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Another Perfect Sailing Day

21 April, 2024

With perfect trade wind conditions today, each start was flawless and the yachts all aimed for the first mark six miles SSE in a comfortable close reach for the last day of fleet racing at the 35th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. Cassiopeia II selflessly saved the day by hauling in a long fishing net floating on the surface close to the first mark so that it did not affect other competitors. Their actions were indicative of what the regatta is all about, safety and goodwill coming before competition. The Cannon Race is always spectacular as the boats reach out and back allowing the crews the opportunity to watch each other as they pass.

The Blue Peter wins second in the Vintage & Classic class

Alex Veccia, captain of 85-foot classic yawl Nordwind built in 1939, commented “Today has been the best day, lovely weather and we were lucky with the flat sea as well, the Cannon course is my favourite course.” Pat Ilderton, owner of Mah Jong, 52-foot Bermudian yawl and sailing on West Indies sloop Genesis this week, said of today’s race “The wind pick up slowly all day long, that nice long last leg was the deal, it was the best day yet.”

Genesis took first on the last day of racing to win the Traditional class

The results were close with several classes decided on the final day of racing. The legendary racing yawl Bolero came from behind with back to back wins on the last two days to take first in the Vintage & Classic class with The Blue Peter second and Seefalke II third. The Traditional class was also decided on the final day with the Carriacou sloop Genesis sealing the class win with a first place in race four, Alani was second and New Moon third. In the Schooner class, the Malabar V schooner, Charm III scored four straight wins to claim first place with Eros second and Adventurer third. Ocean Star won first place in the Tall Ships class with the sister ships Chronos and Rhea second and third. The standings were also tight in the Spirit of Tradition class. The Nicholson 55 Eager came from behind to win the class by one point with firsts in the last two races, Freya was second and Chloe Giselle third. In the Modern A class the Soverel 43 Legacy held a one point lead coming into the final day of racing and sealed a class win with a first place in the last race, Saida finished second and Yemaya third. The Modern B class was won convincingly by the Dragon Jabberwock, second place came Encore and third was Cricket. The full results can be seen here

In the Tall Ships class, sister ships Chronos and Rhea came second and third

52-foot gaff schooner Adventurer will be 100 years old next year

After racing, everyone dropped sail at the entrance of the Dockyard and paraded through the harbour in their finery, flags hoisted, crews dressed up, hats waving, horns blaring and even a jazz saxophone playing on Eros. The crew of Huey Too danced and sang their way to the dock and the crew of Alani wowed the crowd in tiger-striped outfits. And if all that activity wasn’t enough, Alvei, the 3-masted square-rigger, hosted a schooner olympics where events included line throwing, bowline tying and line climbing. The steel drum band then started, the grills fired up for the evening bbq and English Harbour rum punches and Red Stripe beer were gratefully received by the crowd. In the first Rain Gutter Regatta, where each yacht has thirty minutes to build a small boat then race them by blowing them down a rain gutter, the crowd cheered on their favourites with the Galatea crew beating Charm III in the finals and Huey Too winning the most innovative design award.

Everyone is both exhausted and relieved that racing has finished, but looking forward to tomorrow afternoon’s shore side events with a cream tea and gig racing at the Admirals Inn and evening prize giving ceremony at the museum. For those who haven’t sailed enough yet, there is a single-handed race in the morning.

Everyone enjoyed the Open Mic night yesterday evening – photo Beverly Factor

 

The Trades Came Back for Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

21 April, 2024

With great relief, the seasonal 15-knot easterly trade winds came back today and the relatively flat seas made perfect sailing conditions for the third day of racing at the 35th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. The new Caterpillar course, which is the reverse of yesterday’s Butterfly course, was enjoyed by all.
Cameron Riddell, owner of Eros, commented “Amazing conditions today. We’ve sailed here many years and the conditions rivalled the conditions of any year we’ve been here. It was amazing.” Eros’ skipper, Colin Horton added “Today was a good schooner day. We were wing on wing at the finish. That was pretty awesome.”

