Photo by Kristin Rutkowski | Gallery

January 25, 2025

Dear Fleet Members,

As we sail into the New Year, I want to extend my warmest wishes to each and every one of you. The past year has been filled with memorable moments, thrilling races, and the camaraderie that makes our fleet so special.

Reflecting on the past season, we have much to be proud of. It’s been a joy to see posts from members across the country on our Facebook site, sharing everything from exhilarating starts to nail-biting finishes, cruising in diverse waters around the world, making boat improvements, and exchanging ideas and information. These moments highlight the skills, dedication, and sportsmanship that define our fleet. Whether you were at the helm, trimming the sails, or cheering from the shore, your passion and commitment have made this year unforgettable.

I’d like to remind everyone that in addition to our Facebook site, our website is a treasure trove of information, complete with forums covering a wide range of topics. Check it out at www.j30.org.

Make sure to keep your dues current. To pay your 2025 Class Association membership dues, please click on the link at top of this message highlighted in yellow or visit J30.org/renew.

As we set our sights on the new season, I’m thrilled to announce that the 2025 North American Championship will take place in New Orleans from October 30th to November 2nd! I encourage everyone to join in the fun and competition. After all, who wouldn’t want to dive into the competitive groove in the Big Easy this Halloween?! I hope to see you there! Register early by visiting http://j30.us/nas

In case you haven’t heard, the Racing Rules of Sailing have been updated for 2025-2028. If you’re planning to compete, I highly recommend attending a rules seminar to refresh your knowledge. Printed books are expected to be available in February 2025. Online access to the new rules is available online by visiting https://www.ussailing.org/competition/rules-officiating/the-racing-rules-of-sailing-2025-2028/

I encourage everyone to set new goals, whether it’s improving your racing tactics, mastering a new skill, or simply enjoying more time on the water. Together, we can make this year even more successful and enjoyable than the last.

Let’s continue to support one another, share our knowledge, and foster the spirit of teamwork that makes our fleet strong.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible community. Here’s to fair winds, smooth seas, and many more unforgettable moments on the water in the year ahead.

Happy New Year!

Heidi Frist
J/30 Class President
Suzie Q #203
Hmfrist1@verizon.net

Class Association

Photo by Kristin Rutkowski | Gallery

As the new year unfolds, I find myself filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. It is with great pleasure that I write this letter to each and every one of you. Together, we form a community bound by our shared love for sailing, camaraderie, and a thirst for pushing the limits of our capabilities.

First, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a prosperous and joyful new year. May the wind always fill your sails, guiding you towards new horizons as you navigate the boundless span of marine waters. As we embark on this journey together, let us embrace the challenges that lie ahead with unwavering determination and a spirit of unity.

Looking back at the previous year and the objectives I had as your Class President, I hope that you had many chances to sail and enjoy the benefits of this lifestyle. My goal of meeting a few skippers in person across the country was amazingly fulfilled while attending the 2023 North American Championship hosted by the Bristol Yacht Club in Rhode Island last August, and when a J/30 skipper from Alaska visited Annapolis, Maryland this past fall prompting a spontaneous meetup with a few Chesapeake skippers at Eastport Yacht Club. It is through these types of experiences that I feel we have forged unbreakable bonds, creating a community that is not merely a fleet, but a family.

My ambition is to continue my original goals as your Class President by encouraging you to get out on the water and inspire newcomers to our class to learn from our fleet so that they may keep the sport of sailing alive and well. I also would like to promote more in-person meet-ups to continue building our camaraderie nationwide.

With that in mind, please save the dates for the 2024 North American Championship to be held in Annapolis, Maryland on September 11-15, 2024. Eastport Yacht Club will host this event. I think we might set a new class record by having the most female skippers participate in a J/30 North American Championship. I hope you will join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement! Registration is now open, and I am incredibly pleased to announce that we already have seven J/30s registered! I am hoping to have at least fifteen boats signed up, including the top three finishers from last year!

Even if you do not wish to, or cannot compete, please consider joining us and participating in the onshore events. Annapolis is a gem of American history and maritime culture. A wonderful city to captivate and inspire you whether you are visiting the historic landmarks, savoring the delicious seafood, or just soaking in the charming ambiance along with our fleet’s special camaraderie! For the Notice of Race and other info please check out https://www.eastportyc.org/j30-na.

Make sure to keep your dues current. To pay your 2024 Class Association membership dues, please click on the link at top of this message highlighted in yellow or visit the J/30 class website: http://j30.us/renew/

I also encourage everyone to share their experiences sailing and owning a J/30 on the J/30 Facebook page and utilizing the class association’s website and forums.

In closing, I want to thank you for being part of this amazing fleet. The J/30 Class is the reason for our bond, and our shared passion and firm determination will keep us moving ahead.

Wishing you fair winds, smooth seas, and an unforgettable year ahead.

Heidi Frist
J/30 Class President
Suzie Q #203
Hmfrist1@verizon.net

Class Association