The plan for this year’s Acura SORC regatta, which is is taking place from March 6-10 off Miami Beach in Florida, is to include, for the first time, starts for the J/80 and IMS 30 classes. And with entries also expected from Farr 40, 1D35, J/105, Mumm 30, and Melges 24 as well as IMS and PHRF handicap classes, this year’s event promises to be one of the best yet.

Confirmed early entries include the top two finishers in last year’s Farr 40 class. John Kilroy, Jr. won the Farr 40 title aboard Sempa Pa Ti in a close competition, defeating James Richardson aboard Barking Mad, by .25 points. Both will be on the start line this year to take another run at the Farr 40 title and the coveted Mark H. Baxter Perpetual Trophy, awarded to the low point yacht in the Farr 40 fleet.

However, Kilroy has retired the1999 Farr 40 World Championship-winning boat Sempa Pa Ti and will be helming a new boat, Sempa Pa Ti II as well as sailing with several new crew, including Jeff Madrigali, who will be taking over the role of tactician from John Kostecki who is currently leading the Volvo Ocean Race aboard illbruck. Kilroy will break in Sempa Pa Ti II at Key West Race Week and anticipates being up to speed in time to defend his Acura SORC Farr 40 title in the waters off Miami Beach.