64-foot Spirit Yacht Chloe Giselle with her colourful spinnaker

In the windier conditions today, the tall ships finished their race with Ocean Star, the 88-foot Seamester youth sailing vessel, coming first on corrected time, following by Sailing Classics’ 177-foot staysail ketches Rhea in second place and Chronos third. That leaves only one point separating all three ships in the class in the cumulative standings with one race to left. In the schooner class, Charm III claimed first place again today, followed by Eros in second and Adventurer third. In the vintage and classic class, Bolero came first today, with Seefalke II and Petrana coming in tied second and The Blue Peter fourth. That puts Seefalke II in first place in the cumulative standings with The Blue Peter a point and a half back and Bolero only one point behind them. In the traditional class, Alani was first today with Genesis second and New Moon third creating a showdown in the final race as Genesis leads with six points, Alani one point back with seven and New Moon eight. In the Modern A class Legacy won today with Saida second and Longbow of Itchen third. In the cumulative standings Legacy leads Saida by one point going into the final race. In the spirit of tradition class, Eager won first place today with Chloe Giselle second and Freya third. Chloe Giselle leads in the cumulative standings going into the final race but Eager and Freya are tied for second only one point behind. Finally, in the Modern B class Jabberwock now has three first places giving them a four point lead in the cumulative standings over Encore, who held onto second with Blue Peter, the 1979 J-30, moving into third place.

With so many classes up for grabs on the last day there will be some spirited sailing in race four on Sunday. The full results can be seen here

114-foot Saharet of Tyre built in 1933 competing at her first Antigua Classics

At the 18th century Admirals Inn yesterday evening, English Harbour Rum generously hosted a rum tasting event sampling their older blends matured in different type wooden casks. This evening’s Open Mic Night promises to be a lot of fun where anyone can participate showing off their skills singing, dancing and entertaining the crowd.

Tomorrow is the last day of the fleet racing concluding with the late founder, Kenny Coombs’ famous Cannon race.  Afterwards the yachts will parade through the historic English Harbour Dockyard with running commentary giving the background history about all these amazing classic boats.  This spectacular parade can be best viewed from either the lawn in front of the Copper and Lumber Store or the restaurants opposite at Antigua Slipway.

One week countdown to Antigua Sailing Week 55

20 April, 2024

Hoist your sails for the 55th edition of Antigua Sailing Week. Even with less than 7 days to go, it’s not too late to enter, and join the fleet of 88 boats. Or if you are already on that roster but want an additional tune up day before, consider the separately scored 52 mile Peters & May Round Antigua Race.

For those fully committed to joining us, here is a rundown to ensure you make the best of your time in Antigua.

GET READY FOR THE SECOND EDITION OF THE ANTIGUA FOILING CHAMPIONSHIP

Antigua Sailing Week will be welcoming foiling enthusiasts, both local and visiting to participate in the 2nd Antigua Foiling Championships. It takes place from April 25 – April 27 to allow regatta crews, many of which are avid wingers, the opportunity to compete before they have to set sails for the main event.  This electrifying event promises to be a thrilling experience for all sailors and water sports enthusiasts.  You can still be a part of the fastest growing water sport as entries are still open.

REGATTA BUSINESS 
Login to Yachtscoring, our fully integrated entry and results system, to check  that that information submitted is correct and that you have completed the following:

  • Crew Waivers – all boats must have crew waivers completed for all crew before registration is complete.
  • Event Specific Questions – don’t overlook this section
  • Entry Fee Payment – have you paid? Alternatively, you can fill in credit card details here: https://sailingweek.com/payment/

Other important housekeeping include


OPTIONAL BRIEFINGS

  • iNET Racing Rules of Sailing Seminar – For any sailors wishing to learn or refresh themselves on the rules of participating in an international regatta. Conducted by International Judge David Pelling. Friday 26 April – 3pm – 5pm at Lucky Eddi’s.
  • iNET Bareboat Briefing -All bareboat charter sailors are invited to a briefing at to include a rundown of the week. Your bareboat charter company will keep you apprised of further plans and locations. Saturday 27 April – 3pm at Nelson’s Dockyard
  • iNET Skippers Briefing – We are happy to re-establish the traditional briefing for ALL skippers taking part in Antigua Sailing Week. Briefing will start at Saturday 27 April – 6pm at Lucky Eddi’s 

STAYING IN THE LOOP 
To keep abreast of the results – be sure to bookmark these online Notice Boards:

On a daily basis we broadcast to 4 What’s App Groups (updates only not conversation) – join them now by clicking the link & ensure you and your crew are up to date all week.

