The inaugural J/70 Australian Championship was held on the weekend of October 14-15, with the race management support provided by the team from Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron. Six races were held over the weekend of racing. Saturday’s breeze was forecast for 25 knots, but abated to 15-20 knots providing some exhilarating kite runs down the harbour for the fleet. Sundays winds softened to 10-12 knots from the southeast. First place with six bullets was a clean sweep by Reg and Sally Lord, Jordan Reece, Tom Grimes and Cam Gundy on Juno from the CYCA. A thrilled Reg said, “We had good speed around the course, expert tactics from Jordan, and great trim and handling all round. Sailing with the team on a J/70 is just so enjoyable.” Reg and crew were fresh from competing in the J/70 Worlds held in Sardinia, the largest sports boat event ever. In second place, also from the CYCA, was Tim Ryan and crew on James. Third place was tightly contested and ultimately went to The Jackal team from RSYS. Nick Rozenauers sailing The Jackal with brother Alex, dad Peter and two mates really enjoyed the racing. “The first race on Sunday was nearly 80 minutes, and four of the J/70s finished within 16 seconds of each other, brilliant close racing.”