Defending Champions Take First Race at BMW J/24 Europeans at Howth (PHOTOS)

13th September 2011

After losing the first day’s racing to the weather, day two of the BMW J/24 European Championships at Howth today (Tuesday 13^th) saw one race completed in fresh and gusty south-westerly winds and witnessed a win for the defending champions (and current British champions) ‘Serco’ (Bob Turner) with Nathan Batchelor on the helm. PHOTOS BY GARETH CRAIG BELOW

The 42-boat fleet got away at the second time of asking in winds touching 30 knots and it was the right-hand side of the course which was favoured, with ‘Serco’ leading around the windward mark. The downwind leg proved precarious for several boats who struggled with spinnakers in the gusty conditions, with sail damage forcing a number of retirals.

By the end of the second beat, another British boat, ‘Il Riccio’ (David Southworth/Chris McLaughlin) had taken over the lead but as a shredded spinnaker put paid to their chances of victory and dropped them back to 5^th. ‘Serco’ took the gun ahead of another British entry ‘Madeleine’ (McCarthy/Phelps), with German boats filling the next two spots, with ‘Max Bahr’ (Stefan Karsunke) and ‘Rotoman’ (Kai Mares) 3^rd and 4^th respectively.

Four German boats finished in the top eight while 9^th place went to the highest-placed local boat, Irish champion Flor O’Driscoll and crew on ‘Hard on Port’.

With winds forecasted to increase later in the day, the fleet was sent ashore and a subsequent decision by the Race Officer David Lovegrove and his team confirmed that the conditions would not allow any further racing on the day.

It is hoped to run up to five races back-to-back on Wednesday (14^th).

BMW J/24 European Championships – Race 1 result:

Serco Bob Turner GBR
Madeleine McCarthy/Phelps GBR
Max Bahr Stefan Karsunke GER
Rotoman Kai Mares GER
Il Riccio Southworth/McLaughlin GBR
Reloaded Mark Penfold USA

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About the J24 keelboat

American Rod Johnstone designed the J/24, a one-design boat, in the mid-1970s.

Since 1977, it has been manufactured and at present, at least 5,500 hulls have been constructed throughout the globe.

The J/24 has significantly contributed to the popularity of competitive sailing, and numerous internationally recognised racing personalities have won international J/24 championships.

This class still thrives and remains a favourite among owners and crews of all levels.