STAYING CONNECTED
Options are available for the week depending on your requirements from a sim for your phone with a local number or data, to options of a device that up to 10 other devices can share. Get in touch directly with our sponsors to find out the best deal for you and your crew.

  • Axxess Marine –  online/ in store specialized sim cards and data plans that keep you connected locally and throughout the region, as well as huge savings on crew sign up plans with free local calls between crew members and the capability of international calls as well. Order in advance via phone/whats app:ANU: +12687646817 or support@axxess-marine.com and visit www.axxess-marine.com for their full range of services. Buy now, logon to their portal and then activate and suspend services on demand.
  • iNET – sim cards, phones and data plans – call or +1 (268) 480-7532 or telecomssupport@apua.ag and visit www.apuainet.ag for their full range of services.

AXXESS MARINE YOUTH TO KEEL
We have had a great response from boats wishing to take a youth on board, in fact we don’t have enough youths at this stage to satisfy requests. We have sent introduction letters this week to skippers and potential Y2K sailors so that you can confirm plans directly with them. Thank you so much in advance for being a part of inspiring our young sailors and helping us develop their skills and interest in the yachting industry.


TECHNICAL GEAR ON SALE
Gill Technical Clothing, which is already in-store at Budget Marine locations, will be available at  our merchandise store at Antigua Yacht Club starting Wednesday April 24.  Branded Cotton polos, hats, gloves, knee pads and water bottles will also be on sale. The store will be open daily from 8:30 – 8pm.

THE ENGLISH HARBOUR RUM WELCOME PARTY – RUM & BASS – APRIL 26
This year the Rum party moves up the hill to Dow’s Hill Interpretation Centre. Starting at 5pm there will be free rum and an opportunity to claim your 2024 English Harbour Rum Hat. Stunning sun sets, live music and DJ’s and excellent Rum and food pairings will all create an incredible night at this new location for ASW parties.

POST RACE CELEBRATIONS – APRIL 27 – MAY 3 
On opening day, join Peters & May for its  Round Antigua Race, where the excitement begins! Whether you’re there to competitively race against top Olympic yachtsmen and women or simply soaking up the Caribbean’s beauty, Peters & May is here to cater to your every need. Mark your calendars for Saturday 27th April and be sure to attend the opening of Regatta Village and the Peters & May Round Antigua Race Prize Giving. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet the team and share your racing tales. With transatlantic sailings in April and May and customisable shipping schedules available, Peters & May ensures a seamless experience. Reach out today so you can focus all your attention on creating lasting memories in Antigua.


Dress to Impress 
Nothing says winning on shoreside more than sharply kitted out crew.  So we are asking all teams to remember to pack matching their most creative outfits to show-off during afternoons at the Antigua Yacht Club.

On opening night, in addition to the complimentary English Harbour Rum cocktail from Peters & May (redeem your ASW Gold given to you at registration for your glass of Antigua’s famous Gold, English Harbour Rum), we will have spot prizes for the most spirited uniforms. Plus in addition to letting the team spirit show we want the regatta village to hear that spirit. So, if you have a team anthem or song let us know what is in this Google form.

EXPANDED REGATTA VILLAGE

This year the regatta village is expanded from Antigua Yacht Club Lawn to include the platform at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina. Regatta village bars will open daily at 3pm serving up cold Heineken Beers and English Harbour Rum-punches. Daily prizegivings will still take place on the lawn at the Antigua Yacht Club at 6pm each afternoon. In the evenings, you will find LIVE entertainment from local bands with creative themes at the  Antigua Yacht Club Platform. 

The Antigua Yacht Club LAWN is where everyone is invited to gather daily to mingle with their closest rivals as the results are calculated. Eat from venue restaurants and enjoy the lawn bars, which will be stocked with ice-cold Heineken Beers, refreshing Oasis Water & English Harbour Rum. At 6 pm each day, we will run our daily prize giving. Be prepared to join race officials on stage to have your daily racing achievements recognised.

