Bond's LOKI Flies Around the Keys!(Key West, FL)- The 36th Annual Fort Lauderdale to Key West Race was another classic, fast race; taking advantage of a strong front blowing east over the Bahamas Banks leaving in its wake a strong NNE wind flow. David Bond's J/105 LOKI made the most of it to win PHRF A and 4th in PHRF Fleet Overall.
Started on Wednesday, January 12th, the international fleet of 29 boats had teams hailing from Hong Kong, Greece, the Netherlands, Canada, and several states outside of Florida. Amongst them were a smattering of fun-loving J sailors who happen to love this mad dash around the edge of the Keys against the fast-flowing Gulf Stream. Included were Frank Kern's (a.k.a. "the commodore") famous J/120 CARINTHIA from Bayview YC, Grosse Pointe Park, MI; another J/120 TAMPA GIRL sailed by Bill Terry from Davis Island YC, Tampa, FL; and local favorites from Miami, FL, David Bond sailing his J/105 LOKI.
The early indicators were for a powerful cold front to wash over Florida and leave trailing in its wake a powerful Northeaster of 20-25 knots blowing the fleet down around the Keys to Key West. It was not to be. Dawn on Wednesday greeted the fleet with a beautiful NNE breeze that slowly clocked Eastward in the 10-15 knot range and built back up again towards Wednesday night/ Thursday morning for a fast dash into Key West. No records were broken despite earlier lofty expectations. While the big boats finished the course in just over 11 hours, well shy of the 10 hour record, the middle of the fleet benefitted from solid breeze and better wind angles to take all top overall spots. As expected, most of the fleet hugged the Florida coastline and the Keys to stay out of the fast-flowing, northbound Gulf Stream current. Hot gybing angles were the rule of the day and those who played them smartly did well.
In addition to the J/105 LOKI winning class, Frank Kern's J/120 CARINTHIA sailed another solid race to get 4th in PHRF Class A and 12th overall. Sailing photo credits- William Spruance. For more Lauderdale-Key West Sailing results. For more J/105 sailboat information.
