Sperry Charleston Race Week concluded April 14 in spectacular fashion with strong winds producing exciting action. Joel Ronning and his Catapult crew secured a surprisingly convincing victory in the J/70 fleet, largest of the regatta with 56 boats. Victor Diaz De Leon served as tactician on Catapult, which won six of nine races in posting a low score of 20 points – 20 better than runner-up Rosebud (Pamela Rose, Aventura, FL). “We had some really fortunate breaks this week. There is nothing like having luck on your side. Sometimes the karma is with you, and this is one of those instances,” said Ronning, a resident of Excelsior, MN. “I’ve always loved sailing in Charleston, and this year’s regatta was an awful lot of fun.” Diaz De Leon joined the team about six months ago, and Ronning has been impressed by the way he’s blended in with holdovers Christopher Stocke (bow) and Patrick Wilson (headsail trimmer). “Our team communication is the strongest I’ve ever seen on a boat. We’ve been clicking really well together, and the chemistry is the best it’s ever been on the boat,” Ronning said. “Victor was getting great information from Chris and Patrick and was really on fire this week in terms of making the calls.” For complete event details, visit https://charlestonraceweek.com/.