Quantum Key West 2014 got off to an atypically slow start due to difficult weather conditions the first couple days, but reliably strong winds off the Conch Republic certainly delivered on Wednesday and Thursday. Northerly winds today ranging from 12 to 16 knots allowed for another three-race day on all courses. Tim Healy has put forth an impressive performance in the J/70 class, largest of the regatta with 60 boats. Healy, the defending Class champ in Key West, has placed first or second in five races and counts no lower than a fourth in accumulating 15 points. This event also serves as the J/70 Midwinter Championship. Savasana, the second place entry skippered by Brian Keane, is a whopping 27 points astern. Healy won two races on Thursday and finished fourth in the other to earn the Industry Partner Boat of the Day honor. Geoff Becker and John Mollicone are teaming to call tactics while Gordon Borges works the bow aboard Helly Hansen. “The big takeaway today was that you can’t get too focused on one side of the course. We saw big shifts both ways and there was plenty of pressure on both sides,” Healy said. “Our strategy has been to choose a side, but not be the furthest boat out there. You don’t want to get pushed all the way to the edge.” Racing concludes on Friday. For complete news, results and photos, visit www.premiere-racing.com.