(Coconut Grove, FL)- The XXXVI J/24 Midwinters is taking place from
February 21st to 23rd at the legendary warm and friendly confines of
Coral Reef YC on Biscayne Bay. Long regarded as one the best clubs to
visit in the middle of winter, its sailors are renown in the world of
yachting (Stars and Snipes, in particular) and its gracious hospitality
and facilities are second to none— Regatta Chairman Mark Pincus has
promised as such. J/24 sailors will be the beneficiary of their
largesse and expertise for the 15th time, and counting! An impressively talented fleet of twenty-four boats have assembled to dual for the coveted crown of being J/24 Midwinter Champion. Of note, it’s one of the few J/24 events 5-time J/24 World Champion Ken Read never won. Last year’s champion, John Mollicone, will be back for another go at retaining his crown and will be teaming up with his friend Tim Healy aboard HELLY HANSEN (can they repeat their remarkable performance winning the 2014 J/70 Midwinters in Key West recently?).
Some of the other sailing stars who have already registered include Skip Dieball sailing GILL RACE TEAM with Geoff Ewenson aboard calling tactics; 2011/ 2012 winner Peter Bream skippering TEAM TARHEEL; Robby Brown on USA 799; Travis Odenbach on HONEY BADGER with Canadian tactician Rossi Milev; as well as top local sailors like Gary Sprague sailing SCOUT’S PRIDE. Participating in the Midwinters as part of their practice for the J/24 Worlds in September is the Japanese team on SOKOKUMARU led by skipper Sumio Shimoyama.
So far, the weather looks promising for this intrepid crew of J/24 sailors. Forecasts are indicating 70s and 80s for temps with generally SSE breezes in the 7-15 kts range. Let’s hope that’s the case! For more Bacardi J/24 Midwinters sailing information
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