The numbers don't lie. The number of Blue Jays on Long Island Sound have slowly, but surely, been dwindling. There were a record low of 2 boats at Blue Jay Champs this year. It makes one think: will there be enough Blue Jays to hold Blue Jay races next year?
This boat class has definitely done more for sailing than they get credit for, particularly in the JSA region. According to the International Blue Jay Class Association, "The Blue Jay continues to be one of the leading one-design, sloop-rigged sailboats in existence today." We're not quite sure how many support that statement today, but the Blue Jay was definitely designed to mimic the Lightning, which we all know to be a highly competitive class. This boat has been the feeder for some strong sailors and provides a firm base for every basic sailing skill such as spinnaker concepts, working with a crew, and learning how to operate a heavy piece of boat.
So what do you Blue Jay guys think? Will there be enough Blue Jay activity to keep this rich piece of history sailing in our waters?
Leave us Comments here on the JSA Blog We would really like to hear your reasoning on why the Blue Jay is so awesome.
(this is an edited version of an earlier post)
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