Hustler, owned by John and Tony Esposito from New Rochelle, New York, won the FBYC J/29 Invitational Regatta, which was sailed on April 19-21. With this win, Hustler continues its dominance in 2002 of the J/29 circuit with earlier wins at the Key West and St. Petersburg regattas.The second place boat was Rhumb Punch, which is owned by John Edwards and skippered by Clark McKinney, both of whom are from the Solomons, MD area. The top placing FBYC boat was Titillation, which is owned and skippered by Paul Anderson. Titillation nosed out Patriot by one point. Patriot is owned and skippered by Case Whittemore. The other FBYC boats were Bob Wardwell’s Killshot (9th), Frank Glawson’s Liverpool Jarge (10th) and Jay McArdle’s Fast Lane (12). As expected in one-design racing, the starting line was hotly contested and there were many crowded mark roundings. This produces the exciting racing that has caused the increased popularity of one-design racing in recent years. There is also beauty on the race course. Gordan Nelson, who took his boat out to watch the races, remarked how colorful the spinnakers were as they approached the leeward mark. The FBYC stop on the J/29 circuit is growing in popularity. Last year there were 10 boats and this year the fleet grew to 15 boats. The geographic distribution of participants is amazing with boats coming from Fenwick, Ontario, Canada; Hillsdale, Michigan; Springfield, Missouri; Toledo, Ohio; Watertown and Rochester, New York; and Groton Long Point, Connecticut. The growing popularity of this event is in part due to Jay McArdle’s tireless promotion of the J/29 as president of the class association. David Lee was race committee chairman. Together with his many assistants, they produced good race courses in spite of some shifty winds. Elizabeth Staas and her many helpers made sure the over 150 participants were well fed and entertained. Kelly O’Toole was in charge of the trophies. Case Whittemore, as chairman of the regatta, expressed thanks for everyone’s help. He also expressed appreciation for the three sponsors of the event—Quantum Sails, West Marine and Fast Lane Specialties. Based on a number of comments, the participants had a great time at Fishing Bay Yacht Club and are looking forward to returning next year.