Lucky JK88: Breaking Records and Shaping the Future of Offshore Sailing
by Connor Marion | March 7th, 2025
Success in offshore racing is determined not only by the speed of the vessel but also by the meticulous preparation and seamless collaboration of its crew. Lucky, the Juan K 88 skippered by Bryon Ehrhart, exemplifies this principle. With the backing of the USMMA Sailing Foundation and Ehrhart himself, Lucky has achieved remarkable milestones, including setting a new monohull race record in the 2025 RORC Transatlantic Race, completing the course in 7 days, 20 hours, 34 minutes, and 41 seconds. Additionally, Lucky secured Monohull Line Honours in the RORC Caribbean 600, finishing in 1 day, 17 hours, 14 minutes, and 12 seconds.
These accomplishments highlight the expertise and dedication of Lucky’s seasoned crew, which includes some of the most renowned sailors in the sport. Among them are:
- Dean Phipps – A veteran with multiple America’s Cup campaigns, Phipps brings a wealth of tactical knowledge and leadership to the team, ensuring every decision on the water is executed with precision.
- Brad Butterworth – A four-time America’s Cup-winning tactician, Butterworth is regarded as one of the greatest strategic minds in sailing. His experience spans decades of high-stakes racing, where his ability to anticipate wind shifts and outmaneuver competitors has been instrumental in securing victories at the highest level. A key figure in some of the most dominant teams in America’s Cup history, his leadership and decision-making under pressure have cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most accomplished sailors.
- Charlie Enright – An accomplished American sailor with extensive Volvo Ocean Race experience, Enright is known for his resilience, strong leadership, and ability to perform under extreme offshore conditions. Notably, he was part of the Morning Light campaign, a groundbreaking initiative supported by the USMMA Sailing Foundation that provided young sailors with the opportunity to compete in elite offshore racing. This experience was pivotal in Enright’s development, helping shape him into one of the best offshore sailors in the world. His dedication and achievements were recognized in 2023 when he was named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year.
- Juan Vila – A world-class navigator, Vila has been instrumental in numerous high-profile campaigns, using his deep expertise in weather systems and routing to position Lucky for success.
- Scott Beavis – One of the world’s top bowmen, Beavis plays a critical role in ensuring seamless sail peels and changes, making sure the boat is ready for the next maneuver before it is even required.
- Stu Wilson – The longtime boat captain of the JK88, who not only maintains Lucky in peak condition but also mentors the younger members of the team, fostering skill development and teamwork.
Emerging Talent: The Next Generation of Offshore Racers
Among the promising young sailors on Lucky are Luke Tougas (19) from Marion, Massachusetts, and Sam Rosenbaum (21) from Wayzata, Minnesota. Both are students at the College of Charleston and integral members of its offshore sailing team.
Luke Tougas (19)
Tougas honed his sailing skills in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, where he quickly developed a passion for offshore racing. Competing in prestigious events such as the Marion-Bermuda Race and the Newport-Bermuda Race at a young age provided him with invaluable experience. During the RORC Caribbean 600, he worked closely with world-class bowman Scott Beavis, supporting him as a midbow. In an interview with RORC Racing, Tougas described his mentors as “legends,” underscoring the profound impact their guidance has had on his development.
Beyond Lucky, Tougas has competed in the highly competitive Northeast keelboat circuits. Most recently, he has raced on Jon Desmond’s Mills 41 Final Final, which was recently donated to Kings Point Maritime Academy to serve as a premier training platform for midshipmen.
Sam Rosenbaum (21)
Despite growing up in Wayzata, Minnesota—far from the open ocean—Rosenbaum made a name for himself in youth sailing before transitioning to offshore racing. His dedication led him to major offshore events, including Great Lakes distance races and East Coast offshore circuits.
Rosenbaum served as a tactician and helmsman on the College of Charleston sailing team, but he has recently shifted his focus more toward trimming, refining his ability to optimize sail shape and performance across different conditions. On Lucky, his role centers on maximizing speed and efficiency, and during the RORC Transatlantic Race, he served as a trim assist, gaining experience in multiple positions.
His technical expertise extends beyond racing; he has worked closely with Evolution Sails, particularly at their Charleston, SC loft, where he deepened his understanding of sail design and tuning. His collaboration with sailing legend Greg Fisher—a world champion sailor and former Director of Sailing at the College of Charleston—has further honed his skills and knowledge in the sport.
Kings Point Graduates & The Foundation’s Role in Developing Young Sailors
Among the accomplished sailors on Lucky are Brian Giorgio and Jeff Miller, both graduates of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point). While at Kings Point, they were members of the Academy’s Offshore Sailing Team, where they developed their offshore racing skills and gained invaluable experience competing at a high level. Their journey exemplifies the pathway that the USMMA Sailing Foundation has created for young sailors looking to break into the sport.
For years, the USMMA Sailing Foundation has been committed to providing opportunities for young sailors to develop their skills on world-class offshore racing boats like Lucky. Through initiatives such as the Morning Light campaign and the donation of competitive offshore vessels, the foundation has enabled talented young sailors to gain hands-on experience in elite sailing environments. This commitment extends beyond just the sport—it provides access and opportunity to individuals who might not otherwise have a pathway into high-level offshore racing.
The foundation’s impact reaches beyond the competitive circuit, fostering a community where young sailors can learn, grow, and eventually mentor the next generation. Programs like these not only strengthen offshore sailing but also contribute to developing leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in the sailors who take part.
Supporting Team Members: The Backbone of Lucky
The Lucky campaign is bolstered by dedicated shore-side and practice crew members, including:
- Carl Eaton (25)
- Tighe Case (24)
- Ryan Rutkowski (26)
Their contributions to maintaining and preparing Lucky ensure that the yacht remains in peak condition for each race. Their work behind the scenes is essential, allowing the primary race crew to perform at the highest level on the water.
Mentorship and the Future of Offshore Sailing
The synergy between experienced professionals and aspiring young sailors aboard Lucky underscores the importance of mentorship and teamwork in offshore racing. With the continued support of Bryon Ehrhart and the USMMA Sailing Foundation, programs like Lucky not only achieve competitive success but also cultivate the next generation of elite sailors, paving the way for future leaders in the sport.
As Tougas, Rosenbaum and other young sailors seize these extraordinary opportunities, they are proving that the future of offshore racing is not just about speed and records—it’s about fostering talent, providing opportunity, and ensuring that the next generation of sailors has the foundation to succeed.
The Lucky campaign and the USMMA Sailing Foundation demonstrate that with the right support, the pursuit of offshore sailing excellence is not just a dream—it is an attainable reality.