Double Trouble Preps for KWRW and Cuba

San Francisco’s J/125 Double Trouble crew wrapped up a final practice last weekend before they travel east to Quantum Key West Race Week and the Conch Republic Regatta to Cuba. A signature S.F. Bay send-off was delivered — 4-knot winds on Saturday and mid-20 knots with gusts to 40 on Sunday.

Boat partner Peter Krueger has a history of training top crews for competition in significant regattas around the world. "We have taken advantage of the West Coast’s racing opportunities and look forward to pitting our skills against the finest the East Coast has to offer. The race to Cuba will be memorable, giving us a chance to experience the country, its people and the splendors of the island." Noah Weissich, James Clappier and boat captain Andy McCormick hauled out the boat earlier this week. "She’s getting a paint job, then Andy will truck her across the US at the end of December," said Krueger. "The entire crew and their wives, plus guest skipper Justin Kromelow from the J/70 Loose Lucy, will arrive in Florida mid-January. We’ll get in practice, then hit the water running."

Quantum Key West Race Week is first, on January 18-23. The Conch Republic Regatta is significant in that it heralds the United States’ return to legally-permitted limited boat travel to Cuba. Regatta routes will take fleets between the US and Cuba, as well as the along the coastline between host cities Varadero and Havana. Five days of scheduled races start January 28 and end February 5.

Double Trouble is a four-time Rolex Big Boat Series champion with numerous Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay wins. The crew is composed of 11 lifelong sailors whose combined number of sailing years totals more than 300. The program is privately funded by boat owners Krueger and Andy Costello. Krueger helms buoy events and Costello, who plans to compete in the 2016 Pacific Cup, favors ocean competition.