The J/24 Midwinter Championship kicked off for 33 boats at Eau Gallie Yacht Club in Indian Harbour Beach, FL in breeze averaging 13 knots, allowing three races. Reigning World Champion Keith Whittemore’ Furio got out of the gate strong, posting a 4,1,1 for 6 points and the early advantage. Leading Bangor Packet, Tony Parker’s 2,3,4 put him in second place with 9 points. Two teams are tied at 10 points for the next two positions: Mike Ingham’s Nautalytics and Kirk Reynolds’ Tyrus. Under sunny skies with temperatures cool by Florida standards (low/mid 60s), Chris Stone’s Velocidad opened the Championship successfully, ahead of Parker and Reynolds. Whittemore took over in the next two matches, besting Ingham’s seconds in both. Racing continues through Sunday. Photos are posted on the USA J/24 Class Facebook page, and complete results are available at https://www.regattanetwork.com/event/19848.