It is very uncommon for teams to win back-to-back regattas in the Melges 32, such is the temperamental nature of the keelboat and level of competitiveness among the racing fleet.

But if all goes according to script, top local skipper Alec Cutler and crew aboard Hedgehog hope to buck the trend when they rest their title on the line at the Melges 32 Miami Winter Regatta to be hosted by Coconut Grove Sailing Club.

“We certainly have the ability to win and that is the goal for every event,” the former J-22 world champion told The Royal Gazette. “However, there are a few other teams who are just as capable. The fleet is too good and there is too much happening that is outside our control to expect to win every event. In fact, it is quite rare in this class for a team to win two events in a row.

“Our goals are to make good use of our training time, enjoy what we are doing and give ourselves a decent chance of winning the event going into the last race.”

The Royal Bermuda Yacht Club sailor has pinned his hopes for a successful title defence upon a seasoned crew that includes tactician Richard Clarke, a five-times Olympian and two-times Melges 24 world champion, and trimmer Mike Wolfs, the Olympic silver medal-winner and former Melges 24 world champion.

“We are one of the oldest crews in the fleet,” Cutler added. “Everyone has been on world championship teams, are very expert at their jobs and know what it takes to win.

“A big part of the success we have had can be attributed to the maturity and professionalism of the crew. Everyone leaves their egos at the airport, does their job and hikes really hard. The Melges 32 is one of the most difficult keelboats to sail. It is very fast, light and temperamental, thus there is a big premium on crew work.”

The Melges 32 Miami Winter Regatta runs from today to Sunday. The race committee plans to complete as many as eight races with a minimum of three races required to constitute a series.

Teams will be allowed to discard their worst score only after six or more races have been completed.

As with any regatta, weather conditions will play a huge factor. “The event is sailed just off Miami Beach where there is usually a consistent sea breeze from the south this time of year, which is what makes it such a popular regatta site,” Cutler said. “However, looking at the forecast, it looks like the winds will be more variable than usual. Like Key West, it looks like we will be tested in every condition, which makes it more interesting.”

Cutler and crew came from behind on the final day last month to capture a maiden Melges 32 title at the Quantum Key West 2014 Regatta in Florida.