Tonsberg YC named winners of the 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League
by J/Boats 4 Oct 01:46 PDT
September 26-29, 2024
Tonsberg YC named winners of the 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League © Prow Media
The 2024 J/70 SAILING Champions League concluded this past weekend in the picturesque coastal town of Vilamoura, Portugal.
Over four days, from September 26th to 29th, 24 elite sailing teams from across the globe vied for the prestigious title. Teams from nations such as Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, Austria, France, the USA, Poland, the Netherlands, and Australia delivered thrilling performances until the very end.
Each day commenced with light winds, but by noon, the conditions in the Atlantic off the Algarve coast transformed into ideal “Champagne Sailing”— suited perfectly for a late-September event.
The Danish Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub set the pace from the outset, but the Norwegian champion T@nsberg Yacht Club made a strong comeback. Both teams, seasoned and tightly coordinated, fought for the lead throughout.
The previous year’s champions, Alandska Segelsdllskapet, faced challenges on the opening day but rebounded on the second day. Also noteworthy was the Richmond Yacht Club from the USA, participating for the first time after receiving a wildcard due to the introduction of the league format this year in the USA. The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club traveled the furthest to Vilamoura from Australia.
After battling through some difficulties, Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub clinched their place in the Final Four during the last race before the cutoff, culminating in a revealing finish. The competition was tight, with only a few points separating the leading teams. Ultimately, the Final Four comprised the Danish Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub, Norway’s T@nsberg Yacht Club, plus two clubs from Finland—Alandska Segelsdllskapet and Esbo Segelférening.
It’s impressive to witness the rapid progression of the Scandinavian teams racing their J/70s! This unexpected development set the stage for a dramatic Scandinavian rivalry.
While the Danes showed overall strength, Tonsberg took victory in the opening race. The action intensified with Esbo winning the second race; however, Tonsberg Yacht Club took risks in the third race and faltered at the start. Impressively, they recovered and seized the victory, crowning them champions. Kongelig Dansk Yachtklub secured second, and Esbo Segelférening came in third.
The event included a two-day live broadcast produced by WedoTV in partnership with SailTracks, enabling viewers to experience the action firsthand. The live feed showcased the fierce racing, allowing fans to support their teams competing for a place in the Final Four.
“Our initial goal was simply to finish in the top 10, so claiming this race is surreal. The last mark turn was a moment we will never forget!”, shared Tonsberg Yacht Club.
For details on the J/70 SAILING Champions League
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