The winter sailing season in the Caribbean is beginning to wind-up into a higher gear. Starting with the San Juan International Regatta, the racing takes place in San Juan Bay where temperatures reach a comfortable high in the low 80s and winds customarily blow 10-15 knots in February. The event was hosted by Club Nautico de San Juan from February 1-3 and welcomed over 140 sailors in 102 boats racing in 10 classes. Postcard-perfect sailing conditions prevailed, just as advertised. Generally perfect with mostly sunny skies and winds blowing under 10 knots the first day and gusting to nearly 20 knots on the final day of competition. The J/24 class had a great series with 12 races sailed. In the end, it was Puerto Rico’s Jose Fullana on KQLO that probably stunned the fleet by taking eight firsts, four seconds and tossing a second. Rising to the challenge, but not quite getting there, was Jaime Balzac’s Razzmatazz accumulating an equally impressive two firsts, six seconds and three thirds while tossing a third to take second overall. Third position on the podium was Tax Return sailed by Carlos Feliciano; they started slowly but won the last two races. For more regatta information, visit www.nauticodesanjuan.com.