J/109 2nd in Two-Star

(Plymouth, England)- With little fanfare, the Royal Western YC has resurrected the Two-Handed Transatlantic Race due primarily to the fact that in Europe, and particularly the United Kingdom, there has been a significant increase in double-handed racing participation.

This year, the long, famous history of J Teams participating in trans-Atlantic races continued.  Following in the winning traditions of J/35s, J/105s and J/122s before the, Richard Palmer & Trevor Drew from England sailed their J/109 JANGADA TOO to an incredibly well-earned 2nd in IRC Class!  Congratulations to Trevor and Richard.

Trevor provided some perspectives on the race as they "tweeted" from the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, "It’s just gone midnight local time and we’re flying along the south coast of Nantucket island, famed for its whaling history and for the “sleighride”, when a harpooned whale towed the small whaling boat and its crew for miles, before finally succumbing to its fate.  Happily, the current residents and the right whales live more amicably today. (also the name of a 70s album – was it Captain Beefheart? Put me out of my misery, someone!)

We’re having our own sleighride, bombing along at over 7 knots in a brisk sou’westerley breeze about 80° off the port bow, spurring us towards the finish line about 50 miles away, in time for breakfast.  Jangy seems to sense the finish too – she’s got a real spring in her step, nodding to her task and nudging the wavelets aside with steady purpose, refusing to be slowed in her course.  Yippee!!!"

In the middle of a thunderstorm and just before the heavens opened, Richard Palmer and Trevor Drew, sailed JANGADA TOO across the line at Castle Hill Light on 25th June 2012 at 0948 EST (1348 GMT) to complete the Two Handed Transatlantic Race (Twostar) 2012. JANGADA TOO was the first British boat home in a time of 22 days 2 hours and 48 minutes.

Under blue spinnaker with forked lightening flashing all around, JANGADA TOO was escorted across the line by a RIB provided by a member of the Newport Yacht Club, Tom Bandoni, with Norm Bailey (NYC & RWYC) and James Bremridge (Race Director) on board.

Despite a downpour, the Newport Yacht Club fired a cannon to salute the achievement of Richard and Trevor!  For more Two-Star trans-Atlantic Race sailing information

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