DOUG FISHER TAKES MIDWINTER CHAMPIONSHIP AT ST. PETERSBURG NOOD

Doug Fisher of Sarasota was crowned the Melges 24 Midwinter Champion and the Hall Spars & Rigging Boat of the Day when he won the 31 boat Melges 24 class by a gargantuan points margin of 26.5 points at the St. Petersburg NOOD.

Whilst Fisher had established a commanding lead the battle for 2nd to 5th was very close with Doug Kessler eventually taking second with 38.5 ahead of Mike Krantz in third on 40, Brian Harrison fourth on 42 and Dave Happ, sailing with UK National Champion Keith Musto at the helm, in fifth with 43 points.

Fisher has only sailed a Melges 24 for five months, but he vows he's been learning the tricks of the boat ever since. Local Olympic Silver medallist Morgan Reeser had joined the crew as tactician to help strengthen the brainstrust and the combination is obviously very successful.

"Between Morgan and I, we've been finding a few new gears," said Fisher. "When we're sailing my way and start
feeling slow, we switch to his way. And when his way feels slow, we switch back. It works pretty well."
For full results visit www.spyc.org