History
Fleet 128 was chartered by J/24 International in 1985, and sailors at Atlantic Highlands have been racing one-design ever since. Though participation these days is just shy of 10 boats, the fleet once boasted a routine turn-out of 17 boats in it's Wednesday night series. Fleet members have been instrumental in developing the club's dry-launch facilities, in co-operation with the Municipal Marina. They were also very involved in representing the class at "Sail Expo" when that show was popular in Atlantic City.
Fleet members take pride in promoting the class at every opportunity. They often lend their boat for USSA "ladder" events, such as the Mallory Cup, and the USSA Match Racing Series. They also participate in race management for these events.
Over the years, AHYC and Fleet 128 was also well represented in the Rolex International Women's Keelboat Championship.
One Design Racing
The cornerstone of the J/24 program at AHYC is the Wednesday night series. The season is broken up into 4 series of 4 evenings, spanning 16 weeks, beginning the last week in May. Each evening, two races are sailed, conditions and daylight permitting. These races are always very popular, are well attended, and are VERY competitive. Races are sailed on our permanently installed Olympic circle, allowing for windward leeward courses at 8 possible compass bearings.
AHYC and Fleet 128 also sponsor the annual Sandy Hook Bay Championship. This regional event is part of the J24 District 4 - Garden State Parkway Series, a traveling circus of sorts which attracts the best sailors from the area and concentrates them at selected venues throughout New Jersey.
Dry Storage
The club maintains a 2-ton hoist and jib crane that efficiently launches the entire fleet in ample time for racing. It was specifically sited to eliminate the typical "yard constipation" that many facilities experience. Boat owners contract directly with the Municipal Marina for yard storage.
