Last Place at J Fest Southwest 2024: A Wild Ride and Victory Beyond the Finish Line - Racing on a Shoestring Budget!

Lakewood Yacht Club’s J Fest Southwest 2024 in Galveston Bay stands as a testament to grit, determination, and the strength of the community. It’s not just about the result but the incredible journey to get there. Coming in last place at J Fest Southwest 2024 might sound disappointing to some, but for me, it was a triumph in proving the joy and accessibility of sailboat racing on a budget.?

I've spent countless hours on the water, fueled by passion and a strong competitive spirit. With my fantastic crewmates across various teams, we've formed a bond that only comes from facing the challenges of sailboat racing head-on. Each race is a story of resilience, from reading the wind shifts to executing flawless tacks and gybes. It's not just about the thrill but the connection we feel with the sea, the boat, and each other. We are driven by the desire to win and the shared experiences that bring us closer, one sail at a time.? Our journey is one of constant learning. We embrace both triumphs and setbacks as we navigate the competitive sailing world, especially if we come from non-traditional backgrounds. We are grateful for every moment on the water, chasing new horizons and racing toward our next adventure.

J Fest Southwest 2024 wasn’t just a regatta but a whirlwind of wild winds and unforgettable memories. Sunday cranked up the madness with gusts hitting ~30 knots. Woo hoo! But for me and my scrappy crew, the adventure proved that racing could be accessible, even on a shoestring budget, and can still be one heck of a ride, and it was pure joy.

My journey to J Fest began with a daring investment: $100 for an old 29-foot-long ORC champion sailboat, previously known as Hotsy Totsy. The boat was weathered and needed lots of repairs and love. I wasn’t deterred and had the unwavering support of friends and fellow sailors from Seabrook, Austin, and the Gulf Yachting Association, GYA. We transformed it into a competitive vessel just in time for J Fest, currently appropriately named Jus Knot Rite—JKR.

The boat had seen better days, and it was far from pristine. With sails older than some of her crew and a mixed-age team, we were brought together by a shared sense of adventure: the youngest, 10.5 years old, wide-eyed and excited for every moment on the water, and the oldest, a sailor who remembered the boat when Darlene Aldridge first owned it. In 1989, Darlene Aldridge, Dick Escalera, and the Hotsy Totsy crew sailed to a third in the USYRU National Offshore Championship.

We tested every skill during the race, especially during challenging moments when the helm felt heavy or the crew needed extra support. I was the only woman steering for portions of the races in ORC class. I embodied the spirit of leadership and resilience, never hesitating to pass the tiller when teamwork called for it. Together, we navigated every wave and gust as one cohesive force.? The heavy tiller, the patched-up sails, and the moments of laughter and learning all added to an unforgettable experience.

Friends shouted from nearby boats and cheered!

Despite finishing at the back of the fleet, the joy and camaraderie on our sailboat was undeniable. We proudly demonstrated that the world of ORC racing doesn’t have to be exclusive or expensive. Each race celebrated resourcefulness and the simple pleasure of being on the water. ORC racing doesn’t have to be about fancy, high-dollar boats.?

Afterward, my friends said: “Heya! Good on you for getting out there today! Awesome! ??” And you know what? My crew and I loved every minute. Despite finishing DFL (Dead Freakin’ Last), we had moments of sheer exhilaration, like clocking a top speed of 9.9 knots without a spinnaker. Who needs fancy sails when you've got wind like that???

Racing isn’t always about winning. The victory lies in inspiring others and proving that the love for the sport can still shine brightly even on a shoestring budget.? A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who offered their time, knowledge, and encouragement. This victory is about honoring a shared love for sailing and the extraordinary friendships that made the journey unforgettable. It’s times like these that you learn to live again.

ORC sailboat racing can be fun and accessible—even on a budget. It wasn’t about winning but inspiring others and embracing the thrill of the race. Because here’s the thing: it was about the joy of sailing, the laughter, the wild winds, and proving that you don’t need a shiny, expensive boat to have a blast. Racing is for anyone brave enough to try. Sometimes, the real victory is showing up, smiling, saying, "We did it.", and loving every insane, windblown minute.? It’s about the sailor’s soul, feeling free, showing up, and living life to the fullest.