(Key West, FL- Jan. 16th)- This year's Key West is not unlike many others in the past. The typical cold front scenario that kicks into gear and flows across the southern part of America, sucking in the winds from the SSE, then shifting into the front with greater wind speeds out of the SW and, as the front passes over, shifts quickly into the NW then over a two-four day period moves back into the NE, E, SE quadrants. The fleet of 134 boats have been treated to a nice week of sailing so far, despite the buckets of rain poured onto the participants during Sunday. Despite a seemingly dour start, the clouds parted, a starry night greeted contestants dinners that evening and the week started off with a nearly postcard perfect couple of days. While the winds have not been the "dogs blown off chains" variety, it's made for pleasant cruising around the windward-leeward buoys courses set by the seasoned race committee veterans assembled by the Premier Racing organization.
On the Division 1 course, regatta leader in IRC2, David Murphy's J/122 PUGWASH is sailing very well and has been a fleet leader for the past four days...with any luck and two good races on the last day they should be vying for a podium finish. Robin Team's J/122 TEAMWORK faired a little worse in the weeks' shifty, streaky wind conditions and have dropped to fifth overall with a reasonable shot at a third overall. The tale of the tape on Friday will certainly flip-flop the standings yet again.
On the Division 1 course, regatta leader in IRC2, David Murphy's J/122 PUGWASH is sailing very well and has been a fleet leader for the past four days...with any luck and two good races on the last day they should be vying for a podium finish. Robin Team's J/122 TEAMWORK faired a little worse in the weeks' shifty, streaky wind conditions and have dropped to fifth overall with a reasonable shot at a third overall. The tale of the tape on Friday will certainly flip-flop the standings yet again. 