(Key West, FL)- It's been said the only certain things in life are death and taxes. But, for sailors “in the know”, you gotta add to that list a full week's worth of racing in Key West. Thursday’s sailing was simply spectacular, with a classic NNE breeze blowing 10-20 kts, clear blue skies, and white caps dotting the seas over turquoise waters.
The
strong northerly winds allowed for another three-race day on all
courses. Hap Fauth, skipper of Bella Mente, felt exhilarated as he
stepped onto the dock following Thursday's action. "We had absolutely
fabulous conditions out there today," Fauth declared. "Anybody who
complains about any aspect of this regatta has a screw loose. This is
just fantastic sailing."So far, Tim Healy’s HELLY HANSEN has put forth an impressive performance in the J/70 class, largest of the regatta with 60 boats. Healy, the defending class champ in Key West, has placed first or second in five races and counts no lower than a fourth in accumulating 15 points. SAVASANA, the second place entry skippered by Brian Keane, is a whopping 27 points astern.
Healy won two races on Thursday and finished fourth in the other to earn the Industry Partner Boat of the Day honor. He received the beautiful handcrafted Ship's Bell Clock trophy from Chelsea Clock. Geoff Becker and John Mollicone are teaming to call tactics while Gordon Borges works the bow aboard HELLY HANSEN.
"The big takeaway today was that you can't get too focused on one side of the course. We saw big shifts both ways and there was plenty of pressure on both sides," Healy said. "Our strategy has been to choose a side, but not be the furthest boat out there. You don't want to get pushed all the way to the edge."
Just behind the two leaders and only four points out of second is Great Britain’s Ian Atkins and his team sailing BOATS.COM. The come-back of the week award must surely go to David Ullman sailing USA 32 after their slow start on the first day of racing. Starting off with a rather humble 39-14, Ullman’s team added a 5-4-1-7-19-7 for a total of 57 pts to leap into fourth overall after ending the first day’s racing in the high 20’s. Fifth is Joel Ronning’s CATAPULT with 60 pts.
Friday’s racing promises to have another epic, even windier day, with 15-25 kts wind forecasted from the NNE. Sailing photo credits- Onne Vanderwal For more Quantum Key West Race Week sailing information
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