In the J/70 fleet, Bruce Golison and his Midlife Crisis team claimed their first Bacardi Winter Series victory after years of podium finishes. The team won four of eight races to secure the overall win for event #1 on Biscayne Bay in Miami, FL January 23-25. This victory marked a milestone for Golison, who credited team chemistry and calm decision-making. Golison, Erik Shampain and Jeff Reynolds have sailed together for nine years, with 49er Olympic medalist Ian Barrows joining more recently. “On our boat, we never change our tone of voice,” said Golison. “You can’t tell if we’re winning or losing. We just focus on the next decision.” Marina Lamphier’s BeatMachine took top Corinthian honors by a one-point margin over Alec Cutler’s Hedgehog. Ava Wilson’s Convergence won top Mixed-Plus, and Richard Werdiger claimed top One-Pro.

1. Bruce Golison’s Midlife Crisis

2. David Jannetti’s Too Odd

3. John Heaton’s Empeiria

4. Doug Rastello’s Good to Go

5. Margaret McKillen’s Magatron

“Coconut Grove is one of our favorite places in the world to sail,” Golison added. “It’s hard to beat Miami sailing with Bacardi running the show.” Sailors enjoyed warm, 75-degree days while much of the country was snowed in. Bacardi Winter Series Event #2 continues February 20-22, as the season builds toward the 99th Bacardi Cup. North Sails supported teams with weather briefings, post-race debriefs, and onsite sail service, while Centennial Bank, Regatta Brokerage – the Brian Kamilar Team, Shore Premier Finance, and Palm Beach Yachts enhanced the sailor experience. The event is hosted at Shake-A-Leg Miami with race management by Coconut Grove Sailing Club and Sail22.

Credit: Hannah Lee Noll

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