(Key West, FL)- Broad smiles and weary bones
usually means a successful day on the water for sailors. There was
plenty of both on the docks around the Conch Republic on Wednesday after
organizers of Quantum Key West 2014 completed three races in strong
winds.
Northerly winds that held steady from 12-20 knots provided the best
racing conditions yet for the 10 classes on three divisions. After
completing three races combined on Monday and Tuesday, the competitors
were thankful for the full day's work.
Spaceman Spiff and Team Fireball, a pair of J/111s, are duking it out in
the eight-boat PHRF 1 class. Spaceman Spiff, sailed by Rob and Ryan
Ruhlman of Cleveland, Ohio, pulled ahead by 2.5 points based on the
results in Wednesday's last race. Spaceman Spiff tied the J/122 El Ocaso
for third place on corrected time while Fireball, skippered by Eddie
Fredericks of Annapolis, suffered a sixth place finish.
"We feel good about the way the boat is moving. I think the key for us
has been minimizing mistakes and recovering from the few we have made,"
Rob Ruhlman said. "We have sailed conservatively, especially at the
starts."
PHRF 1 was deemed the most competitive class at Quantum Key West on
Wednesday and that earned Teamwork the Mount Gay Rum Boat of the Day
honor. Skipper Robin Team steered his J/122 to three bullets as Teamwork
jumped from sixth to third in the overall standings. "We had a little
pep talk this morning at breakfast and reminded everybody what we are
capable of when we are focused and determined," Team said. "We had epic
conditions today and our team loves that type of breeze. Our tactician,
Jonathan Bartlett, was on fire. He hit every shift all day long." Sailing photo credits- Onne Vanderwal For more Quantum Key West Race Week sailing information
