Will Welles’ Cougar hangs on to lead at J/24 Midwinter Championship

Tampa, FL (February 21, 2015) – Another four races went in the books on Saturday at the J/24 Midwinter Championship at Davis Island Yacht Club. Gorgeous conditions took over Tampa Bay under sunny skies and temperatures that warmed into the 70s. Winds began around 6-8 knots, but picked up to 10-15 with a light chop, before falling off in late afternoon.

Will Welles’ Cougar will now take just a two-point advantage into the final day of competition, following a 7,1,1,16 (dropping the 16). Robby Brown’s USA799 is knocking on the door in second place with 27 points to Welles’ 25. John Mollicone and David Ogden’s Buckaroo stand in third place with 37 points. Twenty-seven teams from across the United States and Canada are participating in the event.

Patricio Sly’s Muy Muy opened the day with a victory (although took a 20% penalty), trailed by Brown and Carter White’s Sea Bags Sailing Team. Welles returned to the top of the pack in Saturday’s second bout, while Mollicone/Ogden placed second and Brown third. White and Travis Odenbach’s HoneyBadger followed Welles’ second bullet in race seven. Daniel Borrer on Jesus Lizard Inc. ended the day on a positive note, with Brown and Mollicone/Ogden rounding out the top three.

Racing concludes Sunday.

Race website – Results – Photos

Report by class media.