MORE GOSTOSA Crowned J/80 North American Champions

The 2023 J/80 North American Championship took place on Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford, New Hampshire from October 4-8. A fleet of nearly two dozen boats was assembled to do battle from all across the USA and Canada. Hosting the event was Winnipesaukee Yacht Club. After a nine-race series, it was Conor Hayes's MORE GOSTOSA that won the Championship with his team of Dan Jooda, Cat McLaughlin and Joe Diller (33 points net). After a tough first day, Jason Balich's OVERACHIEVER recovered for 39 points net to take the silver position. The OVERACHIEVER team included Balich as skipper, Chris Small, Doug Cochran and Chole Frentzel. Rounding out the podium was Guy Nickerson's team on PRESSURE (Kurt Walton, Alex Bowen and Nicolas Rigoni) with a total of 40 points net. The balance of the top five included Warren Flannery's FEISTY (top Canadian team) finishing fourth with 42 points net, and Graham Phipot's BLACK DOG with 52 points net in fifth place. Winning the Corinthian Division was Hayes's MORE GOSTOSA, followed by Philpot's BLACK DOG and Les Beckwith's FKA. For full results, visit https://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=15990.