Grand Slam Dominates Chilean J/105 Nationals

In the first weekend of December, the Chilean J/105 fleet held their fourth National Championship on Algarrobo Bay. It was a fantastic turnout for this rapidly growing fleet on the southwestern coast of South America, as 18 boats were on the starting line. During Saturday’s racing, the light wind conditions allowed the fleet to sail two of the three races programmed for the day. On Sunday and Monday, wind conditions were stronger, and all eight races were completed for the championship. Grand Slam and Archimedes where fighting for the overall lead. However, Grand Slam was crowned the 2015 J/105 Chilean Champion. Patricio Seguel was at the helm with his son Matias Seguel calling tactics and making the decisions along the windward-leeward course. Father and son were a fast, smart combo, compiling a very steady record, winning four of the eight races for a total of 13 points net. Vernon Robert skippered Archimedes and found themselves in a battle for the silver with three other boats toward the end of the series. In the end, Archimedes counted 33 points total to secure second overall. However, Jorge Gonzalez’s Plan B nearly caught them, closing fast with a 7-4 to finish with 35 points net and the bronze on the podium. Miguel Perez’s Recluta finished in fourth with 37 points. Miguel Salas’ Big Booty took the fifth position with 40 points.