Interest in Advancing Offshore Racing

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Albert Bossar

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Jan 12, 2026, 10:59:43 AMJan 12
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Hi fellow J/4X owners,

For those that don't know me, Bert Bossar, owner of J/42 Allegiant with my wife Maryline. We are based in Annapolis and have owned our J/42 Allegiant now almost 10 years! We race the East Coast ocean races, A2B, A2N, N2B, MHOR. I am also the Chair of the Annapolis to Bermuda Ocean Race and a member of Eastport Yacht Club. We (A2B and EYC) are exploring ways to facilitate more participation that foster mentorships and experience to help grow the sport and increase participation. Sailing and Ocean racing is getting smaller and older. 

I am engaging with this group - thank you for time reading this - b/c the J4X boats are all solid offshore performing boats.  If there is interest or ideas, please email me directly abo...@gmail.com.

#1. Interested in offshore racing with your new to you J. The race offers a number of free safety and equipment seminars to help people ensure their boat is ocean race ready. We have also opened a new Rally Class for those of you interested in sailing to Bermuda in a supported event, without the requirement of a racing certification (though your vessel would need to meet the race Safety Equipment Requirements)

#2. Potential pilot program - An idea sponsors and I are exploring is a mutual partnership for a few boats to be "lent" to the race to field a team that contributes to the goals of expanded participation and mentorship. The boat would be skippered by a qualified captain and the crew would be a hybrid of seasoned racers and mentees (youth, Veterans and Military, etc.). The boats that are entered would be insured by the race, and go through safety inspections, and if refurbishments are needed, paid for by donors/sponsors of the race. After the race, the boat would be returned delivered and any items needing fixed or repairs would then again be paid for by the race. 

Since I know how strong the J/42 is personally, I thought I'd test my concept here with this group. We see it as a mutually beneficial initiative.  Lastly this isn't necessarily for 2026 race, June 5th. But a trial in preparation for the 2028 race.


Dennis Boyd

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Jan 13, 2026, 12:15:52 AMJan 13
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Bert, 
I'll drop you a PM.   

Happy New Year to eveyone. 

Dennis
J/42 #6
Jaywalker

Michael Moradzadeh

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Jan 13, 2026, 11:37:01 AMJan 13
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Hello Albert

I really like your thinking.  I am Regatta Chair of the Spinnaker Cup, the anchor race of California Offshore Race Week, as well as a leader of the Pacific Cup.  I'd love to see how we could implement your ideas out here!

Michael Moradzadeh

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Albert Bossar

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Jan 13, 2026, 12:02:35 PMJan 13
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Michael, happy to connect further. shoot me a direct email. abo...@gmail.com

regards,
Bert

gale...@gmail.com

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Jan 14, 2026, 1:20:02 PMJan 14
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Another option is to organize local one-design racing for J42s, J40s, J46s, etc. I was able to work with the Camden Classic Cup gang here in Camden to add a J42 class to 2 seasons of the event. We also had a J46 class. It was easy to do with a receptive organizing authority but difficult to keep interest up with participants on an ongoing basis. Maybe easier in home ports with more class boats.
Galen
J42 Tango

Chris Leo

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Jan 22, 2026, 1:39:19 PMJan 22
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Hey Bert,

Our J/40 Cowbuoy is based in Eastport and I'd love to be a part of your project here. We were at Eastport Yacht Center for the last 6 years and will be at Mear's starting this year. Working on some deferred maintenance this winter but the boat should be good for some longer cruises, with any of the races you mentioned beginning 2027. 
We have been enthusiastic participants in the Eastport Light Parade the last couple years as well!

Cheers,
Chris

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