Three races were sailed in shifty winds (6-14 knots) on the smooth water of Pensacola Bay on Day 3 of the 2025 GL52 Southern Showdown. After two disappointing days of breakdowns, it was redemption day for Andrew Berdon’s SUMMER STORM who won the first two of the day (Races 6 and 7 of the regatta). Starting the day with force, SUMMER STORM was first at the start, first around every mark and first to finish. David Team’s VESPER 52 took second and Victor Wild’s FOX placed third. In the second race, Berdon’s team was in last place at the last mark but SUMMER STORM glided down the left side of the course and across the fleet at the finish line, next were Doug DeVos’ WINDQUEST and VESPER 52 in third. In the last race of the day (8th of the regatta), it was DeVos’ WINDQUEST that led the fleet around the course from start to finish wrapping up a gratifying day. Peter Askew’s WIZARD sits precariously at the top of the Showdown leaderboard with 21 points, Victor Wild’s FOX has just 21.5 points and Doug DeVos’ WINDQUEST has moved up to third place overall with 26 points. ”Spoilers” SUMMER STORM (now in fifth place) and John Huhn’s KATANA closely contested every race today and as a result have shaken up the standings. Mathematically, it’s still any boat’s regatta and at this high-level of compeition the final day of racing will be one to watch! Also at stake tomorrow is the Southern Series Championship which includes both the 2025 GL52 Pensacola Cup and the 2025 GL52 Southern Showdown.

photos by: Anna Suslova

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