Fleet 55 and the Rochester Yacht Club are well along with preparations for the J/22 World Championship this August 17-24. Our organizing committee has put together what we believe will be a fun, affordable and memorable event. See information on the website at www.myyc.org/j22worlds.
Ultimate Marine Group’s principal and J/22 Class member Phil “Flipper” Wehrheim is the title sponsor. Ultimate Marine has been instrumental in lining up a “who’s who” list of sponsors. These sponsors in turn are helping us provide all competitors with an abundance of prizes and goodies to make the event unforgettable and affordable.
On the water, we are prepared to race as a single fleet. Our PRO has managed single fleets of up to 100 boats and has assembled a team from around the country. Our International Jury has been selected, and you can read about them on the website under General Information.
On-shore, Carolyn Bick is organizing our social schedule. Rumor has it the Canadian Association will be organizing “Hockey Night in Rochester” on Monday night. Building on the successful debut event at the Youngstown North American Championship, we hear that the sailing equivalent of the Maple Leafs will be crossing the border to challenge all comers. The remaining race and social schedule is on our website under Schedule.
Thanks to our sponsors, the Opening Ceremony, dinners on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday night, prize-giving and snacks are free for all competitors. Cruzan Rum and our beer sponsor will provide the necessary fluids to wash the food down at each event. Music will be provided for at least four nights, with major bands Friday and Saturday evening.
Our housing sponsor, Holiday Inn Express, is offering a great rate on rooms a short distance from the Club. As offered in the Winter newsletter, we will do our best to provide housing. Several competitors have already taken us up on this offer. Please contact Lambert Lai at llai1@rochester.rr.com for more information on housing.
Information on use of the Club’s swimming pool, tennis courts and other facilities for competitors and their guests and families are listed on the website under General Information. Babysitters and nannies are welcome. Camping is also permitted at the Club. See the Club’s website by clicking the RYC burgee on the World’s website.
If we still have one weak spot, it is providing Charter boats. If you cannot attend, please consider chartering. Information is available from our charter liaison Kris Werner (krisw@rcryachts.com), or at our website under General Information. Please contact Kris ASAP so he can help make charterer/charteree connections.
Given the high price of gas, we are focusing on making the event as affordable as possible by including dinners, other events and housing discounts in the entry fee. Many thanks to our sponsors for their support that helps keep our prices down. We are looking forward to seeing you in Rochester!
