Jet-14 Nationals Preview

GALESVILLE MD - The Jet-14 Class Association will conduct its 65th National Championship August 5-7 at West River Sailing Club in Galesville, MD.  The regatta will be preceded by the Junior and Women Nationals on August 4, also out of West River.  The sailing venue was home to one of the oldest Jet-14 fleets until it disbanded several years ago.  West River last hosted the Jet-14 Nationals in 2003, which was won by Brent Barbehenn.

More than 20 boats are expected to compete for the championship, led by Barbehenn who has won the Nationals a record 19 times, including 13 out of the last 14.  Other competitors hail from Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland, and North Carolina.  Weather conditions are expected to be ideal, with winds generally in the 7-12 kt range with temperatures in the low-mid 80s.  

The Jet-14 is a 14 ft. two person racing sloop that was designed with the hull of the International 14 and the rig of a Snipe.  It quickly gained in popularity soon after its introduction in the early 1950s as a boat that was ideal for both adults and juniors.  The class association sponsors about 15 regattas each year spread out across the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic states.  More information about the Jet-14 can be found on the class website, jet14.com.  Daily updates from the National Championships will also be posted there.