Jump the Gun! - 2004 Town Cup Winner
Jump the Gun! is a J105 and was bought to the east coast in May '03. Having been informed that 'sprit boats, asymetric and all, won't work on the river we had a great deal to learn but found that the boat is well behaved and lots of fun. However, without overlapping headsails, this boat is difficult to crank up in very light airs and dead downwind is definitely lethargic.
Without much idea of how the boat worked or what the wardrobe meant we gave it a shot in the '03 Town Cup and were very pleased to get a 3rd. This result convinced the team that destiny beckoned and the '04 cup became an objective for the season.
On race day the breeze was very light and the first leg of the course flat run. The optimism and confidence of the team was very positive but I felt a little daunted gilling with Warlord (Farr40) and Ding Dong (Stewart 38) on the start line and there were plenty of other doughty performers to worry about. A really good mixed fleet with boats for all conditions.
The start was light and runny but everyone was gybing and we stayed with the fleet towards Shore Ends. As the breeze lightened class two almost caught us and the decision about kedging became real. Having raced in the river all week we had noted that new breeze invariably came in from the South so we dribbled out into the tide to the right of the fleet to anchor. Luckily for us this was the case, and a free breeze came in to get us moving. Flying a big asymetric it was difficult for the bigger boats to haul us in but the short, cross river windward legs were slow and The Geek, (another Stewart one off), was gaining hatfuls on these legs.
We approached Foulness, the last meaningful mark, in good order but undecided about the next headsail. Eventually the reacher was bent on and we rounded just behind The Geek, and headed home. Unfortunately the sail went up attached at the wrong corners, and this did cause some bad language and an increase in tension. Everyone soon focused, the sail was reset and proved to be the right call. Concentration on trim became the order of the day. Sailing conditions were excellent but as we approached Inner Crouch a close encounter with Assasin (J35) and Inn Spirit (one off) began to affect my sense of humour with the line appearing to get further away! Our immediate competitor, The Geek, had to be timed in and confidence on board was quite high apart from the cynical stick waggler who thought that the time had come for a beer and a wind down.
The boat lives on the tideway and we enjoyed sitting on board for an hour watching the boats finishing an excellent days racing and really enjoyable regatta. Ashore we sidled into the Royal Corinthian to be greeted by a smiling Commodore, who confirmed a very special result for all involved with Jump The Gun!.
Celebrations began immediately and did not pause until very late. The prizegiving at the CYC was a little surreal and nerve-racking for me knowing that the final presentation was the big one and would be time to meet the Mayor. The last result was greeted with a big cheer from the floor, and the deed was done.
It took some time to do the rounds in the club and involved an awful lot of bubbly, before we headed down the quay with the cup very firmly held by the biggest bloke on board. A brief stop in the White Hart, and then into the Royal Burnham where the Commodore and members gave us a very warm welcome and enjoyed sippers. The Royal Corinthian were just as welcoming and held dinner while we circled the table offering up the pot. I was quite touched by the reception in these clubs and felt how that the members were genuinely pleased for us.
All this emotion in one day. Wonderful. I recommend it to all racers.