To CELEBRATE, we have an amazing lineup of evening entertainment scheduled at the AYC Marina PLATFORM. There are some fancy dress-up theme nights planned as well –  Pirate Nite, Tropical Shirt Nite, Reggae Nite and Ladies Nite in White –  so don’t forget to pack a few garments so you can fit right in. Check your closet for your cheesiest Tropical shirts, your bright Reggae Colors (Red Yellow Green), Classic white, or whimsical Pirate shirts, aka Jack Sparrow, and include them in your luggage.

Note that on Friday, May 3, the daily prize giving will be at 4 pm at the Officers’ Quarters at Nelson’s Dockyard. This will be the exact location for the FINAL awards ceremony, beginning at 7 pm. The bars will be stocked no matter where you and your crew wait for event results!

Reggae in the Park – Tuesday April 30
Legendary reggae performer Sanchez will step on stage for the 13th Reggae in the Park – now at a brand-new location, Dow’s Hill Interpretation Center, in English Harbour. This singer and producer rose to major fame in the reggae scenes of London and the Caribbean in the 90’s and is a favorite of Gen-X, Millenials and even teenagers.

The event will open at 5pm and will include a beautiful early sunset session with Hellsgate Steel Orchestra, DJ sets and food and drink on sale where you can enjoy the incredible views and take in the history of the Belvedere Ruins.

Homegrown opening acts will  include Antiguas party band 1761º, Kenne Blessin, Drastic and supported by sounds by DJ Illist and Exorcist International. Tickets are available online at the Antigua Sailing Week website or via the TICKETING  app and include General & All inclusive options.

Information for specially priced tickets for crews have been sent to skippers via Yachtscoring this week where they can buy in advance and pick up at the committee desk during registration.

Park and Ride in Falmouth and Shuttles from the marinas will ensure everyone can easily get to the venue and back again.

Lay Day – Wednesday May 1
Made for fun, this mid-regatta beach party is an all day affair. RS Sailing will present this year’s fun but intense RS Feva Challenge at Pigeon Point Beach. If you have what it takes, sign up for this activity or one of the many crew challenges.(link)
The fun starts at 11am, but if you are thinking of taking it easy on this “rest day,” we have arranged an extraordinary sailing of our Wadadli Cats Spectator boats to allow you to explore some of Antigua’s beautiful beaches leisurely. Book your tickets here.
If you choose to stay on the beach you can expect a full lineup of games in and out of  the water including obstacle courses, amphibious challenges, SUP rally, Giant Jenga, all to the sounds of our house DJ Who and friends.

At sunset have Tug O’ War is always our close out competition on Lay Day- teams of 8 plus (you can always recruit willing people from the beach). Let us know if your team is up for the challenge, using the Google form and note that teams don’t need to be sailors, as we are looking for everyone to get involved!  Remember entry is free & its all about the bragging rights winning cold Heinken or English Harbour Rum or ASW swag.

Or if chillaxing in a chic beach restaurant or beach bar  is more your speed, visit Catherine Cafe for champagne or Bumpkins for their famous pina-colada’s.

To see full schedule including times and locations visit the schedule page on our website or join the social whatapp.

SPECTATORS WELCOME HERE 
Friends and family accompanying you to the regatta can spend their leisure time in many ways. Antigua Sailing Week has organised multiple Chase the Race options for them to get out on the water to take in and document the racing. Check out the Chase the Race options by air and by sea here.  Booking in advance is highly recommended.

If you prefer a bespoke Chase experience, you can consider a day out on a private yacht. This private 40′ Catamaran from Sunsail  caters to up to 8 people with inclusive catering, bubbles, premium spirits, and treats. The activity starts at your leisure, in time to see the start of the race classes, then follows a plan you have arranged with your skipper and hostess.

POST SAILING WEEK 

With the end of Caribbean’s most famous regatta right around the corner, its time to consider what your onward plans look like. As the sun sets on another Caribbean regatta season consider the option of shipping your vessel  home or to the next race.  Peters & May can help you make the next steps easier. Discuss your shipping plans and requirements with them and discover the best options available to you.

