The 2025 Biscayne Bay Series has been a challenging one for the Etchells Class, as the wind gods have not looked kindly on Miami’s famed winter racing season. While December’s Piana Cup delivered a full schedule of six races over two days, the subsequent events have been plagued by light air and waiting games under the Florida sun.
The Sidney Doren Memorial Regatta in January saw only a single race completed, with the fleet spending more time onshore than on the water. February’s Florida State Championship was not much better, with just two races making it onto the scoreboard. The infamous Miami seabreezes, typically reliable, have been anything but, leaving competitors bobbing and hoping for a shift in conditions. But such is the nature of sailboat racing—unpredictable and demanding patience as much as skill.
Now, the fleet turns its attention to the final and most decisive event of the series, the US East Coast Midwinters, taking place this weekend. Unlike previous regattas in the series, where a drop race was permitted, every race in the Midwinters will count toward the overall standings, making it the ultimate decider for the Biscayne Bay Series title.
Leading the charge heading into the Midwinters is GBR 1511, helmed by Lawrie Smith. With podium finishes in all three prior events, Smith and crew have accumulated just four points, maintaining a razor-thin lead. Breathing down their neck is USA 1453 (Big E), skippered by Rick Merriman, just one point behind. Also in the hunt is CAN 1501 (Cruel Jane 2.0), with Luke Lawrence at the helm, poised to make a push for the title.
Beyond the top three, the standings remain tight, with at least six or seven boats still within striking distance. The competitive nature of the Etchells fleet means that anything can happen—one strong day on the water can flip the leaderboard entirely.
With 50 entries lined up for this weekend’s racing, all eyes will be on Biscayne Bay, hoping for cooperative conditions to bring the series to a thrilling conclusion. If the wind gods finally decide to play nice, expect a battle to the very last leg.
Stay tuned for updates as the series reaches its climax!