John Mollicone Preserves Lead at J/24 North Americans

Newport, RI (September 21, 2013) – John Mollicone’s team Helly Hansen continued their consistent performance at the J/24 Sea Bags North American Championship to take an 11-point advantage into the final day of competition.

The reigning North American champion has tallied a line of 2,4,1,5,7,8,(9),5 for 32 overall points. Nicolas Cubria’s Elvis of Argentina has amassed 43 points for second place, and Chile’s Matias Seguel on Semi Pro is in third with 47 points. Competitors were again greeted by superb conditions as temperatures remained in the low 70s with winds 10-12 knots and gusts to 14. Three races were held on Saturday, bringing the total thus far to eight.

Hosted by Sail Newport and J/24 Fleet 50, international teams dominated the day. Argentina’s Sergio Pendola on Cacique snagged victory in Saturday’s opening contest. Sumio Shimoyama’s Sokokumaru of Japan placed second, and Chile’s Raul del Castillo on La Banca third. Local Will Welles’ Cougar captured the win in the next battle, with two Argentina teams behind him—Cubria and Guillermo de Martis’ Twin. Shimoyama ended the day successfully, with Castillo in second and Travis Odenbach of New York on Honey Badger in third.

Racing concludes Sunday for the competitors from Japan, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Canada and the USA in the 46-boat fleet.

Event website – Current results

Contact: Christopher E. Howell