Because the J Class is populated with a lot of EC12 people here is the Mystic spiel.
This was a gathering of the largest group of competitive J Class sailors for a Nationals I have seen. And it was competitive; as David Brawner was dethroned since the time I have known him which is a decade. Bruce Walton from the EC12 Class is the National Champion of the J Class. Not only this feat but he race an old Ranger that under his set up and tuning was the fastest Ranger many of us have ever seen. Ranger is the largest of the J boats and weighing in around 100 pounds. It was awesome.
Speaking of Ranger, Gary Mueller of the EC12 Class built a spectacular Ranger with all the special machining we have come to see from Gary’s shop. It was sailed by Team Viking, Gary Mueller, Gerhard Kelter and Jack Wubbe. It was fast and powerful. I can attest when my Shamrock was gunwale to gunwale with her I could not pull ahead or force her to windward.
I have never seen a Ranger lead a race and it happened often at Mystic between these two.
Results:
1. Bruce Walton – 18. EC12 Class.
2. Jarl Wathne – 24. First regatta for his new Shamrock. EC12 Class Champion.
3. David Brawner – 25. I think there will be refitting this winter. EC12 Class Champion.
4. Team Viking – 28. All EC12 Class.
5. Rick West – 41. Notice the break is scoring? Definitely a winter refit. Huh?
6. Biff Martin – 50
7. Bob Kjellberg – 60. The creator of the Shamrock V. EC12 Class
8. Doug Wotring – 66. EC12 Class.
9. Hal Slentz-Whalen – 68. EC12 Class.
10. Allan Kew – 73. He had five hulls and boats at Mystic.
11. Bob Sennott – 89.
12. Chuck Luscomb – 91. EC12 Class and with a borrowed J.
13. Bob Rodkey – 92. EC12 Class.
14. Daren Thigpen – 108.
It was glorious and the best ever fun Mystic visit for all. We had a great time!
Side note: Chuck Luscomb of the EC12 Class is the National Champion of the Wheeler Class and the Star 45 Class also held here at Mystic, as passed to me. I am not official, Okay?
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