Good Caribbean trade wind
conditions blessed the classic regatta fleet this
year. The winds averaged 18 to 25 knots and the
seas 4 to 6 ft. This allowed everybody to sail a
near perfect race. The entry list was smaller
this year due to the fact that many of our
regular visitors are cruising The Pacific for the
Americas Cup, and the dates fell on Easter
weekend, which effected many owners' plans.
Thanks to our reliable
sponsors, W Class Yachts, Mount Gay Rum, Charles
Heidsieck Champagne, Boat International
Magazines, Doyle Sails, Antigua Yacht Club
Marina, Cable & Wireless Caribbean Cellular,
Antigua Brewery Ltd., Seahorse Studios, Tropical
Studios, Aboard Refrigeration, and a few local
donations, the event was a great success.
The Boat International
sponsored "Concours Elegance" was a
wonderful collection of beautiful yachts, with
"Thendara" winning the overall prize.
Among the other winners were
"Braveheart", "Kathleen",
"Highlander Sea" and "Christina
Grant". "Atlantide` won the newly
established Classic Motor Yacht category.
On the water, the
Herreschoff schooner "Mariette" won the
best elapsed time trophies for both the Vintage
and Schooner classes, the J Class
"Endeavour" won Classics Class,
Wild Horses was fastest
in the Spirit of Tradition Class, and Tree of
Life was the fastest Traditional Boat.
The winners in class
were; "Mariette" winning the Schooner
Class, "Tree of Life" winning the
Traditional Class, the Major Sponsors yacht
"Wild Horses" won the Spirit of
Tradition Class, the mighty "Endeavour"
won the Classics Class, and
"Thendara" the
Vintage Class. The Yachting World Trophy for
Overall Best Elapsed time went to
"Endeavour" and the Wayfarer Marine
Trophy for First Overall went to
"Thendara".
This year's Tall Ships
Class was participated by 5 ships. "Star
Clipper", "H.M.S.Rose", "Sir
Robert Powell", "Highlander Sea"
and "Aquarius". "Sir Robert Baden
Powell" won the race on corrected time.
"Highlander Sea" was the fastest and
"Star Clipper" won the Tall Ships World
Peace Cup for the second time in its 3-year
existence.
The Gig Racing was well
attended at the Admirals Inn and everyone enjoyed
the fun and cream teas. The other notable event
onshore was the impromptu blues jam session at
the Yacht Club under the leadership of guitarist
Laurie Stephens. The talent was excellent and the
music played on into the next day. The first
Parade of Classics into English
Harbour on Easter Monday
was thoroughly enjoyed by spectators and
participants alike. Nelson's Dockyard provided a
fitting backdrop to these magnificent vessels.
This year's regatta was
a friendly gathering of fine yachts of all sizes
and origins and people sharing a common love of
old boats and a seafaring heritage. Next years
event will be a big one again, with the return of
the boats in the pacific and with the arrival of
several new classics being completed. See you
there.
Kenny Coombs
Chairman
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