This thread's purpose is to collect ideas from the fleet regarding next year's North American Championship.

Question 1: Who is considering racing in New Orleans next year?

Question 2: For those tentatively planning on attending, who would bring their own hull vs. requesting a loaner boat.

Question 3: HYPOTHETICAL If we raised enough sponsorhip dollars to fund the shipment of boats plus free winter storage from their home port to New Orleans, how many more boats would participate?

Question 4: What changes would the fleet like to make next year. Any ideas are welcome. Example: More on the water judges.

Our goal is 20 boats or more. We have already heard from one Annapolis boat about potentially racing next year. We are excited to host next year's North Americans. The NOR is expected to be released by October 18th, 2011.

Cheers,
Ken and Dave
Dave@j30.us

1. Nice Pear (412) is interested. I have to research as to whether she has ever measured in. Any information in the class?? Email me at sailon@earthlink.net

2. Would bring own boat

3. If some of the funds could be used to assist- (not necessarly totally cover) in the shipping, it would make it much easier.

Blue Meanie is contemplating being there-we would probably need a loaner (Land Shark seemed quite fast last time we came down there!). If there was a way to subsidize shipping our boat down somehow, we would consider that option as well.

If you are looking for crew from FL ... keep me in mind.
v

OK We'll use some ideas from the regatta at J/30 NAs next year :>)

J/22 Worlds Preview
(New Orleans, LA)- As one of their first major regattas to be hosted in the new club facilities post-Hurricane Katrina, Southern Yacht Club is planning a memorable event for J/22 World's sailors, both on and off-the-water. For starters, Allstate Sugar Bowl has traditionally been a strong supporter of sailing in the New Orleans area, sponsoring the annual Allstate Sugar Bowl Regatta for college sailors. Their support of the J/22 Worlds is very significant and symbolic, the "re-birth" of world-class events hosted by one of the most gracious clubs to host events in the American "South". Off the water, the regatta promises an experience that only New Orleans can deliver. The entertainment starts Tuesday, October 11 with a competitors’ meeting and reception at Southern Yacht Club with hors d’oeuvres featuring local seafood and other tastes of New Orleans. Wednesday, October 12 will feature a French Quarter party for participants, scheduled at the famous Tropical Isle Bar’s balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. There is nothing like a "Tropical Isle Hand Grenade". Before racing starts on Thursday morning, the famous Café Du Monde will serve "café au alit" and "beignets" to all competitors to get the regatta going in a traditional New Orleans style. That evening, Southern Yacht Club will host a seafood party on the lawn of the club featuring south Louisiana’s finest offerings of shrimp, jambalaya and other tasty examples of local cuisine. The French creole influence is unmistakable, and delicious!

On the water, October on Lake Pontchartrain generally offers excellent sailing conditions, with warm temperatures and breezes that can range from 5-25 knots. Because Lake Pontchartrain is very shallow, averaging 14 feet deep, north winds with a 25-mile fetch can kick up a short, steep chop that challenges the best sailors. With sixty-six boats from the Cayman Island, Canada, Germany and the USA, the fleet looks to be as competitive as it's been in years. In fact, several notable World Champion and Olympian sailors are well-represented in the stellar field of sailors. For starters, Soling and Star World Champion John Dane is sailing with a family crew! And, another local sailor, Dwight and Beau LeBlanc- former Star and 12 Meter America's Cup veterans- are sailing as a team. Renowned Annapolis J/22 sailor Albie Terhune has a strong team attending. Local "Norleans" star Benz Faget is fielding a strong crew. Class stalwart and past President, Galen Freeman, from Brentwood, TN, promises he won't hit anybody (although he may assert "senior moment rights" at appropriate opportunities! Travis Odenbach, fresh from winning the J/24 COC in Lake George, is hoping to not embarrass himself and finish in the top 3. Both Doyles, Kevin and Chris from upstate Kenmore, NY hope to be a factor amongst the leaders. Another J-class champ, Travis Weisleder- from Richmond, VA- may or may not have the horsepower to keep all these champions in check to grab the brass ring. The Hiller family gang from Annapolis (Todd and crew) are always a factor. Then, of course, you can't forget the fact that Terry Flynn from Houston, TX- past J/22 World Champion may have designs to ensure they're at the top of the leader-board, too! For more J/22 Worlds sailing information
http://www.j22worlds.com/

Everyone, please visit http://www.j22worlds.com and check out the real time updates on the water via Twitter posts. We will do this next year at J/30 NAs for those fans who want to follow the race real time. We'll also look at options to use Kattack for race play back.

J/30 Class - The 2012 North American Championship is exactly one year away. Dave Erwin and the Gulf Coast J/30 contingent have been working diligently to get an early start on organizing this event. The 2012 J/30 North American Championship website is now up and registration is open.

Look forward to more information and additions to the 2012 NA website as the regatta organizers continue to work over the next year to make this a great event.
Notice of Regattahosted by
New Orleans YC