Consistent Mollicone reinforces lead at J/24 Midwinter Championship

Miami, FL (February 22, 2014) – John Mollicone strengthened his lead at the J/24 Midwinter Championship during Saturday’s four races. Team Helly Hansen (with crew Geoff Becker, Tim Healy, Collin Leon and Gordon Borges) has now tallied just 12 total points in the eight races so far, dropping a 5 in race two, leaving scores of 1,1,1,1,2,3,3.

The annual event began Friday at Coral Reef Yacht Club in Miami, FL. Luis Olcese’s Scaramoush continued its strong showing with two bullets today, and has launched up to second place with 19 points. Travis Odenbach’s Honey Badger is just one notch back in third with 20.

The 27 teams were postponed briefly in the morning but the wind filled in around 5-7 knots, allowing defending Midwinter champion Mollicone to earn a victory in the opening race, shadowed by Olcese and Odenbach. It was Odenbach’s turn for a bullet in the next battle as the breeze increased a bit, while Mollicone settled for second and John Poulson’s Long Shot third. Olcese took the number one spot in the third contest, ahead of the familiar Odenbach and Mollicone. In the final race of the day, Olcese repeated the win when Skip Dieball’s Rudie placed second and Mollicone third.

Racing continues through Sunday.

Event website – Results after eight races

Source: Julie and Christopher Howell