The J/99 “Lady Chopper II” win in the 1st IRC event in Chile

J/99 “Lady Chopper II” owned by Eduardo Capdeville and skippered by Juan Reid,  leads the Opening IRC Championship in IRC Regatta Class

With three races on Saturday 27th of September at Valparaíso Bay and three races sailed in Higuerillas Bay on Sunday 28th, with winds of up to 27 kts, the J/99 managed to have a good average on Saturday and a clear lead on Sunday, to become the leader in the “Apertura Championship” with 8 points.
Followed by Chilean Navy  “Caleuche” with 13 points and Swan 45 “Rayo” with 13 points.

The upwind performance and stability of the J99 against the other IRC boats were very good, especially in the choppy seas and with strong puffs. Stability of the boat with the standard bulb led keel was very good with winds blowing over 25kts.  The full mainsail and J2 jib were enough sail area to keep the boat 100% under control with no stress.

In the downwinds with middle winds on Saturday it was tricky to manage the IRC competitors (mainly with symmetric spinnakers), but once the wind started to increase, the more simple manouver and the speed of the J/99, made the difference. Winning the 3 races of Sunday in real time against the boats of the size (Emme 37, X-37, Italia 9.98 and First 35).

The championship continues on October 17 and 18 with the 50th edition of Off-Valparaíso Regatta (a very traditional regatta organized by Chilean Navy)  and concludes with the Interclub Regatta to be held in Algarrobo Bay on November 22 and 23rd by Cofradía Nautica del Pacífico, home club for “Lady Chopper II”.

This J/99 hull number 60 was sold in Chile in 2020 and in the last 6 month was slightly prepared for racing.

Story transmitted by Juan Eduardo Reid