This is how to save amateur sailing

by Janet Laffitte
How do you keep amateurs engaged in racing when the professional sailors dominate not only the standings but the fleet itself. The J70 Class, nearing 2000 boats, is feeling that strain.

In the USA, there were five Corinthian teams out of 34 boats at the Miami Bacardi Cup; the Midwinters had ten out of 50. At our local level in the Pacific Northwest, we are experiencing an explosion of boats, thanks to the amazing generosity of pro coach Ron Rosenberg. (See North 48 June 2023 issue for more on that story).

Still, there are a handful of boats from our fleet that enjoy traveling and mixing it up with other sailors. We wouldn’t like to see the fleet die out because of the over-inclusion of pro sailors. I don’t mind sailing against pros but other amateurs may tire of always finishing deep.

What just happened in Riva del Garda, Italy started as a spark and is now a wildfire. An idea by the Italian J/70 Class to host the 2023 J/70 Corinthian World Cup on June 1-4 sold out in 90 minutes, initially capped at 80 boats and subsequently extended to 90 boats.

Ultimately there were 75 teams from 20 countries that travelled to Riva del Garda to participate in the experiment. The event was hosted by Fragila Vela Riva designated by the Organizing Authority Federazione della Vela along with the International J/70 Class and the Italian J/70 Class. Sailors were given plenty of swag to mark the maiden event. Everyone who worked on the event were friendly, helpful, courteous, and tireless.

All sailors had to be registered as World Sailing Group 1 (amateur). Upon arrival, the Race Committee (RC) checked names against passports, while a representative from World Sailing prepared a list of names from the crew list for further interview. This led to some crew switches before racing as the RC was serious about Amateur status and a few were sent home.

Measurement was based on the honor system but the RC randomly called three boats at the end of each day’s racing for full inspection. Moreover, three boats were called randomly after each race for on the water checklist inspection.

The first two days of racing were brilliant with 12 to 17 knots. The racing was tight, the competition stiff, with umpires on the course having their hands full at mark roundings. The big winds of the Ora and Pelèr that Lake Garda is known for did not show up the last two days and racing was cancelled due to lack of wind.

But the cancelled races didn’t matter-the vibe was so different. In the spirit of camaraderie, some utilized the on the water down time to spin their favorite tunes or request an espresso break through the VHF.

On the race course, we all worked hard but the stress of perfection was not present; competitors were accessible and willing to share their knowledge. The Organizing Authority, RC, judges and technical committee were always available to answer questions or just chat.

The event was won by the Italian Team Black Hawk skippered by Gianfranco Noe with an impressive three bullets out of six races. As we all were on the docks de-rigging, the OA went to their boat with the country flag and announced to all the sailors that Black Hawk was the winner. Everyone stopped and applauded and three cheers for the OA/RC.

This was something I have not witnessed at big events for many years (just business as usual), but really exemplified the purpose and meaning of this regatta-we are in it together to cheer each other on and just enjoy sailing and competing again. This is how to save amateur sailing. See you at the 2024 Corinthian World Cup in Denmark!