Quantum Key West 2013 Five Days of Strong Winds Bring Exciting Racing By Cherie Sogsti Photos by Tim Wilkes Photography. www.timwilkes.com Cover: 42nd Street, a J/70 out of Setauket, NY, sailing under s pinnaker in Quantum Key West 2013. See page 48. Photo by Tim Wilkes Photography. www.timwilkes.com
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ver a thousand sailors and 121 boats gathered for Quantum Key West 2013, held Jan 20-25 on the southernmost island in the United States. Once again, the consistent wind of Key West attracted world class sailors and yachts. Sailing legends, America’s Cup veterans, Olympians—and amateurs—gathered to stop their engines and start taking bullets in near-perfect conditions. This wasn’t just a regatta about small boats and big egos—although, there were extra helpings of both this year. Strong winds welcomed the professional crews and amateur racers this year. What happens when you dream up the perfect raceweek weather, and then reality exceeds your expectations? You get a regatta that goes down in the history books. “This is the premier event in North America,” said Decision skipper Stephen Murray. In a hard-fought battle, Decision came from behind and snatched top honors in the High Performance class in this year’s regatta. “Of all the regattas we’ve won over the years, this one stands out because of the history and tradition. It means a lot to be able to say you won Key West.” Who’s Who at Quantum Key West This year’s Quantum Key West attracted the legends and rock stars of the sailing world. “Was that really...?” you would hear on the dock. “Yes, it was.” Ready to name-drop? The elite field of competitors included America’s Cup challenger Vincenzo Onorato, Oympian Richard Clarke, and Terry Hutchinson, the former skipper and sailing manager of Artemis Racing. In addition, sailmakers like Kerry Klingler, Tim Healy and Dave Ullman made a splash racing the new J/70s. It felt like you should practically lay down red carpets on the docks. The list of pros and sailing celebrities goes on and on. Sailmaker Robbie Doyle called tactics, while Olympian Mark Mendelblatt served as the strategist for Sakellaris. Ran was skippered by Niklas Zennstrom, cofounder of Skype. But don’t think that you had to be a paid professional or a world-class sailor to compete in Quantum Key West. Just ask Andrea Pozzi, who started sailing 18 months ago.
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March 2013
SOUTHWINDS
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