Tim Ryan and his team on Vamos have claimed the 2024-25 Victorian J70 States with a dominant display at the Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron this weekend.
The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia-based team took the Race 7 win in strong northerly conditions on Sunday, stitching the regatta up with a race to spare.
There was no need to start the last race, so Ryan and his crew of Rob Greenhalgh, Charlie Gundy and James Peters headed ashore to get an early start on the pack up.
Ryan said it was pleasing to get the win, especially at a venue like Blairgowrie that offered a range of weather conditions.
“We had three days in pretty much different conditions each day so it was a great event,” he said.
“I’ve sailed here four, maybe five times and I love it – it’s such a great place to sail, it’s tricky but it’s just a beautiful place and it’s just a lovely part of the world.”
Ending up in second place overall was another Sydney-based team in Matador, skippered by David Doherty, finishing their regatta on 17 points with a tidy scorecard that saw a string of podium finishes.
They were strong enough to hold off J70 Australian class president Rod Warren and his team on Joust70, who finished clear in third place on 26 points after the discard.
Blairgowrie Yacht Squadron sailor Kate Richardson said the J70 sailing at her club had been growing and was very enjoyable.
“The best thing is absolutely the people, everyone’s so welcoming, everyone’s so much fun to sail with, you never really mind who’s on your crew because out of the whole group of people – it’s always so much fun,” she said.
“Blairgowrie is the place to sail, it’s such a nice spot, the whole bay really gives you a lot of different options and breeze conditions and plenty of room as well.
“The water is crystal clear, and it’s always nice and sunny and fun, so yeah I rate it.”
The J70 calendar begins to heat up as teams prepare for the nationals at the Sandringham Yacht Club in January.
For full results, and more information about the event, head to https://bys.asn.au/2025-j-70-victorian-championships/