ANTIGUA BARBUDA RESTAURANT WEEK
The 2nd annual Antigua and Barbuda’s Restaurant Week takes place from May 4-19 and features a myriad of restaurants on-island from fine dining to local food spots. Participating restaurants will offer lunch and/or dinner prix fixe menus and experiences at a fixed price of USD $25, $50, or $75.  If you will be on island for extra days of rest & relaxation, it’s definitely worth trying. For details of participating restaurants check: https://www.antiguabarbudarestaurantweek.com/

DOWNLOAD THE  ANTIGUA SAILING GUIDE 

Better Every Day at the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta

19 April, 2024

The second race day of the 35th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta was a vast improvement with a gentle 7-8 knots of breeze from the South-East, and with the flat seas from the previous calmer day made it almost perfect sailing conditions. In the dockyard after racing, Richard West, owner of schooner Charm III commented “Nice gentle breeze, beautiful sailing, everyone having a good time, what more could you want?” Casey Fasciano, captain of Bolero, the 1949 famous S&S racing yawl, said “We have a good crew and a great boat, fantastic.” Sarah Schelbert, owner of Alani, Gurnery sloop from Grenada, commented on today’s race, “I really like the course, the Butterfly course is always fun and it was a good day out there.” Jill Jinks owner of Athena, Sou’wester 59 was celebrating her first time racing at Antigua Classics with champagne and enthused, “It was just fabulous, we’re delighted, we can’t wait to get back out there tomorrow.” Jason on the West Indies sloop Summer Cloud said “it was a fantastic day, lovely racing today, I can’t complain, we always have fun.”

Norwind, 85′ classic yawl (1939) and West Indies sloop New Moon

 

Positions today changed a lot during the race which made it exciting and the results are very close over two days of racing. In the schooner class, Charm III is first, Eros second and Adventurer third. In the vintage and classic class, Seefalke II and Blue Peter are tied first and Bolero third. In the traditional class, Genesis came in first today moving them up from third to first, with Summer Cloud and New Moon tied second. Modern A class Saida and Legacy are tied first, and tied second are Brazilian Aurora IV, Swan 55 and Bowman 49 Yemaya. In the spirit of tradition class, Chloe Giselle and Freya are tied first, and Eager is third. Finally, in modern B class Jabberwok, Encore and High Tide are running first, second and third. With two more days of racing, plenty can change. The full results can be seen here and Aquafilm’s video of today’s racing is posted on Facebook and Instagram.

Yesterday evening, our generous sponsors English Harbour Rum and Red Stripe Beer, donated free happy hour drinks and entertainment was provided by colourful Caribbean stilt walkers, dancers and a fire-eater with a slide show of today’s racing shots. Tomorrow the racing will continue with the new Caterpillar race which is the reverse of today’s Butterfly course and the forecast is looking good for even more wind.

Classics Starts Next Week

13 April, 2024

The 35th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, with its unique blend of sport, tradition, camaraderie and maritime heritage, starts next Wednesday, April 17th and promises to be an unforgettable experience for all who attend. The racing will be held off the scenic south coast of the island while the onshore events will be in Nelson’s Dockyard, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is dripping in history.

With the largest registered fleet of classic boats since 2014, this year’s regatta is poised to be a truly spectacular event. From the 177-foot sister ships Chronos and Rhea to the 29-foot Falmouth quay punt, Phoebe of Fowey, a diverse range of vessels will grace the waters off Antigua’s picturesque shores. The beautiful 70-foot custom cutter Galatea built in 1899 will be the oldest yacht on the water while Chloe Giselle, a spirit of tradition sloop built in 2014 with long overhangs, low profiles and smooth lines that gives her the look of a classic 1930’s yacht, will be the youngest. There is also an impressive line of other yachts including the magnificent 115-foot staysail schooner Eros, the majestic 114-foot ketch Saharet of Tyre, the three-masted square topsail schooner Alvei, the marconi yawl Nordwind built by the German navy in 1939, the legendary racing yawl Bolero, The Blue Peter who will be back for her tenth Classic Regatta, the beautiful schooners Charm III and Adventurer and a fleet of local Carriacou sloops as well as a host of others making this a fantastic fleet.

