(The Hague, The Netherlands)- About ten years after her introduction on
the Benelux racing courses, the J/109 owners in Netherlands, Belgium,
northern France have organized a circuit of races that should appeal to a
broad cross-section of 109 owners that sail on "La Manche". Several months ago a couple of owners decided to join forces. They selected several regattas on the racing calendar to participate together as a one-design J/109 class. As part of that initiative, the group agreed on the one-design sailing configuration, adopting the UK J/109 class rules, permitting overlapping headsails. But, contrary to these rules, in the Benelux series, "in-haulers" are allowed when sailing with #3 jibs.
As a result of these efforts, it has become clear the one-design initiative will be very successful! On April 27th about ten J/109s will compete in the "50nm Double-handed Race" on the Ijsselmeer. Just a few weeks later, this event will be followed by a one-design J/109 start during the North Sea Regatta from 17 till 20th of May-- ten or more boats are also expected for this event!
From 2002 about forty J/109's were sold in Holland and Belgium. 50% of these boats have a racing license so chances are good for this initiative to grow bigger in 2013 and 2014! For more Benelux J/109 one-design sailing information, please contact the Verhoef's at J/Benelux.
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