Swish's Steven Proud writes “the J/70 2023 North American Championship was sailed on Lake Michigan from 18th to 22nd September. The event was hosted by Chicago Yacht Club at its Belmont Harbor facility.

There were a total of 45 competitors from all over the United States as well as from Canada, Brazil, Japan, Great Britain and “Swish” representing RSYS.

The competitors included many of the best sailors from all over the world.

The regatta comprised a practice race day followed by four days of competition. The program called for 12 races over the four days.

However, very light airs during the first two days resulted in only two races being completed at the end of day two. Better breeze during the final two days allowed for a further seven races being completed.

Racing was close every day in light to almost moderate breezes and significant chop developed by stronger breeze overnight.

The race committee ran an excellent regatta with clear announcements to competitors and fair courses. Disputes were almost all resolved by the on water umpires who called penalties for not only racing rules infringements but also J/70 Class Rule infringements that were mostly applied for crew body positioning issues. The J/70 Class has particular rules that do not allow crew members to project their bodies beyond the sheer line of the yacht or forward of the mast.

Every start after race one was run as a Black Flag start. This resulted in up to four over eager competitors sitting out each race. The result though was an efficiently run regatta with only a few general recalls.

“Swish” AUS229 was crewed by owner/driver Steve Proud RSYS, Billy Sykes RSYS forward hand/strategist, Mal Parker RPAYC jib and gennaker trimmer and Evan Aras NYYC tactician and main sheet trimmer.

“Swish” landed an exactly mid fleet result in tough competition against sailors who have been campaigning J/70s in big fleets for many years. We were on an improving trajectory for the four days, finishing the final two races with a 4th and an 8th.

The “Swish” team will be back in the US in October to compete on the J/70 World Championship at St Petersburg, Florida.”

Photos by Hannah Lee Noll.

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