Mr. October may be a name known for Major League Baseball’s World Series, but Travis Odenbach’s Honeybadger has earned the name this year for sailing. Only three weeks after winning the J/24 World Championship, Odenbach won the 2024 J/22 World Championship hosted by Eastport Yacht Club in Annapolis, Maryland. With crew Geoff Becker and Justin Damore, the Rochester, NY-team outlasted 48 teams representing 15 states and four countries. They were the only group to post scores all in the top twelve of the 10-race series, while avoiding penalties, to claim the title by 6 points. Glenn Darden’s Baby Doll made a strong effort Saturday, posting a 2,1 on the day, but couldn’t catch Honeybadger, taking the silver position. Will Welles’ Cougar put together a solid series for third place. “That was a very tough regatta, but great people!” beamed Odenbach. “I love doing this with my friends.” Odenbach’s wife and daughters were spectating at the finish, “Winning in front of my family was a first!”
Top Five:
- Honeybadger, Travis Odenbach – 5 -4 -2 -4 -[12] -1 -11 -9 -5 -2 ; 43
- Baby Doll, Glenn Darden – 4 -6 -3 -3 -1 -13 -[23] -16 -2 -1 ; 49
- Cougar, Will Welles – 11 -2 -14 -2 -6 -2 -9 -[49] -4 -7 ; 57
- Yard Sail, Brad Julian – 22 -3 -[49] -1 -7 -6 -2 -1 -1 -17 ; 60
- Osprey, Chase Quinn – 7 -[49] -8 -10 -2 -17 -1 -2 -10 -8 ; 65
Videos and photos are available on the International J/22 Class Facebook page, and complete event details may be found at https://www.yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=16531.