J-Bird at the Big Boat Series in 'Frisco

Our old friend (and I do mean old) and hero Billy Bob Boyer will be on board the new Andrews TP 52 "J-Bird" for the Big Boat Series. He'll be giving his classic reports to us as the series progresses. To get it started, here's his pre-amble:


J-Bird hauling ass at the finish of the 2001 Transpac
Sailin on J Bird. Also sailin Harvest Moon in Texas on Victoria 5 Oct 3rd. Both J Bird and Victoria 5 sailed in Quick Boat, the tune up regatta for BBS. Everyone schooled us. Wasabi was winning but lost their rig on the last day (another Omohundro over the side), Pendragon was way back B for B but corrected Damn close in every race and ended up beating us by virtue of winning one race. They did not beat Victoria 5.

We are all flying up on Wednesday to practice. Ullman's going to coach us for the day...

Both J Bird and Victoria 5 Have attached 1,000lb heavier bulbs to the keels in the last 2 weeks and have been rerated again. I hope the rigs don't blow out in combination with 17 fat boys on the rail. Light Bulb says we'll be fine! Really not looking forward to sailing in another regatta, kind of tedious and out of your control when you're sailin' with # 4's. However I am excited for the Boss and his new boat.

It was kind of funny during Chicago Mac and Quick Boat when both Mike (Campbell) and Dave (Janes) asked the same question: "how their boats felt to me". Christ all I could think of was how Damn slow these monohulls are! But at least they are equal... Billy Bob Boyer
Photo courtsey of Rich Roberts
posted 9/10/01