The Audi Melges 20 fleet had a chilly first day on Biscayne Bay for the 2013 Bacardi Miami Sailing Week organized by Studiomilano. Light air conditions met with shifty winds challenging the fleet from start to finish and allowing for only one of the three races scheduled for day to be completed.
Before the start the breeze was a steady eight to ten knots but quickly dropped right before the final signal forcing teams to make a quick adjustment. The light air meant a good start was crucial for success in this competitive fleet. Tony Tabb’s Elevation Racing was first to the mark ahead of James Wilson’s Oleander right on his stern, followed closely by Richard Davies’ Section 16.
As the fleet was heading downwind to the gate, PRO Bruce Golision called for a charlie flag shortening the course due to dying wind. Wilson’sOleander was able to stay focused and take the lead with Marc Hollerbach’s Fu challenging for contention, followed by Michael Kiss on Bacio. Once again the winds prevailed and the race committee had no choice but to move to a course three ending the race at the top.
'The sailing was tricky today', explained Sam Rogers, tactician for Wilson. 'It was a matter of finding the pressure and trying to stay in it as long as possible. We stepped into pressure at the right moment, at the bottom mark and luckily it was enough for the win.'
Tabb’s Elevation Racing had a great race finishing second with the corinthian division winner and third place overall finisher, Marcus Eagan’s Cajun Underwriting. Finishing second as corinthian is Danny Shea’s Diamante followed by John Kimura’s Evoked Potential. In a close fourth, is Blink 20/20 sailed by John Arendshorst rounding out the extremely competitive division.
Top 10 Results (After One Race):
1.) James Wilson, Oleander 2.) Tony Tabb, Elevation Racing 3.) Marcus Eagan, Cajun Underwriting 4.) Marc Hollerbach, Fu 5.) Paul Reilly, Red Sky Sailing Team 6.) Michael Kiss, Bacio 7.) Naofumi Kamei/Kan Yamada, Mamma Aiuto! 8.) John Brown, Blind Squirrel 9.) Alessandro Rombelli, STIG 10.) Richard Davies, Section 16
1.) Marcus Eagan, Cajun Underwriting 2.) Danny Shea, Diamante 3.) John Kimura, Evoked Potential 4.) John Arendshorst, Blink 20/20 5.) Brian Hill, Atlas
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