J/24 World Championship 2024 at the Corinthian Yacht Club of Seattle – Day 4
by Jay Leon 5 Oct 02:26 PDT
1-5 October 2024
Kurt Dammeier (primary sponsor) on board ‘Amuse Bouche’ on day 4 – J/24 World Championship in Seattle © Dennis Pearce
Behind the scenes of the master regatta control panel, a wild-haired individual is feverishly managing levers and buttons. This can only explain the varying weather at the Seattle 2024 J/24 World Championship presented by Beecher’s Handmade Cheese.
The week has seen beautiful blue skies, but today brought a fierce rain squall. Competitors faced calm waters and consistent winds, yet some experienced conditions strong enough to switch to jibs. The course had steady current, but at times, certain areas had one-sided advantages. Competitors seeking diverse weather conditions found it all and more.
The most essential element for organizing a world championship sailboat regatta is wind. Equally vital is sponsorship. When the Seattle J/24 Fleet and Corinthian Yacht Club were presented with the opportunity to host this event, J/24 sailor Kurt Dammeier was the first to turn that dream into reality.
Jon Anderson, the Regatta Chair for the event, shared: “Our main sponsor is local J/24 Sailor Kurt Dammeier, driver and owner of Amuse Bouche, bow 79. Kurt is the CEO and owner of Beechers Handmade Cheese. His deep passion for the sport and our fleet drove him and his company to swiftly assist us in fulfilling our commitment to host a world-class event. The kindness shown by Kurt and his entire team has been amazing! We couldn’t have achieved such a successful event without him.”
Kurt proved crucial as he provided the key financial support. Yet, his involvement extended beyond this. Contestants have been enjoying his Beecher’s Handmade Cheese in various forms, including macaroni and cheese and soups, after racing. Everyone also received a Beecher’s Handmade Cheese T-shirt.
Kurt has organized training sessions for boats in the fleet and attended the 2024 J/24 National Championship in Lake Minnetonka, MN last month, where he finished in third place on the podium.
In addition to wind and financial resources, a regatta cannot be successful without strong competitors. The 56-boat fleet at the 2024 worlds includes numerous podium finishers from past events, six teams of emerging youth sailors, and four all-female teams. Four boats traveled from Japan and three from Italy, while Seattle sailors have participated in regattas in both countries.
Today, Travis Odenbach extended his lead in first place, but it was “La Superba” from Marina Militare Italiana that took the day with a third and a first-place finish. Their impressive performance propelled La Superba from eleventh to fifth place, making them a contender for the overall third position, trailing “Siesta” from Japan by just six points.
Racing will continue tomorrow for the final day, with two races scheduled to begin at 11 AM PDT. The sun is making a comeback, and we are hopeful for wind. Regardless of what unfolds tomorrow, the essentials—wind, sponsorship, and competitors—are present at the 2024 J/24 Worlds in Seattle.
