Gamecock Dominates at Midwinters; Poulson Claims Corinthian Victory
Sunday, February 16 (St. Petersburg, FL) - The 2025 Melges 24 Midwinter Championship, held from February 14 to 16 in St. Petersburg, Florida, marked a thrilling start to the North American Sailing Series. Over three days, fourteen teams competed in ten intense races on Tampa Bay, experiencing a mix of challenging conditions. Warm temperatures ranged from the mid-70s°F to mid-80s°F, with light to moderate winds fluctuating between 8 to 12 knots, occasionally gusting higher.
In the Open division, Peter McClennen's Gamecock, with crew members Severin Gramm, Brian Kamilar, Key Becker, and Wilson Stout, delivered a commanding performance, dominating eight of ten races to secure the first-place trophy.
They faced strong competition from Steve Boho's The 300, with crew members Ted Keller, Kevin Jewett, Beka Schiff, and John McCarthy, who finished second. Local racer Alex Shaffer's Sweaty Betty, sailing with Steve Liebel, Marty Kullman, Briar Robertson, and Mya Irys, claimed third place.
The Corinthian (all-amateur) division saw fierce competition, with John Poulson's Long Shot emerging victorious, successfully holding off challenges from Jaime Torres' Smile and Wave team (Neil Battrum, Cody Hall, Michael Booker and Gustavo Pinto) and Tony Stanley's Hermes (Marten Kendrick, Drea Keswater, Maggie Wilcox and Josie Stanley).
Notably, eight of the fourteen teams competed in the Corinthian category, showcasing the depth of amateur talent in the fleet.
The next event in the North American Sailing Series is scheduled for March 5-8 at the Bacardi Cup Invitational Regatta in Miami, promising more high-caliber racing action.
Corinthian Results (Final, After 10 Races)
1.) John Poulson, Long Shot
2.) Jaime Torres, Smile and Wave
3.) Tony Stanley, Hermes
4.) Gary Schwarting, Obsession
5.) Nadia Daggett, Mustache Ride
6.) Amanda Plewes, Firewater
7.) Beth Owens, Rogue
8.) Don Holst, Guten Tag