J/Teams Triumph in Stratford Shoal Gearbuster Race
by J/Boats 21 Oct 09:33 PDT
October 13, 2024
69th Annual Indian Harbor Stratford Shoal Race – the Gearbuster © Indian Harbor Yacht Club
During the last Columbus Day weekend, the renowned “Gearbuster Race” was held by Indian Harbor YC, which takes place every fall. It’s a long-distance race around various government buoys in western Long Island Sound.
As the season’s “grand finale,” this event is highly popular among J/sailors. A total of 25 J/Teams participated, representing 50% of the 51-boat fleet. Many J/Teams earned awards! Here’s the breakdown of results by division.
PHRF Doublehanded Division
In this group of six boats, J/Teams dominated the podium. The top honors went to Christian Uecker’s J/120 HOUND DOG, followed by Thomas Sa’s J/33 GUN DOG in second, and the two remaining J/120s, Sara & Josh Reisberg’s ABILYN in fourth, and Richard West’s CHARLOTTE in fifth.
PHRF A Division. (<9)
The winner of this small fleet of six was the speedy J/125 GOOD NEWS, helmed by Macrae Sykes.
PHRF B Division (10-55)- J/Teams Sweep!
This ten-boat fleet showcased skilled J/crews, leading to a predictable outcome with the top five occupied by J/Teams.
Winning was Bill & Jackie Baxter’s J/111 FIREBALL, who finished almost 24 minutes ahead on corrected time! Consequently, they also secured the PHRF Overall title. In second place was Steve Losik’s J/121 HABIRU, followed by Eric & Maggie Deichmann’s third-place J/112E MISCHIEF, John’s Sartorius’s J/120 ALIBI in fourth, Bill Klein’s J/120 SPECK in fifth, and Brian Nelson’s J/112E HONEYBADGER in sixth.
PHRF C Division (56-91)
This division had four J/crews competing within a nine-boat fleet. The class victory was achieved by Nicolas Delcourt’s J/88 OH JEE, with Steve Landy & Derek Soohoo’s J/100 SANGUINE earning the silver.
Eaton’s Neck Short Course Race
PHRF Spinnakers Division- J/Teams Sweep!
In this eleven-boat fleet, several J/crews dominated the podium! Ken & Drew Hall’s J/88 NEVERMORE claimed first place, Randy Bourne’s J/105 STRANGE BREW finished second, and JC Zucconi & Jim Townsend’s J/92 EASY RED took third.
PHRF Non-spin Division
In this eleven-boat group, Jim Reichel’s J/105 SCAPEGOAT earned the silver medal.
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