Interest in Advancing Offshore Racing

[Albert Bossar]

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.