Steve Boho's Melges 24 Team Wins Midwinter Championship and Overall Title in St. Pete
By Dave Reed, February 18, 2024 - Steve and Catherine Boho, owners of the Melges 24 The 300, had some mild trepidations about racing on the final day of the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg. As they stepped out of their hotel and into the heavy rain and the brisk north wind in the morning, they knew the day was going to be fast and physical.
“I said, ‘When the going gets tough the tough get going,” Catherine says. “I didn’t really want to go today, but it was a fast race so that was good.” As winners of the regatta in 2023, the Bohos were determined to repeat their Melges 24 Midwinter Championship win. “I think the mantra was, “We’re gonna win it again, so we wouldn’t be satisfied if we didn’t.”
The Boho’s credited their young tactician, Eddie Cox, with bringing out the best of the crew, which included Ted Keller, Sophie Jones. “With this boat, there is a lot of athleticism, a lot of hiking, and a lot of moving the boat around,” Steve says. “Our crew work around the corners was awesome. The girls handled the front of the boat and they did great, so all I had to do was hold the tiller.”
Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series St. Petersburg: Sunday Summary
As winners of the Melges 24 division, the Bohos were also selected as the regatta’s overall winner, which earns them the first berth at the Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series Caribbean Championship in the BVIs, hosted by Sunsail in October, where they’ll race other winners from the Series, as well as the defending champion.
“It’s very special that we’ve been able to sail together,” Steve says of sailing with his wife, who does bow. “It’s something that we both love to do, and to share our passion together at home and to be able to come to places like St. Pete, and now the BVIs…it’s going to be a real treat.”
Finishing in second overall and claiming first place Corinthian, was Jaime Torres’ Smile and Wave, followed by brand new Melges 24 Class member Mark Thiem with Doug Weatherly at the helm of Snafu.
Tampa Bay local Amanda Plewes sailing Firewater won the Corinthian Mixed + Melges 24 Midwinter division, finishing up 7th overall.
Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta Series in St. Petersburg marked the start of the 2024 Melges 24 North American Sailing Series and served as the Midwinter Championship. Full Results.
Melges 24 - Midwinters (One Design - 14 Boats)
1. The 300, USA839, Steven Boho - 3 - 1 - 1 - 1 - 1 ; 7
2. Smile and Wave, USA545, Jaime Torres - 2 - 3 - 5 - 3 - 3 ; 16
3. SNAFU, USA760, Mark Thiem - 1 - 4 - 3 - 5 - 5 ; 18
4. Obsession, USA587, Gary Schwarting - 4 - 5 - 6 - 2 - 2 ; 19
5. Slippery, USA737, Alex Korakis - 7 - 6 - 7 - 4 - 4 ; 28
6. HERMES, USA610, Tony Stanley - 5 - 2 - 2 - 15/DNF - 15/DNC ; 39
7. Firewater, USA687, Amanda Plewes - 6 - 7 - 8 - 6 - 15/DNC ; 42
8. Mustache Ride, USA148, Nadia Daggett - 9 - 12 - 9 - 7 - 6 ; 43
9. Rogue, USA457, Beth Owens - 14/DNF - 8 - 4 - 11 - 8 ; 45
10. SPEEDSTER, 141, Tom Scheuermann - 10 - 10 - 12 - 8 - 7 ; 47
11. Pink Pony Club, USA153, David Mierzwa - 11 - 11 - 11 - 9 - 9 ; 51
12. Guten Tag, USA736, Don Holst - 8 - 9 - 10 - 10 - 15/DNC ; 52
13. Pantswetter, USA500, Meg Phillips - 12 - 13 - 15/DNS - 15/DNC - 15/DNC ; 70
Next stop on the circuit is the Bacardi Cup in Miami on March 6-9. This event is the third and final stage of the 2024 Melges 24 Bacardi Winter Series. There is still time to register to race here.
View 2024 Melges 24 Midwinter Championship Results
View 2024 Melges 24 Midwinter Championship Photo Gallery by Walter Cooper
The 300 of Steven Boho with Eddie Cox calling the tactics - Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta St. Pete 2024
Mark Thiem with Doug Weatherly at the helm of Snafu - Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta St. Pete 2024
Helly Hansen Sailing World 2024 Regatta Series St. Pete - Melges 24 fleet
Jaime Torres’ Smile and Wave USA545 - Helly Hansen Sailing World Regatta St. Pete 2024
