On the fourth and final race of the 2018 ACYR, boats in the lead set off hoping to hold it, while the rest of the fleet went out in full battle mode. Weather predictions for light winds were replaced with a sky of cranky squalls and rain. Coupled with the longest upwind leg of the Regatta, rails were down, and boat speed up.
44’ Frolic was bested by only 56 seconds
79’ Mariella took the lead today over 64’ Mary Rose in Vintage Class A. 46’ Janley out sailed 65’ The Blue Peter in corrected time in Vintage Class B. 115’ Aschanti IV sailed the entire week in first place in Classics Class A. 52’ Mah Jong took first in the Classics Class B. For the fourth day, 40’ Free Spirit came in first in Classics Class C. Today in Traditional Class, first place was claimed by Free in St. Barth. The tightest contest was between 50’ Petrana, besting 44’ Frolic by 56 seconds. The Tall Ship Class winner was 157’ Chronos. For full race results see www.antiguaclassics.com.
Three cheers for the 42’ Carriacou sloop Genesis
Three cheers for the 42’ Carriacou sloop Genesis after spending the night in the boatyard ER. The operation to repair a rudder post was successful, thanks to a team of wood doctors and epoxy specialists. She made the start and sailed a very tight race.
There was a hair raising close encounter between 141’ Columbia and 36’ Sweetheart
Yesterday there was a hair raising close encounter between 141’ Columbia and 36’ Sweetheart prompting the exchange of a case of champagne. When they met today at the leeward mark, Columbia’s Captain, Seth Salzmann, quipped, “On no, not again,” but they all rounded and went on their merry way.
The scene last night on the dock near 70’ Vendia was nothing short of magic. Their makeshift Dark and Stormy bar, mood lighting and entertainment aloft by aerial dancer Nichole Raab were old-school ACYR. The Gentleman’s Race was alive and well at other impromptu gatherings: at the spectacular Acquafilms on-the-water video racing replay at the Antigua Yacht Club Marina; and with a movie screen suspended between two Carriacou sloops for a showing of the movie Vanishing Sail.
Winners at Sunday’s Classic Vehicle Rendezvous Competition in Nelson’s Dockyard were: in the car division, 1965 Morris Minor owned by Addison Workman; in the motorcycle class, the Harley Davidson Softail owned by Bob Low.
The sail-training schooner Ocean Star
Despite a day of salty, wet work, captains and crew cleaned up impressively well and were last seen heading to the Main Prize Giving on the lawn of the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard, English Harbour. Prior to handing out a stage of glittery awards, guests will be treated to a slide show of images submitted during the week by the army of talented photographers who joined us this year. This last evening of celebrating traditional vessels and the sailors who love them will include DJ music on the main stage, spirits from Mount Gay Rum and Wadadli Beer and an endless supply of sea stories.
Racing tomorrow shifts gears and venues. The big boats take the day off while gigs, dinghies and a medley of small craft head to the Admirals Inn in Nelson’s Dockyard. Rowing, sculling and sailing races, all with few rules, will entertain spectators at the Gig Racing and Cream Teas from 2pm onwards.
