When Kristen Robinson moved to Annapolis in 2005, she and her husband were the only J/80 owners in town.
Due largely to Robinson’s outgoing personality, infectious enthusiasm and tireless effort, the J/80 fleet in Annapolis now numbers a whopping 25 boats.
Ken Legler, Kristen Robinson and John Harsh of Lewmar / Navtec
Photograph copyright 2012 by Ken Stanek
Robinson’s ability to promote and grow the one-design in Annapolis caught the attention of owners elsewhere around the United States and she was selected to serve as J/80 class president. In that role, Robinson has worked hard to ensure large fleets at every regatta the J/80 attends and has enjoyed particular success in convincing owners to come to Key West.
“It was kind of self-serving. I love Key West Race Week and I wanted lots of good competition when I went so I tried to get as many boats down there as possible,” she said.
While numerous other one-design classes have experienced dwindling numbers for travel or destination regattas, the J/80 has remained consistently strong. That is due largely to Robinson, who has come up with all sorts of creative ways to reduce the bottom line budget for such events.
Robinson developed a bare bones budget of $8,000 for Key West, a remarkable figure that is a result of J/80 owners working together and pooling their resources. Since most teams consist of four crew members, that works out to $2,000 apiece if the costs are split.
“That’s pretty darn reasonable for a seven-day trip to one of the most fun and beautiful cities in the country, not to mention one of the best places to sail,” Robinson said.
As a result, the J/80 class has consistently had entries in the high teens the past three years at Key West despite the brutal global economy. There are 18 J/80s competing at Quantum Key West 2012, and that does not include Robinson who was unable to enter due to family issues.
That didn’t stop Robinson from coming down to Key West for a few days to offer support to other owners. Now serving as class treasurer, Robinson was honored for her extensive work promoting the J/80 during the Tuesday night awards ceremony at Quantum Key West 2012. The Annapolis resident was presented the new “Key West Ambassador” Trophy by longtime regatta sponsors Lewmar / Navtec.
“I was flabbergasted, completely shocked! I never thought I would get an award just for volunteering,” Robinson said. “I’ve just tried to do things to benefit the class, which ultimately benefits me as an owner.”
Lewmar / Navtec wanted to recognize an individual who exemplifies a spirit for sailing and commitment to the sport.
Organizing a class and motivating people to bring their boats and crews to Key West is a formidable task. Over the years, one class and one person have really stood out. Pre-recession numbers for the J 80 Class were consistently strong. And they have remained strong throughout. The class camaraderie is outstanding and the fleet is always competitive. The recipient’s unflagging energy and commitment are truly exemplary.
Robinson was presented with a pair of winches courtesy of Lewmar, an award that was greatly appreciated. “Our boat has needed new winches so badly and we were just about to buy new ones so this is the greatest gift I could have gotten. I am so stoked!”