Moby J

Moby J is a J-92, length 9.14 metres, here for a second year running. One of the smaller yachts in the Race, last year’s light winds were to some extent to our advantage and we had a most enjoyable race; we shall just have to see how we stand up to this years weather. Designed by the American designer Rod Johnstone, this J for Johnstone boat is designed with more of a sporty nature than that associated with a cruising boat; headroom is limited to shoulder height. At just 2 tons it does at least mean we can sometimes achieve the plane, and rowing with two oars we can just about reach 2.5 knots. The only creature comforts are the full length bunks and the stereo system! Last years team came for the most part from the Vodafone Yacht and Running Clubs. This year it is a new team who accompanies the skipper, Martin Pound, who comes from the Hornet Sailing Club at Gosport. The team consists of Rob Minton and Sarah Bland, our runners from the Stratford Athletics Club, and Sarah’s brother Richard will be No2 sailor, an RS700 and Laser 2000 dinghy racer. Sarah’s husband Patrick will be our shore support. Our other sailor is Steve Broom. Steve will considerably lower our overall age, races his own Solo dinghy at National level and has crewing experience on a varirty of craft. He will be in charge of the music. Rob and Sarah did the this race in 2008 and are here for a second time. We are all very much looking forward to another round of this great adventure.