An introduction to JOG

The Junior Offshore Group provides highly competitive races for IRC rated yachts with a full programme grouped into an Offshore and an Inshore Series, both running throughout the season. In 2008, the offshore programme includes the 400nm Illingworth Challenge Race to La Trinité in South Brittany.

Started in 1950, JOG is run by its members with a professional secretariat. It does not have a permanent club house but uses drinks receptions in the host port at the end of most races to create a focal point for club members to meet regularly. At the end of each race a particular point is made to seek out new members to welcome them to JOG and to introduce them to Committee Members and co-members.

JOG races in three classes, but with a focus on 'smaller' boats with a current upper TCC limit of 1.200 (equivalent to the top end of RORC Class 0, Division B) and no lower limit provided a yacht complies with the relevant ISAF Category (inshore: Cat 4; offshore: Cat 3; Illingworth Trophy: Cat 2). The class limits are adjusted from time to time to reflect the changing patterns of boat ownership. For 2008, the classes are: Class 3: 1.025 to 1.200; Class 4: 0.970 to 1.024: Class 5: 0.969 and below (for historical reasons, there is no Class 1 or 2). Advertising or sponsorship of individual boats is not permitted (IRC Rule Part 4).

Prizes are awarded for each class in each race and for each series as a whole.

Most JOG races start in the Solent from the club's fixed line and distinctive permanent starting box just East of Egypt Point on the Island shore.

While the bulk of the club's income derives from membership subscription and race entry fees, corporate sponsorship and support for specific events or facilities are used to keep fees as low as possible. Over past years, many companies have associated themselves with JOG and we would like to extend our thanks to Blenheim Group, Document Technologies, North Sails, Hamble Estate Agency and Vodafone for their support during the 2008 season.

New members are welcomed warmly. If you are new to racing, either inshore or offshore, JOG will be pleased to offer advice where needed to help you get started.

For further information on JOG's background, please click on this link history.