(Rye, NY)- For the 59 J's sailing in a fleet of 90 boats (60% of the
fleet), it was a challenging two weekends of sailing. No wind, floods,
massive shifts. Perfect conditions with sun crystal clear skies. OK.
Just another fall day on Long Island Sound in classic mid-October
weather. Granted that, it was still good sailing for all competitors.In the IRC 3 Division, the J/133 ANTIDOTE sailed by Ron Richman nearly pulled off a win in their class with a strong 3-1 finish in the last two races to finish second by just two points. Tom Carroll's J/133 SIREN SONG won two races to hang in for fourth in class. And, George Petrides/ Leo Vasiliev's J/120 AVRA took seventh in division.
The J/122 One-Design class had a solid turnout with six boats. This time, it was "the DRAGON" showing their forked-tail to the rest of the fleet. Andrew Weiss and team on CHRISTOPHER DRAGON took three firsts to secure their lead on this competitive class by four points. Their erstwhile nemesis, the triumvirate of Bruno/ Boyle/ Callahan sailed to a solid second place with three seconds for nine points. Third was a good showing by Barry Gold on SUNDARI, winning two races, but not being consistent enough with three 4ths to miss first by five points.
J/44s had another strong fleet of eight boats participate for some excellent racing. By way of example, past class J/44 Champion Jim Bishop's team on GOLD DIGGER could only manage a sixth in this amazingly competitive class. Winners were Don and Rick Rave on RESOLUTE, winning two races to win by three pts. Second was Len Sitar's VAMP, third Bill Ketcham's MAXINE, fourth Jeff Willis' CHALLENGE IV and fifth Phil Gutin's BEAGLE.
In the IRC 35 Division, Rick Lyall's J/109 STORM sailed a tough series to lose out 2nd by one point. Fifth was John and Tony Esposito's J/29 HUSTLER. Behind them were Mike Sleightholme's J/109 APSARA and Jack Forehand's J/109 STRATEGERY.
The J/105 one-designs, with fourteen boats and largest fleet in the AYC Fall Series (again), there was a surprise winner. In the end, it was George and Alex Wilbanks REVELATION winning by a landslide with a 1-1-8-2-1-2 record for 7 pts (inc toss). Second were J/105 champs Joerg Esdorn and Duncan Hennes on KINCSEM and third was Kevin Grainger on GUMPTION 3. Refreshing to see were newcomers on the leader-board, fourth was Sean and Susan Doyle on KESTREL and fifth Josh Burack on PEREGRINA, a great showing for both teams! For more AYC Fall Series sailing information
