J/122 TEAMWORK Wins IRC
(Key West, FL- Jan. 16th)- The 160 nm winter classic was a fast one. The race starts off the Ft Lauderdale sea buoy and heads south, then slowly curving west, keeping the string of Florida Keys reef buoys to starboard, finished in the Key West channel off the old Truman Annex Navy Base. The race started in light to medium northerly breezes with everyone under spinnakers. Chasing down streaks and better gybe angles were the name of the game. Some boats doing better than others as they seek to maximize VMC down course, dodging the reef, playing wind streaks and avoiding as much as possible playing shifts that take you offshore into the teeth of the fast-flowing Gulf Stream just outside the reef lines.J's were well represented in both fleets. Robin Team, on the aptly named J122, TEAMWORK, won Divison B of the IRC class, and also was awarded the race¹s Seamanship Trophy for their assistance during the US Coast Guard rescue of another racing boat, Crosswinds. Once they heard the distress call on the radio and knew of Crosswind's proximity, TEAMWORK, without hesitation, went to their aid.
Congratulations to all on a great performance and kudos to Robin's "Team" for performing mid-race heroics as true corinthian yachtsmen. For more Key West race and sailing information.
