BRAVO eclipses J/111s at The Southernmost Regatta - Key West
by J-Boats 28 Jan 06:47 PST
January 19-24, 2026
The Southernmost Regatta 2026 © J-Boats
The Southernmost Regatta, powered by Sailing Inc, took place this past week from January 19th to 23rd, 2026. The fleet of J/111s was blessed with excellent sailing conditions all five days of the regatta.
The weather forecast held true, with big breezes from the NNW to NNE for the first few days, then slowly fading by Thursday and Friday into the NE to E quadrants. It was a "classic" weather pattern that veteran Key West racers have experienced over time. Most importantly, it permitted a full slate of ten races to be run over the five days.
In the end, Andrew & Sedgwick Ward's BRAVO won in convincing fashion. Their team took five 1sts, two 2nds, and two 3rds for a breathtaking 15 pts net. Their crew consisted of Bill Hardesty (a multiple World Champion tactician), Josh Kapell, Matt Kapell, Kelly McKeown, and John Polek.
Taking the silver medal was Rob & Abby Ruhlman's family crew on SPACEMAN SPIFF with 20 pts net. Their family crew consisted of Maegan Ruhlman Cross, Martie Kullman, Doug Moose, Debbie Probst, James Stewart, and Mark Wiss.
Rounding out the podium, taking the bronze medal was Bill & Jackie Baxter's FIREBALL from Long Island Sound with 25 pts net. Their crew consisted of Claire Baxter, Craig Appleman, Steve Benjamin (a multiple World Champion tactician), John Logue, Jonathan Mears, Tom Pluchino, and Charles Swanson.
More Southernmost Regatta Key West sailing information here.