Ayres/Ratliff Grab Second Consecutive Melges 24 Winter Series Wins in Miami

January 21, 2019 - Miami, USA - Congratulations to Bruce Ayres’ Monsoon and crew members Ian Coleman, Chelsea Simms, George H. Peet and Mike Buckley as they won their second consecutive Melges 24 Winter Series event this past weekend in Miami. With only one more event to take place on the Winter Series schedule (Bacardi Invitational Regatta, March 7-9), Ayres is on a path to early success in 2019.

Kevin Welch’s MiKEY from Anacortes, Wash. with the legendary Jeff Madrigali at the helm, and Kevin Welch, Ian Sloan, Mark Ivey and Serena Rhinelander Vilage in crew came in second place after five races featuring classic Biscayne Bay conditions — warm temps and perfect breeze.

 Rounding out the top three, and starting a succession of very tight point separation, Travis Weisleder’s Lucky Dog / Gill Race Team with Eddie Cox, John Bowden, Jerry Wilmont and Carine Main in crew finished third, then Megan Ratliff ’s Decorum in fourth, followed by K.c. Shannon’s Shaka in fifth.

Beyond the top three, John Brown’s Blind Squirrel was the only other team to take home a race win. That same race, Italy’s Andrea Pozzi aboard Bombarda ITA860 came second followed by event winner Ayres.

Taking top honors in the Corinthian category, representing the Columbia Yacht Club in Chicago, Ill. is the sister-brother act of Megan and Hunter Ratliff (helm). Joining them as crew was Greiner Hobbs, Zach Hernandez and Alex Simon. Thanks to three, top five finishes they secured their second big win at the Melges 24 Winter Series.