Cutler remains in control in Key West

Alec Cutler’s Hedgehog retained the overall lead in the Melges 32 Class after race three yesterday of the Quantum Key West 2014.

 Bermuda’s Cutler finished fourth to go with his opening wins in the first two races and is in the lead by one point from Groovederci, of the US, who won race three.

It’s a sparkling return to the Melges Class for Cutler who, in Race One, expertly negotiated a breeze barely above class minimum. Tactician Richard Clarke and the Hedgehog crew found their way across the finish line first to get their regatta off to a flyer.

 Race Two saw more intense racing as Deneen Demourkas (Groovederci) was first to the top mark, chased by Richard Goransson’s Inga From Sweden, then DeVos’ Delta. DeVos gained big downwind to take the gate in first just ahead of Goransson, followed by Demourkas in third.

 Another lead change at the top mark gave way to Goransson taking full command, and hot on his heels were DeVos and Demourkas. Cutler moved up a space to round fourth, but saved his best move for the final downwind run.

 With less than 100 yards to go, Cutler came in strong from the left side to beat out DeVos, who successfully gained again on the run. Goransson on the far right, slid in to steal second place only moments before DeVos. Demourkas was fourth and new boat owner Dieter Schoen aboard Momo from Germany finished fifth.

At the weekend, the Hedgehog team hosted the fleet for food, beer, football and a debriefing with Andreas Josenhans.