AEGIR crowned J/80 North American champion

J/80 North American Championship 2019 © www.j80na.com

Twenty-two teams battled unusually light-air conditions across three days before a champion could be crowned. Hurricane Humberto stalled a high-pressure system over Lake Winnipesaukee and the host Winnipesaukee Yacht Club for a three-day stretch of sunny but fickle breezes.

Cam Tougas got his name on the J/80 North American Championship perpetual trophy for the second straight year, this time as helmsman aboard the winning boat AEGIR representing Beverly Yacht Club in Marion, MA. Last year Tougas, 24 and a graduate of URI, crewed aboard Chip Johns winner Cavitica from BYC when the event was held in a blustery Marion venue on Buzzards Bay.

This time Tougas and his band of twenty-something friends had to hit the road and change to light air mode with a 2-9-2-1 score to win the championship.

From left to right, the youthful team of Matt Coughlin (tactician), Henry Tomlinson (bow), George Luber (trimmer), and Cam Tougas (helm), won the 2019 J/80 North American Championship aboard AEGIR #487 on Lake Winnipesaukee September 22, 2019. - photo © www.j80na.com

Long waits between races did not dull the appetites of the competitors, who travelled from as far away as Seattle and Austin Texas for a taste of lobster and New England hospitality at Winnipesaukee Yacht Club, home to J/80 Fleet 1.

Ten travel teams from all over North America, including Canada came expecting the typical heavy air sailing usual at this time of year. One team claimed they changed the rig tune three times before a race was in the books. Breezes in the 3-5 knot range, included huge shifts in direction, made for challenging racing.

Henry Tomlinson borrowed his dad's boat to bring himself and his sailing buddies to win the Championship. The trophy presentation was done in typical Fleet 1 style at Fay's boat yard as the travel boats were placed on trailers for the ride home.

Class Stalwarts Bill and Shannon Lockwood, on the left finished second overall. On the right is PRO Carter White, who did a great job, despite the conditions. - photo © www.j80na.com

Rounding out the podium was Lek Dimarucot's USA 175 in third, losing a tie-break on countback at 22 pts each with the Lockwood's SHENANIGANS.

The balance of the top five included Kevin Hayes and Jeff Kirchoff's MORE GOSTOSA in 4th and Les Beckwith's FKA in fifth place.

Doyle wins Quantum Sail Raffle!

In a raffle to raise money for the up coming J/80 World Championships to be held in Newport RI Sept 28-Oct 3, 2020, David Doyle from Toronto Canada Fleet 20 was the lucky winner and proud recipient of a Quantum Main and Jib. Congratulations David!

Find results here.

More information at j80na.com

J/80 North American Class President presents sails to David Doyle during the J/80 North American Championships in New Hampshire last weekend. - photo © www.j80na.com