J/22 Midwinter Championship at Southern Yacht Club, New Orleans - Day 2
by Julie & Christopher Howell 23 Mar 17:47 PDT
March 21–24, 2024
Twenty-eight J/22 teams started Saturday on shore due to blustery conditions at the J/22 Midwinter Championship hosted by Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans, LA.
The breeze settled down to 16-18 knots and eventually to 8 knots, permitting four races on the day for six total. Factoring in the discard, Jeff Hayden moved to first overall with all top-five finishes and 12 net points. Michael Gemperline's Defiance scored a bullet in Saturday's last race to secure second place at 19 net points. Glenn Darden's Baby Doll notched two firsts to move into the podium and striking distance at 21 points.
Teams stayed ashore for a couple hours while winds and waves settled down on Lake Pontchartrain, before Darden's Baby Doll won their first of two wins on the day. The top group was consistent for both contests including Hayden and Jeff Progelhof's Schitzen Giggles following Darden. Jeff Todd's Hot Toddy moved up the standings, winning race five and trailed by Boo Heausler's Second Line and Hayden. Day one leader Gemperline's Defiance maintained his stance on the regatta with Saturday's final victory, with two local boats following: Tommy Meric's Carnival Time and Chris Wientjes.
Racing concludes Sunday. Complete results may be found at www.j22mw.com.