St. Pete is Going to Sizzle - Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series
February 17, 2023 - St. Petersburg, FL, USA - All indications are the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series' kick off in St. Petersburg is going to be hot this upcoming weekend. And we're not just talking about the weather.
Buckle up sailors. When the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series kicks off its 2023 national tour in St. Pete it’s going to be a wild one. What’s on tap, other than Mount Gay Rum? Well, a lot, so let’s get to it.
The rebirth of the Melges 24 class to its Corinthian happy place continues, and for St. Pete, 10 teams will line up for the Midwinter Championship. It’s a smaller gathering than years past, but like many other classes, the Melges 24s, have been active in Miami so many boats are staying put for their next regatta in March. Plus, the pros only have so many days available. Nonetheless, past St. Pete overall winner and local favorite, Gary Schwarting’s Obsession, is ready to welcome his friends from the crucible of Miami for a few laps around the buoys that should be just a touch more tranquilo.
There will be drinks and fun and games, and music and awards, and one special conversation with Terry Hutchinson, skipper of the New York YC’s American Magic. As our guest in the hot seat on Friday night, we’ll get to hear firsthand what’s happening behind the curtain in Pensacola. We’re liking the wind forecast at the moment. We know for sure the air and sea will be warm, and the rest, we guarantee, will be sizzling.