OD and TP52 racing in Miami—Sailing news from the U.S. and beyond

by David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor on 6 Mar 2013 The big news this week in U.S. sailing circles is coming from the Miami Sailing Week 2013 (March 3-9), where six One Design classes will square off on the crystal clear waters of Biscayne Bay to determine the fastest crews afloat. Stars, Viper 640s, Melges 20s, Melges 24s, J/80s and J/70s will all be competing, offering up some fantastic early season racing. According to reports, conditions have been colder than usual, with light airs creating challenging racecourse realities.

'Today's conditions were very tough, difficult to predict due to light wind and very shifty,' reported Brazil’s Lars Grael, a two-time medalist in the Tornado class, who is racing Stars at this regatta with crewmember Mario Logos. 'The RC did its best to get a good start. We were able to round the first mark in first and then able to get a good lead at the end of the downwind leg. The RC shortened the course and we managed to keep the lead until the end. Overall, [it was] a difficult day as it was very hard to predict the wind.'

Stay tuned to the website for more news from the Miami Sailing Week 2013, as it unfurls, and be sure to comb this issue for the latest reports from this world-class event.

Also in Miami, the TP52 World Championships are set to take place this week (March 5-9) off of Miami Beach. Eight teams from around the world have descended on Miami, eager to determine who is the quickest of this talent-rich lot.

'We’re looking forward to a great week,' said Doug DeVos, skipper/helm of the American-flagged 'Quantum Racing'. 'Eight boats means the competition will be intense. We did a small change in the keel blade after Key West to make it a little faster, but it's a very small change and today was so light I did not feel any difference. We’ll know more throughout the week.'

Meanwhile, for ocean-racing fans, Gary Jobson has created a great documentary on breaking the 22-year old Marblehead to Halifax Race record. Inside, don’t miss the 22-minute video that chronicles the adventures of three boats as the crews sprint north, their bows aimed for Halifax.

Also inside, get the wrap-up report from the Manning Regatta, don’t miss the latest scoop from the RS:X World Championships, and-for anyone in need of an adrenaline fix-check out the reports of the 18-foot skiffs racing for the Ferry Patrons Trophy on sunny Sydney Harbor.

May the four winds blow you safely home,