Ruhlman nails it at J/111 World Champs

Chicago, IL (August 23, 2019) – Rob Ruhlman’s Spaceman Spiff took control of their own destiny today, nailing both race wins to earn the title of 2019 J/111 World Champion. Coming into the final day, the Cleveland, OH-based team was in third overall, but Ruhlman and his crew of Marty Kullman (tactician), Doug Moose (mast), Abby Ruhlman (pit), Ryan Ruhlman (spinnaker trimmer), Maegan Ruhlman Cross (main trimmer), Jim Sminchak (headsail trimmer) and Mark Wiss (bow) ended with 25 net points in the eight-race series.

Five points behind in second place was day-three leader Martin Roesch’s Velocity. Former World Champion Peter Wagner’s Skeleton Key came in third with 34 points. It was another wild day on Lake Michigan. PRO Becky Ashburn, summarized, “Winds were around 15 knots. Waves were three to four feet with a sideways swell, which made it really choppy.”

Under a champagne shower in the harbor, Ruhlman said, “I’m not sure this has sunk in yet! We have a great team, a great family. The competition was outstanding. I’m thrilled to be a part of this Class.”

The 23 teams from three countries were scheduled for an 11-race series through August 23.

Event details – Results – Facebook

Final Results (Top 10 of 23; 8 races, 1 discard)
1. Spaceman Spiff, USA134, Rob Ruhlman – 1 -[14] -1 -10 -4 -7 -1 -1 ; 25
2. Velocity, USA008, Martin Roesch – 8 -[12] -2 -1 -3 -6 -6 -4 ; 30
3. Skeleton Key, USA115, Peter Wagner – 6 -[8] -4 -5 -7 -2 -4 -6 ; 34
4. Kashmir, USA12, Michael Mayer / Steve Henderson – 13 -5 -7 -6 -1 -[16] -2 -2 ; 36
5. Rowdy, USA47, Richard Witzel – 3 -[20] -9 -4 -2 -4 -10 -5 ; 37
6. Bravo, USA60909, Andrew Ward / Sedgwick Ward – 7 -3 -5 -3 -6 -13 -5 -[24] ; 42
7. Varuna (Lällekönig), SUI2193, Jörg Sigg – 11 -1 -13 -12 -[24] -3 -11 -12 ; 63
8. Pura Vida, USA112, John Kalanik – 9 -6 -8 -8 -8 -11 -[18] -13 ; 63
9. Slush Fund, USA119, Jim Connelly – [19] -4 -11 -16 -14 -8 -7 -9 ; 69
10. Utah, USA90, Bradley Faber – 10 -11 -16 -13 -9 -9 -3 -[24] ; 71

Source: J/111 Class Office