The Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series, Event No. 1 in St. Pete’s has ushered in the first Melges 24 winner on the 2023 U.S. Class National Ranking Series. In 2023, the Class also deemed this event the new Midwinter Championship destination for the fleet.

Congratulations go out to two Melges 24 owners: Steve Boho (also a past Class President) racing The 300 is the overall Midwinter Champion, and John Poulson sailing Longshot is the 2023 Melges 24 Corinthian Champion.

The weekend consisted of 8 total races. Four races were held each day on Friday and Saturday, with Sunday’s racing being cancelled due to lack of wind. A total of 10 teams were on the starting line with 7 qualifying for the Corinthian division.

In the end, Boho delivered a stunning performance with 5 bullets to his name giving him the title of Melges 24 Midwinter Champion. Corinthian Champ Poulson finished in second place overall with one race win in his collection. Canada’s Robert Wigny sailing Notorious also sailed Corinthian clinching a third place finish overall. 2022 St. Pete’s winner Gary Schwarting racing Obsession and Dan Berezin’s Surprise rounded out the top five.

TOP FIVE OVERALL RESULTS (After 8 Races, FINAL)
1.) (USA) Steve Boho, The 300 = 13 pts.
2.) (USA) John Poulson, Longshot = 25 pts.
3.) (CAN) Robert Wigny, Notorious = 28 pts.
4.) (USA) Gary Schwarting, Obsession = 31 pts.
5.) (CAN) Dan Berezin, Surprise = 39 pts.

TOP FIVE CORINTHIAN (After 8 Races, FINAL)
1.) (USA) John Poulson, Longshot = 25 pts.
2.) (CAN) Robert Wigny, Notorious = 28 pts.
3.) (USA) Gary Schwarting, Obsession = 31 pts.
4.) (CAN) Dan Berezin, Surprise = 39 pts.
5.) (USA) Amanda Plewes, Firewater = 65 pts.

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