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UP NEXT – Audi Melges 20 – Miami Winter Series #1 »
December 8, 2010
When Kevin Costner heard the whispers in Field of Dreams, “If you build it, he will come,” (often misquoted as “they”) there was probably some doubt in his mind that if he built a baseball field in the middle of a corn field, that the ghosts of baseballs’ greats really would come to play. For most people, this type of thing is only achievable through some serious hallucinogenics, but just like most things in Hollywood, Costner was able to sculpt the perfect baseball field out of the cornfields in his backyard and, voila, his vision did come true of having the ghosts of former players play ball on his makeshift diamond. When the Audi Melges 20 Winter series was introduced in Biscayne Bay just last year, it was uncertain if this fledgling one-design series would take hold. With over double the amount teams registered for the 10/11 season, the Audi Melges 20 has not only cemented itself as a premier racing one-design boat, but it is providing some serious, fun, laid-back racing for the owners and teams involved, all while leaving class organizers of other one-design fleets scratching their heads. And for the sailors who get to escape the frozen north and compete at an extremely high level in fun, high-performance boats, the Audi Melges 20 Winter series truly is a field…er…sea of dreams.
Think about all of the aspects that make up a great regatta: Fun laid-back racing, great competitors who don’t take themselves too seriously, a warm, picturesque carribbean-like venue with lodging steps from the boats, logistics that are easier than a family vacation, steady reliable breeze and a Race Committee with a true sailors PRO who’s main goal is to get off solid, quality races. Maybe all these great aspects of putting on a good event just happened by accident, but chances are that Melges brass, Harry Melges and Andy Burdick, have seen countless good and bad events over the last 20 years, and they put together the perfect competitive cocktail and the Audi Melges 20 now has legs of its own.
After taking a 3rd place overall in last years Winter Series, our team on M and M racing will have our hands full with plenty of quality veteran teams and a host of new teams. Like most Melges classes, there is not shortage of talent and the racing will be decided on inches. We will have a roster change on our boat for this event since Mary Anne’s husband Bill is normally our bow person, but since he suffered a broken toe just last week, we have had to replace him with a young, talented sailor in Coye Harrett. Coye will be a good fill in, but Bill’s determination and hard fought attitude will be missed.
As for myself, I got in a solid 2 days at home to regroup with the family. It is never easy to leave, especially this time of year when being with together with family is what the Holiday season is all about, but I also feel fortunate that when I am on the road, I am spending time with truly great people and getting to do something that I really enjoy. No doubt, when I return my list of household chores will be long, and I will have to make few trips to the pool with Lily, but I am looking forward to returning home to the frozen north with a successful M20 event on the books.
Stay tuned to 42marine for daily reports. The list of registrants for Audi Melges 20 Winter Series Event #1 can be found here.
Comment by Stefanie — December 8, 2010
Excellent post. Reading it made me want to watch Field of Dreams, fly to Miami and be in Minnesota with family all at the same time. I am hooked now!
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