The J70 Mexican J70 fleet has once again chosen Vallarta Yacht Club as their west coast home. This year, they have also reached an agreement with the club for provision of race management.
Over 1600 J70s have been sold worldwide since the launch of the 23 foot sport boat in 2012. It rapidly became the most popular sport boat in the world. In Mexico, J70s have replaced the venerable J24 as the boat to sail for fast, exciting racing, with over 25 boats actively sailing. Sailors like the speed and responsiveness of the J70, and the strict class rules offer all sailors an even playing field for close racing.
VYCs provision of race management services to the class includes support of 7 monthly weekend regattas, including the third running of the Paradise Cup, sponsored by Paradise Village Resort. The class has also asked the club for support of the Mexican National J70 Championships, the second time the event has been held in Banderas Bay. Race management services include the setting and management of race courses, the provision of race officials, mark and safety boats, with appropriate crew support. The class was previously hiring the professional race officials to support their races. Their choice of VYC to provide these services is acknowledgement of the excellent work by Plankowner Randy Hough, who has been running training classes in race management to volunteer members.
Many J70 sailors have also become members of VYC, adding a number of young people to the club membership.
The past weekend’s race was the first time that Randy’s team managed a J70 race since the agreement with the class. His team was extra-challenged as they also managed the course for Vallarta Cup, which was held at the same time as the J70 races. Both the Vallarta Cup and J70 participants were pleased with the result of the team’s work.
Participation in race management activities, for J70 races and other VYC events is open to anyone, and it offers a great front row seat for exciting sport boat racing. Most of the volunteer jobs are on the water, but some shore-based activities are also available. Email sss@vallartayachtclub.org for more information.
Congratulations to Randy and his team for a job well done!
Monthly Results:
January
February
March