Sailing Blog
UP NEXT – Melges 32 Miami Championship »
March 2, 2011
When Premiere-Racing canned its version of Miami Race Week in late December of 2010, the Melges 32 class took matters into its own hands and formed its own Miami event strictly for the 32 class. With over 20 boats signed up, this not only will be another hard fought event, but the 32 class continues to post impressive numbers following what most thought would be a dropoff after a successful worlds in September. The Miami Championship will also serve as the final stop in the Melges 32 Winter Series, and with several boats close in the standings, the series title is still up for grabs.
The crew list once again boasts a line-up of some of the top Melges 32 teams, as well as premiere sailing talent. Many of the class heavyweights like Ramrod, Samba Pa Ti and Full Throttle will be in attendance and continuing their preparations for the 2011 Worlds in September, while the 2013 America’s Cup Challenger of Record, Mascalzone Latino will be revamping their Melges 32 program and using this as a training platform for their Cup campaign. Of course, there are a handful of “snakes in the grass” that can steal a race, or regatta win at anytime.
Our team on Volpe returns from a 3 month hiatus after our 3rd place finish at the Gold Cup in hopes of closing the deal in Miami. With most of the team intact, we will have to make the most of a short practice session and be ready to race come Friday morning. We were able to weigh in on Weds which is always a nice thing to get out of the way, especially wining and dining in South Beach. The forecast is for ripping breeze all weekend, and with the light air we have seen at the previous two winter events, I’m guessing there will be plenty of keel bulbs poking out of the water downwind.
Stay tuned to 42marine.com for reports from the Melges 32 race track in Miami.
Comment by sean man — March 3, 2011
let’r rip sammer!