Seven races. Heavy air. Fifty boats. The 2025 J/70 Midwinter Championship wrapped up with all the gusts, grit and glory sailors can expect from a Miami regatta.

Peter Duncan's *Relative Obscurity* earned the title with their third consecutive win this season. The team—with tactician Victor Diaz de Leon, Jud Smith, and Willem Van Waay—last raced together when they won the 2017 J/70 World Championship in Porto Cervo. After reuniting for the 2025 season, they have now claimed victory at all three of their comeback events, completing a hat trick in dominant form.

“We got the band back together,” said Duncan. “It’s been a lot of fun sailing with this team again. We’re getting stronger every race.” He added, “It was great racing here on Biscayne Bay. The course management was excellent, and the Brazilian teams were really impressive.”

Duncan also praised the J/70 Class: “You get 50 boats on a starting line, and the level of talent is just incredible. We’re pretty lucky.”

The 2025 J/70 Midwinter Championship delivered everything the fleet loves about Miami: warm water, big breeze and a strong international contingent fully fired up. With seven heavy-air races and efficient race management by PRO Mark Foster using Vakaros RaceSense, the fleet tested boat handling, endurance and tactical precision.

THE WINNERS

*Relative Obscurity* (USA) Peter Duncan: After a multi-year hiatus, Duncan’s team reunited this season and came out swinging. *Relative Obscurity* proved they’re still among the best in the world.

*Mindset* (BRA) Ralph Vasconcellos Rosa: Fresh off a silver medal at the 2024 Worlds in Palma, *Mindset* delivered another stunning performance—holding off challengers and even forcing match racing in the final race. Ralph’s core crew—Guilherme Hamelmann and Júlio Carvalho—have been with him since he bought the boat in 2021. They’re now joined by Felipe Rondina, 2024 J/70 Corinthian Worlds winning tactician. The team is fast, focused and only getting better.

*OceanPact* (BRA) Victor Hector Demaison: Another standout Brazilian team, *OceanPact* sailed a consistent regatta and closed strong to lock in third overall. The team’s sharp boat handling and steady gains made them one of the fastest risers in the fleet.

DIVISION CHAMPS

Corinthian: *Hedgehog* – Alec Cutler of Bermuda led the all-amateur fleet with a strong 12th overall. His crew included former Navy sailors Charles Pucciariello, Brad Rodi and Ryan Cox—a team with deep chemistry and a proven track record in heavy air. This is the second consecutive J/70 Corinthian Midwinter title for the team.

One-Pro: *Frequent Flyer* – Paul Wollmann’s team came out on top in the One-Pro division with Olympian Chris Grube onboard calling tactics.

Mixed+: *Norboy* – Led by Laura and Leif Sigmond, *Norboy* claimed the Mixed+ title with consistent results across the series along with tactician and Women’s America’s Cup Champion Giulia Conti.

The J/70 Class Association is grateful for presenting sponsor Nautical Ventures as well as North Sails and Bacardi.

Results: [yachtscoring.com/emenu/16834](http://yachtscoring.com/emenu/16834)