IT WAS a special moment for the J/70 Jelvis team — particularly the boat’s Isle of Wight-based owner Martin Dent — when they were announced as overall winners of this year’s J/70 UK National Championships in Cowes.
The team — which comprised Martin, his daughter Ruby, and Dorset brothers Henry and Jack Wetherell — put in a tremendous performance among a fleet containing Olympic medallists and world champions.
For the championship victory — and through Martin’s significant contribution to the J/70 UK class — Jelvis was also awarded the 2022 J-Cup, to a huge ovation at the final prizegiving ceremony, held at the RORC clubhouse in Cowes.
Jelvis sailed beautifully to win the 27-strong championships, with a superb four race wins out of eight contests.
Martin, whose team is based at Cowes Yacht Haven, said: “We all love racing the J/70. It’s the best One Design class in the world.
“Great boat, great class rules and it attracts like-minded people, who just love fantastic racing.”
The Key Yachting J-Cup, in association with B&G, was topped-off by having three days of champagne conditions on The Solent.
Other winners included DSP (Corinthian Championship), Max Clapp (David Haw Youth Trophy), Paul Barnett (Best Newcomer Trophy), Exeter University Sailing Club (The Nipper Trophy), Arjen van Leeuwen (J/109 Championship), Tony and Sally Mack (J/111 Championship), Michael and Sarah Wallis (IRC One) and Mark Stevens (IRC Two).
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