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2012 FLEET NEWS

May 2011 – Quantum Key West Race Week 2012

“As we’ve reached out to boat owners, one design classes, sailors and the sailing industry, it’s been rewarding to hear the positive feedback and the impact this regatta has and has had on sailing here in the U.S.”, said Event Director Peter Craig. “Our goal will be to work with those classes and groups that can attain critical mass and provide great competitive class racing. When the dynamic changes and more owners get back to travelling, we’ll take the appropriate steps, both on water and shoreside, to grow the fleet again.”

Melges 32 Class

The Melges 32 class is on a major roll and has been the marquee class in Key West in recent years. Last year Doug Douglass and his Goombay Smash crew topped the hyper-competitive 21-boat class. This international, owner driver class recently announced that Key West Race Week will once again be on their 2012 racing calendar.

Farr 40 Class

The Farr 40 has been a headliner class in Key West for over a decade now. “It’s really great to know that Key West Race Week is happening next year – great for the Farr 40 class and for the sport. I know I’m not alone is saying that this is one of the very top annual regattas in the world,” said Farr 40 Executive Committee Chairman Jim Richardson. “After a one year absence due to the location of the 2011 Rolex Farr 40 Worlds in Sydney, the class is pleased to be returning in full force to take part in celebrating the 25^th Anniversary of this great event.”

TP52 Class (modified)

Design debuts are a Key West hallmark. 2012 will undoubtedly feature more eye openers - big and small. Irvine Laidlaw has his new R/P 52 building at McConaghy in Zhuhai, China. First stop for Highland Fling XII will be Key West, Florida. “What better place to debut than Key West?” remarked Laidlaw a long time Key West competitor. “There is a resurgence of activity with both new construction and converted TP52s in the U.S. and there are likely to be 8-10 on the starting line next January.”

J Boat Specific Handicap Classes  (***new in 2012***)

A 2012 innovation will be J/Boats specific classes. “We are really excited about the prospects of developing a few J Boats specific handicap classes at Key West next January,” said Jeff Johnstone, President of J/Boats. “The concept is to group together different J designs of similar speed to provide both excellent class racing, as well as to open up the possibility for sub-class one design racing. An example would be the J/111s and one or two other models racing together with a tight rating band. We are already projecting as many as six J/111s next year.” Strength in numbers and an ability to promote and recruit nationwide point to some first rate competition.

Mini Maxi Class

Dan Meyers’ J/V 66 Numbers prevailed in the big boat Mini Maxi class last January. “The racing was incredibly close with only two points separating the four boats in a 10-race series,” Meyers commented. “Current World Champion RAN has already committed to Key West Race Week 2012 so the competitive bar has been raised another notch. Top flight competition, reliable breeze and professional race management – we can’t wait.” At this early date, Numbers, RAN and Shockwave have already committed to the 2012 event.

Melges 24 Class

The Melges 24 class has long been the biggest class in Key West and returns for the 19th year running. “I’ve done over 15 Key West regattas by now”, said Lake Geneva Melges 24 legend Brian Porter.  “It’s one of my very favorite events and I wouldn’t miss the 25^th anniversary regatta!”

Farr 30 Class

The Farr 30 class made noise and news last year with their Key West return following a one-year hiatus. This venerable one design class will return in 2012 with projections for growth and continued close racing.

J/80 & J/105 Classes

As always, J/Boats will be well represented with their J/105 and J/80 one design classes and their usual strong numbers with handicap entries. “The timing of our Worlds in Newport last October didn’t help Key West participation last year,” said J/80 class treasurer and head cheerleader Kristen Robinson. “I’m confident that we’ll have over 20 boats next year, especially with the 2012 southern series that we’ll be announcing soon.”

IRC Racing

IRC Racing last January and again next year will be presented in the form of a Mini Maxi, TP52 (modified) class and a group of smaller boats in the 36’-43’ range. There are a number of new 52 owners in the U.S. this year, with many already expressing their intent to compete in Key West. The result will be a bigger 52 class next January. Jim Schwartz hopes to join the fray with his Botin Carkeek designed Vesper (former Audi Med Cup winner Quantum).

PHRF Racing - please see the Notice of Race regarding the rating bands that have been established. The intent is to have classes with a minimum of 8-10 entrants that would produce great handicap racing.  

Please contact us if you have information on classes or prospective entrants for Quantum Key West Race Week 2012.