(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."
There
figures to be some fireworks in PHRF 1 as four boats are still in
contention with a 4.5 pts separating all of them. SPACEMAN SPIFF, sailed
by Rob and Ryan Ruhlman of Cleveland, Ohio, held onto the lead for a
second straight day, but is just 1 ½ points ahead of fellow J/111 Team
FIREBALL (Eddie Fredericks, Annapolis). TEAMWORK, the J/122 skippered by
Robin Team, is coming on strong - having won five of the last six races
to get within 2 ½ points of the lead. Finally, STARK RAVING MAD, a
J/125 owned by James Madden, also has a shot to win.
"It's a strong class with a lot of good boats and it's not surprising
the regatta has come down to the last race," said Team, who was
regretting a seventh place suffered in Race 8. "We've got to go out
tomorrow and win the race. That's all there is to it."
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
