The team from the J-80 Quantum Racing boat were all smiles at the awards ceremony on Sunday, May 15, where they claimed first place in this year's J-80 North American Championship Regatta.  Pictured are John Kolius, Farley Fontenot, Ryan Glace and Jay Vige.

Quantum Racing Claims 
J-80 Championship

The team Quantum Racing claimed first place in a tightly raced J-80 North American Championship Regatta over May 13-15 on Galveston Bay.  The crew consisted of Farley Fontenot and John Kolius of Houston Yacht Club along with Ryan Glace and Jay Vige. 

Hosted by Lakewood Yacht Club, the regatta struggled with light and shifty westerly winds throughout the seven race event.

Lakewood's Race Committee Chairman John Barnett related that conditions were extremely challenging.  He explained "this was a very competitive regatta which came down to one point on Sunday between Quantum Racing and Le Glide owned by J-80 North American champion Glenn Darden from Fort Worth."

With 30 J-80's in the competition, boats came to the Clear Lake area from all over the United States including New York, Missouri, Colorado and California.

During the awards ceremony held on Sunday, May 15, Barnett especially recognized three racers for helping to save a Lakewood member's life over the weekend: Dr. Steve Hammerman, Steve LaMay and Brad Davis.  The member collapsed for no apparent reason during a conversation about the weather on Friday night.

Also racing in the J-80 North American Championship was local sail maker Jay Lutz who captured the North American J-80 Championship as well as the J-80 World Championship in 2003.