(Tampa, FL)- The second stop of the three-event Quantum J/70 Winter
Series attracted 52 boats for the seven race regatta hosted by Davis
Island Yacht Club in Tampa, FL. Setting the pace from their opening race
bullet was Marty Kullman on NEW WAVE, posting only one score out of the
top three to win by 12 points over Will Welles’ RASCAL team in second.
Taking third was Al Terhune’s DAZZLER, 4th was Doug Strebel’s BLACK
RIVER RACING and fifth was Henry Brauer’s SCAMP team (they also won
Corinthian’s Division).Conditions were light to medium air both days allowing seven races to be completed. Many teams arrived in time to get some practice time in Friday including a practice start/race program sponsored by Quantum Sails and J/World Annapolis.
The weekend started out on the colder side with all competitors looking more like they were heading to the ski slopes than out on the bay for a day of racing in sunny southern Florida! On Saturday, the Davis Island RC was able to run 4 very good races in winds ranging from 8-12 knots out of the Northeast. Most starts required an I Flag or I over Z to keep the aggressive fleet on the pre-start side of the line. But with the Patriots vs Ravens football game starting at 4:30, both New England and Annapolis football fans had more to worry about than finishing ahead of the pack.
On Sunday, the weather man gave the crews hope to enjoy some warmer weather albeit with less velocity on the race course. Once again, the DIYC/RC did a masterful job of coping with a fluky breeze that could not decide if it wanted to be a Northeaster or an Easterly. Winds ranged from 6-10 knots most of the day with some decent shifts on each leg. Three races were sailed for a complete series.
Behind Brauer’s SCAMP, Chuck Millican from Bermuda sailed one of his best series to date, taking 2nd overall Corinthians onboard his ELUSIVE. Third was past Corinthians winner Rob Britts on HOTMESS. Rounding out the top five were Pete Tuite on CURRAGH in 4th and Andrew & Melissa Fisher on BUTTON FLY in 5th. For more Quantum J/70 Winter Series sailing information
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