Organizers with Premiere Racing deemed the most impressive performance of the regatta was put forth by skipper Tim Healy and his team on Helly Hansen, which won the 60-boat J/70 fleet in convincing fashion. Healy repeated as Midwinter champion in Key West by winning two races and placing second or third in five others. Helly Hansen clinched the regatta by finishing third in Race 9 and therefore did not sail the final race, using that as its throw-out. Geoff Becker and John Mollicone combined on tactics and trimming while Gordon Borges worked the bow for Healy. “Obviously the biggest key to success is having a good team. My guys did an awesome job of boat-handling and tactics,” Healy said. “We sailed here last year so we had a real good feel for the race course. This team has also sailed J/24s together the past few years so we have a comfort level that makes a big difference.” Healy and Helly Hansen came away with the biggest prize—capturing Quantum Sails Boat of the Week honors. “We had a huge Class down here last year with a lot of really good sailors so it’s a great accomplishment to come out on top. Winning Key West is definitely one of the highlights of my career,” said Healy, a 42-year-old resident of Jamestown, RI. Eight different boats took first place during the week. Rob Britts’ Hot Mess finished as the top J/70 Corinthian boat. Conditions at the southernmost point of the United States delivered the strongest winds of the regatta. North-northeasterly breezes in the 18-24 knot range made for some spectacular racing. For complete results, news and photos, visit www.premiere-racing.com.