An eruption of primping and polishing is expected in Nelson’s Dockyard before judging of the Concours d’Elégance gets underway on Wednesday afternoon. A team of prestigious judges, led by Jane Coombs, wife of the Regatta founder Kenny Coombs, will inspect the meticulously maintained classic yachts and have the unenviable task of selecting the winners.

Racing begins Thursday morning and the boats and crews will test their mettle on the Classic Regatta’s tried and true courses. Racing continues through Sunday before the skippers try their hands at multi-tasking in the single-handed race on Monday. The winners will be awarded a barrel of English Harbour Rum at the Awards Ceremony on Monday night.

Sponsors English Harbour Rum and Red Stripe Beer will light the fuse on a jam-packed social schedule at the Welcome Party on Wednesday night. There is a happy hour after the racing every night of the regatta where sailors will be entertained with steel drums, stilt walkers and a fire eater at Caribbean Night, an Open Mic Night and a Rain Gutter Regatta where teams from each yacht build a ten-inch boat and race it down a rain gutter. Sunday afternoon during the Parade of Classics, visitors can take in the timeless beauty of these yachts as they pass through English Harbour. Viewing tents with food and beverage service will be set up on the lawn in front of the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel. Monday afternoon the focus shifts to the Admiral’s Inn for the Cream Tea and Gig Racing. After the evening Prize-Giving Ceremony, join us for dinner on the lawn outside Copper and Lumber and remember to put on your dancing shoes to dance the night away under the swaying palms.

96-year old Charm III, 50-foot staysail schooner

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is a unique blend of elegance and adrenaline, celebrating the timeless beauty of classic yachts and the spirit of competitive sailing. World-renowned for the beautiful yachts that participate as well as the camaraderie of those that sail them, it is a place where friendships form, sea stories are swapped and indelible memories are made. We cannot wait to see the sailors, our enthusiastic volunteers, generous sponsors and gifted photographers. We extend a warm Antiguan welcome to all who join us so buckle up and enjoy the ride!

For more information visit https://antiguaclassics.com/

For more information please visit www.antiguaclassics.com
Email Regatta Coordinator at antiguaclassicsregatta@gmail.com

The Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is the premier classic sailing event of the Caribbean attracting a large number of Classics every year from all around the world. In its 35th edition this year, the event enjoys a wonderful variety of competitors including traditional craft from the islands, vintage and classic ketches, sloops, schooners and yawls making the bulk of the fleet along with the more newly-built Spirit of Tradition yachts and Modern Classics.

Winners Named @ 50th St. Thomas International Regatta

31 March, 2024

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Spinnakers popped up on the horizon like Easter bonnets on parade during the third and final day of racing in the 50th St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR). The breeze, blowing 10 to 17 knots, gave a glimpse of its traditional easterly tradewinds direction today, a change from the unusual westerly winds that gave sailors a tactical run for their money during the regatta’s first two days. While the IC24 Class raced round-the-buoys in Great Bay, the rest of the fleet sailed a nearly 14 nm course that wove round-the-rocks across Pillsbury Sound to the north and south of St. John and back. In the end, Flying Jenny, Apollo, Exodus, Wild T’ing, Bill T and OT the App were class winners.

Photo: Flying Jenny, foreground, wins the CSA 1 Class, with second place ShotGunn (middle) and third place M2 (far right). Credit Ingrid Abery.

The winner of the CSA 1 Class, filled with One-Design Cape 31s, wasn’t decided until the last leg of the one race of the day and the last of the regatta.

“We knew whoever won would win the regatta,” says Rob Greenhalgh, tactician aboard class champ and USA-based Flying Jenny. “There was a hard fight at the start, and we won it by being at the pin end. That was the key for us. However, it was still a battle as the wind changed halfway through the course from off Moravian Point up to Henly Cay. But we crossed the finish line a minute before the other boats in our class.”

The UK’s Michael Wilson’s ShotGunn placed second, with the USA’s Marc McMorris on M2, third.

