“J/Fest” Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta led by J/Teams
by J/Boats 21 October 08:22 PDT
12-13 October 2024
“J/Fest” Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta led by J/Teams © Steve Cloutier/ @BlockIslandSteve on Instagram
This past weekend, on October 12th and 13th, the renowned “J/Fest” Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta (IOR) was held at Larchmont Yacht Club, co-organized by the Storm Trysail Club.
The event attracted 42 universities from 19 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces for a distinctive offshore sailing experience, aimed at providing collegiate sailors a new challenge beyond their usual sailing activities.
This year’s regatta had 30 J/Boats owners who contributed their vessels—71.0% of the 42-boat fleet! J/Boat owners have consistently been enthusiastic participants in this event, actively supporting alma maters nationwide. It’s truly remarkable to see J/Teams represented from California to Maine and from Minnesota to Texas!
Ultimately, J/105s triumphed! The Webb Institute’s modified J/105 SLEEPER and the College of Charleston’s J/105 KESTREL teams earned top honors!
Saturday featured ideal sailing conditions, with clear skies and a steady breeze of 8-12 knots, perfect for racing. All classes completed four windward-leeward races over a 5-nautical mile course, leveraging the favorable weather. Sunday began with overcast skies, but the clouds quickly dispersed, allowing for an early start and two additional races to conclude the weekend. Competitors enjoyed robust racing on both days, thanks to the excellent weather and race management.
The prestigious Paul Hoffman Trophy, awarded to the overall victor with the highest winning percentage, was claimed by the Webb Institute’s modified J/105 SLEEPER, helmed by Rayne Duff. Duff attributed their success to “consistently good starts, teamwork, and a fun-focused mindset were the most vital factors this weekend.” Webb Institute, recognized for its strong offshore program, showcased an impressive performance by not losing a single race.
The IOR is a significant undertaking, depending on the generous contributions of boats and time from owners and club members who provide college sailors a unique chance to engage in offshore racing. While some institutions, like Webb, possess dedicated offshore teams, many participating schools only sail keelboats annually, primarily focusing on dinghy sailing. Nevertheless, teams traveled from as distant as Texas A&M in Galveston, the University of Wisconsin, and Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia to participate in this annual event.
Despite the logistical challenges, the event continues to expand, and organizers were excited to welcome new schools this year, including Clemson University, Middlebury College, Olin College of Engineering, Rutgers University, Texas A&M, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
The Puff Trophy, awarded to the team with the second-highest winning percentage, was presented to the College of Charleston Cougars for their impressive performance in the J/105 KESTREL, owned by alumni Chuck McCarthy. Skipper Luke Tougas reflected on the weekend, stating, “Larchmont IOR is an event we eagerly anticipate yearly due to the numerous opportunities it creates. This competition boiled down to how much we desired it.” Tougas credited the team’s success to crew dynamics, explaining, “It’s straightforward to steer the boat correctly, but maintaining the sails perfectly positioned at all times is much more challenging.” He also expressed appreciation to the McCarthy family for providing the team a J/105 and thanked their safety officer, Ned Goss, for keeping everyone motivated with his mantra, “Firetrucks don’t stop at red lights!”
PHRF Large Division
Five J/Teams participated in this eight-boat division. The standout among J/crews was the US Navy’s J/44 MAXINE, achieving four 1st places and one 2nd, but they did not secure the victory due to a questionable penalty assigned for 10/ABD… whatever that entails. Consequently, they earned the silver medal. Two more teams faced a similar fate. Fourth place went to the University of Maryland’s J/124 TENEBRAE, and fifth place was claimed by Mass Maritime’s J/122 DIRE WOLF.
PHRF Medium Division
In this eight-boat fleet, two J/Teams were in contention. Northeastern University’s J/112E REBELLE performed well, securing the bronze medal.
PHRF Small Division
This six-boat fleet was dominated by J/crews, sweeping the podium’s top three positions! Winning was Webb Institute’s J/105-mod SLEEPER, followed by the University of Vermont’s J/88 ONE TOO MANY in second, and Syracuse University’s J/99 THIN MAN in third.
J/109 Class
Five teams competed in this one-design class. The regatta turned into a “mano-a-mano” battle between two exceptionally well-sailed teams. In the end, it was Brown University’s NORDLYS that triumphed with 11 points, followed closely by the University of Wisconsin’s TBD with 12 points. Rounding out the podium was Embry-Riddle College’s AVIATO with 19 points.
J/105 Class
The largest fleet at the event, this twelve-boat group featured several skilled teams familiar with J/105s and experienced in their local waters. Unsurprisingly, the College of Charleston’s KESTREL team won with an impressive record of five 1sts and one 2nd for a total of 7 points! Close behind in silver position was Princeton University’s J/105 MAGIC with an enviable score of 3-2-1-2-2-2 totaling 12 points. The bronze medal went to Olin College’s SYNERGY with a total of 23 points.
A highlight of the regatta was the camaraderie, both on and off the water. The regatta hosted a lively social event under the tent on Saturday, thanks to the generous hospitality of the Larchmont Yacht Club, creating an unforgettable experience for all participants.
The successful execution of this event would not have been feasible without support from the Storm Trysail Foundation and the generous contributions from its partners who believe in the mission: ShopRite of Carteret, IHG Hotels & Resorts, Helly Hansen, Risk Strategies-Gowrie Group, Harken Derm, Carlsberg (Sheehan Co), McMichael Yacht Yards and Brokers, UK Sailmakers Northeast, Dimension-Polyant, and Gifted of Larchmont.
The IOR concluded on Sunday with all teams smiling as they eagerly looked forward to future events, inquiring when the 2025 registrations would open. As the largest intercollegiate sailing regatta globally, the 2024 IOR affirmed its status as a “must-attend” regatta, providing college sailors an invaluable chance to enhance their offshore racing skills and create lasting connections.
Are any college teams interested in 2025? Fill out this form here.
More STC Intercollegiate Offshore Regatta sailing results
More STC Intercollegiate Regatta sailing information
