The J/35 North Americans were held in San Francisco this year coincident with the local NOOD regatta. In all we had 6 boats, down from the hoped for 12, due in part to late in the season equipment failures and residual affects from the vagaries of our economy. None the less, those that participated had a great time both on and off of the water.

Wind conditions each day started in the 6-10 knot range and increased up to a max of 26 knots. Winds were lighter than normal as were the tides and wind tactics & boat speed were the deciding factors in most races. There were lead changes in most of the races, the most changes being in the final race. Other than Stray Cat Blues retiring due to equipment failure, each boat had the lead at one point. The regatta could have gone a number of ways and it came down to the final race.

As can be seen from the results below, consistency paid off. The top three positions went to people who have been sailing these Js for more than 10 years, and results show what time in the boat means.

FINAL RESULTS

No.   Sail No.	Yacht Name	Skipper Name		   	      Total
---   --------	-----------	--------------    -----------------------------
1     97328	FAST LANE         John S. Wimer	2    1    1    2    3     9
2     28528	JARLEN            Robert Bloom	1    3    3    1    5    13
3     28035	KIRI              Robert George	3    4    2    4    1    14
4     28020	JAMMIN            Steve Klein	4    2    4    5    2    17
5     97279	SKY HIGH          John West		5    5    5    3    4    22
6     50041	STRAY CAT BLUES   Bill Parks	6    6    7    7    7    33
---   --------	-----------	--------------    -----------------------------

The fleet in the Bay Area has been steadily increasing of late and efforts are being made to limit the costs to participate hoping to further fuel the resurgence of the class. The Toronto fleet hosting the NAs for 2003, on top of inviting all J/35s, has pointedly invited the 2002 Champion to come to Toronto to defend the title.