first-place finish in the final race. Bonanno's 'La Superba' held on to second place with 11 points, while Alexandros Tagaropoulos's 'Hellenic Police' of Greece came in third overall at 16 points, also topping the 20+ boat Corinthian division.

Dickson's 'Headcase' may have had an opening day setback, but he has already proved his mettle by winning the J/24 European Championship in Hungary just two weeks ago, as Afloat reported here.

Tony Parker's 'Bangor Packet' of the USA won the second race, with Whittemore and Dickson again runners-up.

Racing continues until Saturday. Results below.

In the J24 national championship, where 20 boats compete as part of the ICRA National Championships at Howth, Kinsale Yacht Club's Under 25 crew on Kinsailor has lost its early lead to Bray Sailing Club's Hard On Port.

The one-design class was the only fleet to complete a single race on Friday's first day of racing, so it now has five results with any of six boats in the hunt for the title.

With two race wins, Hard on Port has eight points, with Kinsailor on 11. Third is Tadhg Loingsigh long travelled Janx Spirit from Tralee Bay Sailing Club on 12.

Racing contnoues on Sunday.