J/121 "Open Course” Racing Announcement

(Newport, RI)- The breadth of sailing experience within the first wave of J/121 owners is quite impressive, and so it comes as no surprise that several have already set their sights on signature offshore events for 2018. Six of the first 10 boats will be East Coast USA based, and we’re pleased to outline the preliminary 2018 J/121 Event Schedule.

Open Course Racing
The J/121 is striking such a chord with sailors seeking high performance offshore sailing with half the normal size crew, we created a new racing format we’re calling “Open Course Racing”. The idea is to expand the typical W/L closed course racing into distance day racing with more course variety, less athletic boat-handling, and built-in scoring incentives for winning individual legs. The Open Course concept is growing and we’re currently engaging with event organizers to help introduce this format for future regattas.

J/121 Class Rules apply the best practices from years of one-design management and condensed them into an easy-to-read document that underlines the design mandate of the J/121 –a 40’ speedster that can be day raced or distance sailed by a short- handed crew. A few highlights:

• Five sail inventory– one main, two jibs, and two spinnakers. The two jibs and Code 0 on furlers.
• Corinthian crew with limit of one Group 3 sailor.
• A target crew weight max of 1,050lbs (same as the J/105 Class) to encourage crews of 5-6 sailors.
• In races over 25 miles, multiple crew can drive.

Proposed 2018 J/121 Event Schedule:

• Lauderdale to Key West Race (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
• Miami to Cuba Race (Miami, FL)
• Palm Beach to Charleston Race Week (Charleston, SC)

Northeast circuit

• May 12-13   J/121 Spring Invitational (Newport, RI)
• May 26-28   FIGAWI Race Weekend (Nantucket, MA)
• Jun 9-10     New York Yacht Club Annual Regatta (Newport, RI)
• Jun 15        Newport to Bermuda Race (Newport RI)
• Jun 22        Royal Bermuda Yacht Club Annual Regatta (Hamilton, Bermuda)
• Jul 12-15    Rolex New York Yacht Club Race Week (Newport RI)
• Jul 20-22    Edgartown Race Weekend (Edgartown, MA)
• Aug 17        Ida Lewis Distance Race (Newport, RI)
• Aug 31        Stamford-Vineyard Race (Stamford, CT)

For more J/121 Offshore Speedster sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.