District Concept
As defined in the US J24 Class Association (“USJCA”) Constitution, J/24 districts are defined as “… a territorial unit comprised of three or more Fleets within a specific Region, unless otherwise approved by the Executive Committee.”
Territory
The USJCA has chosen J/24 District 14 to encompass the areas of Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Kansas. The members of the J/24 Class are led by Fleet Captains in order to mentor and encourage one-design J/24 racing.
Fleets
Per the USJCA Constitution, a Fleet is a “… local territorial unit that is self governed in matters not conflicting with these by-laws, and chartered by the USJCA upon application by three or more J/24 Owners not within the established territory of an existing Fleet.”
Leadership
Per the USJCA Consititution the leadership is elected with following key roles:
- Fleet Captains: “…A Fleet shall elect its own officers from among regular members which shall include a Fleet Captain and such officers as the Fleet determines…”
- District Governor: “Each District shall, by vote of Fleet Captains within the District, elect officers. The chief executive officer of the District shall be known as the District Governor who shall provide general supervision over the J/24 activities within the District. Each Governor will represent his/her District in the USJCA.”
Venues
The territory District 14 has a vast number of potential venues for one-design J/24 competition. As the J/24 can be safely traveled using a standard vehicle, it offers a multitude of opportunities different racing experiences. As of most recent years, the classical locations for J/24 One-Design racing have been in North and Central Texas and the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Administrative Function
From an administrative perspective, District 14 Leadership provides key structure to provide a standardized racing format, scoring, and opportunities to gain qualification for Worlds-level J/24 racing events, plays a liaison role to the US J24 Class Association, and helps bring the fleets together to better develop a community for our competitors to engage, improve, and thrive in the sport.
Racing Structure
District 14 leadership provides the structure to J/24 One-Design racing via it’s race offerings such as the famous J/24 Texas Circuit and the District 14 Series as well as by providing competitive offerings for World Championship berths through the Southwest Championship and Circuit Winners.
Racing in the J/24 Texas Circuit – The J/24 Texas Circuit (“Texas Circuit”) is the District 14 Championship competition. The top finisher of the Texas Circuit for those years prior to the Worlds being held in North America is awarded a berth to the Worlds. The Texas Circuit focuses on providing top notch competition by organizing seven (7) regattas across Texas and other District 14 states from time to time. Between 14 and 28 boats regularly compete in the various regattas held throughout the year. The Texas Circuit operates under the regulations of the J/24 Class Rules and Regional Regatta regulations so that all competitors are prepared to comply with the requirements to compete in any Continental (Nationals, North/South Americans, Mid-Winters, Championship) or World event.
Southwest Championship – The J/24 Southwest Championship is the annual World qualifier for Districts 14 and 18. It is held in conjunction with the Texas Circuit and is hosted alternatively between Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club and Fort Worth Boat Club.
Racing in the District 14 Series – This Series was envisioned in 2020 in order to invigorate the wave of new J/24 boat owners in District 14. Under the leadership of District Governor, John Parker, a new racing series format has been organized that encompasses all of District 14 (Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Kansas). This Series is separated into District 14 North Division and District 14 South Division. The main goal is to introduce these new J/24 skippers and crew to one-design racing on various levels, the Class Rules and regulations, and to ultimately prepare them for racing in the Circuit or other Continental events.
