Jack,

I race my J 24 in Atlantic Highlands out of the Atlantic Highlands YC.  We get about 8 j's out for a Wednesday night race and there are several regattas that you can sail to in the summer- Raritan YC has 2, Richmond Co Has one, AHYC has one (three of these are in the Parkway Series). We dry sail our J's at AHYC and have a club hoist.  Your options in Manhattan would include the Manhattan YC which is based out of Battery Park City and they race Mon and Tues nights (I think).  They have a fleet of boats that people sign up for and buy a postion as either crew or skipper.  Boats are in water and maint is by sailors (varies)  They get about 20 boats to the start line on a Tues nite, and comp is varied but interesting, and current and commercial traffic is unequaled anywhere for complexity and danger.  Best feature, they have a really cool RC boat that doubles as a spectator boat and bar.  If you are experienced and are looking for a spot on a boat in NJ let me know.  We are planning on the full PW series and numerous other regattas.

Chris Stone