After eight stunning races in Valle de Bravo Mexico, two Americans will battle for the title of 2019 J/24 North American Champion: Will Welles’ Bruschetta and Tony Parker’s Bangor Packet. Welles suffered a UFD penalty in Thursday’s opening contest, which became his discard, leaving him with 15 net points. Parker continued his ascent to the top, securing a 2,1 on the day, to close within just two points of Welles. The third and fourth place finishes will also be a nail-biter, as Kenneth Porter’s S and Mark Laura’s Baba Louie are separated by a mere point (Porter’s 28 to Laura’s 29). Twenty-seven J/24s will conclude the Championship on Friday at Club Nautico Valle de Bravo, with two final races planned. Laura’s Baba Louie began Thursday with their first victory of the week, shadowed by Parker and Natalie Harden’s Giggles. Parker took the next win, while Ramon Benitez’s De colores and Welles settled for second and third. Complete results may be found at https://yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eID=5984, and photos are available on the International J/24 Class Facebook page.