Fifty-four J/70s took to the famous waters of Biscayne Bay to open the 2020 J/70 Midwinter Championship in fresh conditions of 15-20 knots, topping out at 24.

Following an onshore postponement as a front passed, the winds shifted, and teams were able to complete two exciting races. Joel Ronning’s Catapult won both of them, with crew Victor Diaz De Leon, Christopher Stocke and Patrick Wilson.

Ignacio Perez’s Zaguero from Mexico excelled in the conditions, posting a 3,4 for 7 points. Two teams are tied at 9 points for the following positions: John Heaton’s Empeiria and John & Molly Baxter’s Team Vineyard Vines. Besides the USA, seven other nations are competing, including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Denmark, Great Britain, Mexico and Turkey.

Following Catapult in the opening race were local Pamela Rose on Rosebud and Perez. In the second contest, Heaton and the Baxters trailed Ronning over the finish line.

Racing continues through Sunday.

Full results available here.

by Julie or Christopher Howell