J/24 World Championship 2024 at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle – Day 3
by Jay Leon 4 Oct 00:02 PDT
1-5 October 2024
Travis Odenback’s Honeybadger crew from Rochester Yacht Club achieved consecutive 1st place wins on day 3 – J/24 World Championship in Seattle © Dennis Pearce
Sailing competitions are influenced by both skill and fortune. Mastery is needed to keep a boat swift throughout a race, as well as to choose the ideal side of the course. Yet sometimes the “ideal side” vanishes, or the leading boats collaborate to block every open lane.
At times, during fortunate moments, a wind shift occurs precisely when needed. Or other boats afford you a clear path. Mathematically inclined individuals assert that luck is evenly spread, meaning everyone experiences their fair share of fortunate breaks.
After winning races 4 and 5 today, Travis Odenbach (bow 28) was inquired about his success, to which he replied: “We got really lucky.” He elaborated that they fell behind at the starts of both races, were pushed to a less desirable side of the course, yet benefited from “lucky” incidents that propelled them back to the forefront.
The only way to account for consecutive 1st place wins, typically viewed as luck, is to acknowledge that some individuals can create their own fortune. Indeed, luck played a part, but as Travis noted, “We have a fantastic team – that never gives up.” After six races, Travis and his Honeybadger team from Rochester Yacht Club hold 1st with 19 points.
Close behind from Rochester is Mike Ingham’s crew with 23 points (bow 43).
As the competitors from Rochester vie for first and second, four teams are in contention for third. The two Japanese teams leading after day 1, Siesta and Gekko Diana, currently have 42 and 38 points respectively, while Mike Goldfarb’s War Canoe team from CYC Seattle (bow 48) holds 39 points, with Paul Abdullah’s Team Tarheel having 43. These four teams are nearly tied in pursuit of the last podium place – unless luck runs dry in Rochester!
Participants on these teams should don their lucky socks tomorrow. The weather is shifting from bright skies and mild northern breezes to wet and brisk southerly winds with gusts exceeding 20 knots. Over the past three days, we have experienced six thrilling races and tomorrow promises significant action in the strong winds.
