FINAL DAY - THE MELGES 24 FLEET AT KEY WEST RACE WEEK 2001 CONGRATULATIONS ZENDA EXPRESS!

The final day of Yachting Key West Race Week did not bring the hoped for increase in breeze but there was a change in the wind which swung round to the South East for the first time and came in at a steady 10-12 knots.

With only one race on the final day Harry Melges was determined to defend his lead. On a very port biased start line he and Morgan Reeser commenced battle immediately leaving Melges forced to complete a 720 penalty at the start. Unfortunately Reeser was one of around 18 boats called over and had to return back across the line. Because of the large number of boats over
his number was late being called and Reeser found himself playing catch up in the most difficult conditions and was only able to get back up to 24th.

Melges started in the middle of the line and, having completed his penalty turns, took the paying right hand side up the first beat then gybed early on the run. He was clearly determined that his name would once again be on the KWRW trophy and put in a virtuoso performance to win the race. Following some rather average results in the middle of the week Dave Ullman showed why he is such a feared competitor in the class and took 2nd. Frenchman Laurent Pages also sailed particularly well to come 3rd, whilst Brian Porter took 4th and Paula Zubrzycki 5th.

In the overall standings Harry Melges was a convincing winner counting 32 points including 5 x 1st. Brian Porter held his nerve despite a couple of difficult races during the week and took 2nd overall from Morgan Reeser, helming for Neil Sullivan. Laurent Pages took 4th overall and was the top European at the regatta whilst Paul Zubrzycki from Chicago was the first woman helm at 5th overall.

Whether at the front or the back of the fleet all competitors agreed Yachting Key West Race Week 2001 was an event to remember, the only disappointment being the lack of a big breeze day for which the venue is famous. The fleet promises to be even bigger in 2002 with many of the boats travelling to Ft Lauderdale for the Melges 24 Worlds in November staying on to take part in Key West and SORC. Special storage facilities are being arranged with the Lauderdale Yacht Club (only 5 hours drive away) so if you plan on being at the Worlds come on down to Key West afterwards and find out why everyone says this is the best winter regatta in the World.

Our thanks to event organisers Premier Racing, to the race management and jury teams who worked so hard on our behalf and to all the sponsors of Yachting Key West Race Week who help to make the event the tremendous success it is. See you all in 2002.