(Key West, FL)- 37 boats and counting. And, the possibility the fleet
may reach 40+ boats is better than even odds by mid-January 2013! It's
quite remarkable to see J/70 one-design fleet growth for Key West,
catching even Premiere Racing's Director, Peter Craig, by surprise.
Taken from a historical perspective, J/70's first Midwinters in 2013
will be nearly twice as big as the legendary J/24's first Midwinters in
1978.
What's more amazing is to see many of the top sailors in both J's and
other international classes (multiple World, European and North American
Champions) that will be participating. Top names and sailmakers like
Jud Smith (Doyle), Dave Ullman (founder of Ullman Sails), Mark Ploch
(Doyle-Ploch and first J/24 Midwinter Champion in 1978 on the RED EYE
EXPRESS), Tim Healy (Quantum), Jay Lutz (North), Jim Allsop (North), Don
Trask and Kerry Klingler (Quantum) will be looking forward to their
first experience sailing in a highly competitive J/70 fleet down in the
legendary, crystal azure blue waters off Key West. Coupled with the
frontal systems that toss in Northwesterly curveballs blowing 15-25 kts
or the classic, benign, sunny southeaster that blows at 8-15 kts, you
can be sure the competition will be incredibly fun and "white hot"
around the race-track. For more Key West Race Week sailing information