Melges 32 Miami Winter Regatta - All set for competitive racing

by Joy Dunigan on 28 Feb 2014 The 2014 Melges 32 Miami Winter Regatta is now officially open in Miami, Florida, supported by Coconut Grove Sailing Club and Melges USA. Thirteen world-class teams representing eight different countries have settled in and are now completely ready for three days of very competitive racing.

Adding benefit to training and tuning sessions and the official practice race lead by PRO Anderson Reggio, Dave Scott with North Sales and David Flynn with Quantum Sails spent time helping both inexperienced and advanced teams alike prepare for the challenges ahead.

'Today was just practice, so for the new teams we were able to come right up alongside of them and talk to them while they were racing. They got an immediate response to the slight changes and adjustments we would suggest. At the debrief, we showed comparisons and for the more advanced teams, they appreciate seeing the difference.' said Scott. 'A clinic is a great thing for any class to do as every team will walk away with something from it.'

'It's interesting to see some of the more accelerated teams at the clinic. They are the ones asking the most questions.' added Flynn. 'What we've tried to do over the last day is focus on gybes, douses or set-up with photos and edited videos. Certainly the least experienced teams were reaping the biggest benefits.'

Complementing the on-the-water action are planned social activities and parties guaranteed to please. On Friday afternoon, apres racing Roberto Tomasini Grinover's Robertissima will pull out all the stops and host an incredibly, fun cocktail party at Monty's Restaurant. Great food and drinks will help teams wind down after an awesome first day of racing.

On Saturday afternoon, a Melges 32 dock party with beer and snacks will greet teams after racing. Later on in the evening, Jason Carroll's Argo Team will host a Cabana Party at the Delano Hotel to help teams chill and relax before the final day of competition.

The Miami Winter Regatta is event number two on the 2014 Winter Series circuit, and a build up regatta to the 2014 World Championship on December 1-7.

After an impressive win at Quantum Key West Race Week, Alec Cutler's hedgehog is currently in the Series lead. In second overall is Dalton DeVos on Delta, and Deneen Demourkas on Groovederci is third.

The Spring Challenge will place on April 4-6 marking the third and final Winter Series Event.

Full Entry List

1.) Jason Carroll/Cameron Appleton, Argo
2.) Edward Tillinghast/David Hughes, Dark N'Stormy
3.) Deneen Demourkas/Francesco Bruni, Groovederci
4.) Alec Cutler/Richard Clarke, Hedgehog
5.) Richard Goransson/Morgan Larson, Helly Hansen Inga From Sweden
6.) Dieter Schoen/Mark Weiser, MOMO
7.) Tony Buckingham/John Kostecki, Ngoni
8.) Joe Woods/Chris Draper, Red
9.) Roberto Tomasini Grinover/Vasco Vascotto, Robertissima
10.) John Kilroy/Paul Goodison, Samba Pa Ti
11.) Alessandro Rombelli/Tommaso Chieffi, STIG
12.) Chris Wientjes/Benz Faget, Stormvogel
13.) Keisuke Suzuki/Nicolai Sehested, Event Website