2017 J70 MIDWINTERS RECAP

All around success for North powered teams

The J70 Midwinters this past weekend were an all around success for North powered teams. Light air made for tough conditions-and a ton of patience. This was the first J70 event with restrictions to Category 3 sailors onboard with only one permitted per team. A total of 52 boats competed in the 6 race event. Brian Hayes, Will Welles, Tim Healy, and Patrick Howell were at the event representing North Sails. In a battle for first place, Tim Healy on New England Ropescame in for the win with 18 total points and Will Welles on Scamp close behind in 2nd with 19 points. John Brim, another familiar face to the J70 class, finished 3rd on Rimette, and Ignacio Perez on Zaguero finished 5th.

North powered teams had some of the strongest finishes ever in the Corinthian Division, placing 1, 2, 3, and 5th. Andy and Melissa Fisher on Button Fly took the overall Corinthian win. Andy has been sailing a lot of key events-working his way up the scoresheet and improving more and more. Andy sails with his wife, Melissa, and friends, making for a fun event. Sailors like Andy are great influencers of the fleet and are proof that hard work and dedication doesn’t go unnoticed!

Tim Healy, J70 overall winner commented:

“The Race Committee did an excellent job of running races in the best possible conditions, which made for fair racing despite the light winds. Their patience allowed them to make the most out of what they had.”

The last day of the event posted an early start time to get in three races before the northerly was expected to dissipate. Sailors enjoyed their onshore and on-the-water experience, with fun memories and stiff competition all around. Sunny, warm conditions made for nice weekend in St. Petersburg and a successful outcome for our team here at North Sails. Congrats!