How fast will the 2014 J/70 North Americans sell-out?

When the 2013 J/70 North American Championship set its 90-boat entry threshold for the inaugural event on September 26-28 in Annapolis, MD, it was to insure the fleet-size would be properly served by the venue and host. No one imagined it would lead to a near melt-down of the Internet.

When regatta registration opened on Monday, June 3 at 9:30 am, the event website was immediately flooded, and the quota was hit in only 28 hours. “In 35 years of sailing, I’ve never seen anything close to this,” exclaimed J/70 Class President Joe Colling. “Watching the registration all day and seeing those numbers keep climbing demonstrates the unbelievable enthusiasm for the J/70. It’s already an epic event!”

And it was an epic event, with amateur team of Heather Gregg Earl, Joe Bardenheier, Stuart Saffer and Bill Lynn triumphing in the seven-race series. The victory led to Heather’s inclusion as a finalist for the 2013 US Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award.

So what will happen in 2014?

The 2014 J/70 NAC is July 14-20 on Lake Ontario in Rochester, NY, with the quota raised to 120 boats. But with nearly 500 J/70s now built, how quickly will it sell out? Registration opens January 15 through the official regatta website. Good luck!