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