The third time sailing STIR proved a charm for the USA’s Donald Nicholson’s J121, Apollo, in the CSA 2 Class.

“We had a well-prepared boat, fabulous crew, fair winds, good luck, and the magic of the STIR regatta,” says Nicholson, as to the secret to Apollo’s success. “We’ll be back.”

The USA’s Trinity IV, a J42 with crew from Tennessee finished second, and the UK-based race charter Beneteau First 40.7, Escapado, third.

In CSA 3, it was Puerto Rico’s Keki Figueroa driving his Melges 24, Exodus, which capped the class. It was a podium position in which Figueroa was familiar.

“I won the Hobie class here twenty years ago,” says Figueroa. “We sailed an IC24 for a while and now the Melges. My crew and I have been together for a long time. Between that and constantly watching the wind is what gave us the advantage.”

Photo: Puerto Rico’s Keki Figueroa wins the CSA Spinnaker 3 Class. Credit Dean Barnes.

Team St. Maarten Island Water World, another Melges 24 with Jan Bus driving ended the regatta as class runner-up. Puerto Rico’s Julio Reguero’s J35, Umakau, finished third.

St. Thomas sailor, Lawrence Aqui, raced his Dufour 40, Wild T’ing, to the top of the CSA Non-Spinnaker Class.

Photo: Wild T’ing, a Dufour 40 owned by St. Thomas’ Lawrence Aqui, wins the CSA Non Spinnaker Class. Credit Dean Barnes.

“Our team has been sailing together over a decade,” says Aqui. “That means we know the boat well, what it can and can’t do well to go fast. Local knowledge definitely helped, especially avoiding the shallows around the islands.”

In second place was Hotel California Too, the USA’s Steve Schmidt’s Santa Cruz 70, while Trinity VI, the USA’s David McDonough’s J40, ended third.

The One-Design IC24 Class proved the biggest of STIR with 15 boats and was the class that did the most races with 13 total over three days. St. Thomas’ two-time Olympian, Cy Thompson, on Bill T, successfully defended his class-winning title.

“We had conditions this weekend that no one had seen before, but many of the same crew, so our team was spot on for the transitions,” says Thompson, whose crew was Maurice Kurg, Eric Cusin, Spencer LeGrande, and Emma Walters.

Photo: IC24 Class Winner Bill T. L to R: Maruice Kurg, Cy Thompson, Emma Walters, Eric Cusin, Spencer LeGrande. Credit Ingrid Abery.

PJ’s Magic Coffee Bus, chartered to race STIR by Guy Williams from New Orleans, placed second. In third was St. Croix Peter Stanton’s Big Island.

Finally, the St. Thomas Sailing Center, the racing arm of the STIR-host St. Thomas Yacht Club, chartered its Hobie Waves for STIR in addition to IC24s. Nine Waves teams raced over two days with St. Thomas’ Chris Curreri first on OT the App.

“I liked the heavier breeze today and capitalized on it. It was a tough class but a lot of fun,” says Curreri who previously won the IC24 Class in STIR.

St. Thomas’ double-handers 12-year-old Will Zimmerman and 11-year-old Finn Hodgins, ended as the runners-up with the USA’s Mike Compton’s Mike’s Windsurfing rounding out third.

For full STIR results, visit yachtscoring.com/event_results_cumulative.cfm?eID=16227

Strong Sponsor Support

STIR organizers thank the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism; The Moorings; Milagro Tequila, Bacardi Rum, Stoli Vodka, and Leatherback Brewing, distributed by the West Indies Company; Cardow Jewelers, K3, and Ocean Surfari for their strong sponsor support.

STIR 2024 is a Sailors for the Sea Clean Regatta, with green initiatives such as paperless event management and a water refill station.

For more information, visit www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com, Email: manager@stthomasyachtclub.org or Regatta Co-Director Pat Bailey at simpleislandboy51@gmail.com, or call (340) 775-6320. Check STIR out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stirvi), Twitter @stirvi, and Instagram #STIRVI

 

Media contact:

Carol Bareuther

Tel: (340) 998-3650

Email: bareuther@earthlink.net

Skype: Carol.Bareuther

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© Caribbean Sailing Association 2018