(Montego Bay, Jamaica)- The 35th running of the Jammin’ J/22 Jamaica Regatta was one for the history books. With six boats representing five clubs and four countries, it was a great mix of seasoned veterans and newcomers. The team from Cayman (Cayman Islands Sailing Club) included longtime Jammin’ veterans Bruce Johnson and Pete Bridge along with first-timers like Bill Menard and Shelly-Ann Davis. These sailors came to Montego Bay via their trusty J/33 – BLUE RUNNER. The conditions to get to Jamaica were far from ideal for them, but they managed!
Some of the other regulars included J/22 Class Vice President Michele Cimon (foredeck) and her partner Johan Koppernaes (driving) along with Tom Dawson (trimming), who represented Canada and the Nepean Sailing Club. They had the use of RENEGADE. The teams from MoBay included AYAHSO (Emily and Mike Morse (daughter and father combo) and PJ Gibson) and ZIPPER (driven by Denise Taylor and crewed by Billy, Charlie, and Maxine). The inter-island rivalry was alive and well with the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club’s GERONIMO helmed by Steven “Cookie” Cooke (trimmed by uncle and nephew, Rugie and Kahlil Misir, and foredeck Susan Wilson). In a vibrant effort by first-time J/22 racers, AWESOME was crewed by a friendly group from the New York Yacht Club, including Reid Secondo driving, twins Sam and Will Loomis trimming, and Charlotte on the foredeck. It was a great first trip to Montego Bay and they were invited down by Mobay YC Member and New York City native Virginia Maloney who raced on three boats over the three days.
During the Welcome Party, Commodore of the Mobay YC and Jammin’ Chair- Spencer May- commented on his first trip to J/22 Worlds earlier in the fall in Annapolis, MD. He explained that while there were 8 times as many boats there, we had the same number of countries represented at this year’s Jamin Regatta!
With a new concession option at the Mobay YC, racers were happy to have pizza from Electric Pizza as well as the traditional fare from Marina Palms. The Saturday night party was held by Past Commodore Bryan Langford and his wife Lynn, who currently Chairs the fabled Pineapple Cup (Miami to Mo Bay Race) at their home “Landfall” about 20 minutes from the club. The theme of this year’s party was “Coral” as Coral is meant to be the 35th anniversary “stone” to celebrate with.
The results speak for themself as the top 3 places were 2 points apart. After nine races, the highest score was tossed out. On day 1, the Canadians had a 1-point lead over Kingston with Cayman 1 point behind them. The breeze picked up for Day 2 and we managed to complete 4 races within just over 3 hours- quick races with some tight finishes and solid competition. Because of the weather, Dock Master Dawson called for the boats to come be dry-docked after the second day of racing and we re-evaluated the conditions before launching on Sunday, Day 3 for the final 2 races.
Going into Day 3, there was no clear winner and it was still anyone’s bet as to who would be taking home the top honors. With Cayman and Kingston both taking a first and a fourth on Day 3, it was a dead tie and GERONIMO took the honors with a sterling five first-place finishes. That was an incredible outcome for this determined team who has been making the trip to compete in Jammin’ since 2002, without fail!! They also captured the National title in November 2024, well done! Congratulations to “Cookie’s” GERONIMO crew from Kingston YC!
To honor this remarkable feat, here’s a little poem written by past MoBay YC Commodore and past Jammin’ Chair- Richard Hamilton:
Steven sailed the GERONIMO with pride,
In 2024, in Montego Bay’s tide.
With Suzy and Rugie, his trusty crew,
They conquered the waves and the competition, too!
For 23 years, he chased the dream,
To win at the regatta, the ultimate theme.
With boats like Renegade left in his wake,
Steven’s victory was his to take!
So here’s to Steven, the sailor bold,
The 2024 JamMin’ Regatta champion, we’re told!
THANKS for this report from Mobay YC Commodore Spencer May!
For more J/22 Jammin Jamaica Regatta sailing information
https://www.mobayyachtclub.com/
