| The 16th Antigua Classic Yacht
Regatta lived up to the reputation of this amazing annual
sailing event. As always there was a wonderful mix of classic
yachts – fewer Fife’s than last year perhaps,
but with John Alden designs featuring strongly. The star
of the regatta was undoubtedly Eleonora. This new 135ft
schooner was built to the lines of the famous Herreshoff
schooners and was inspired by the schooner Westward. With
wide sweeping decks, traditional gaff rig and beautiful
craftsmanship throughout she is one of the most unique modern
classics and not surprisingly won several trophies including
the overall winner of the Concours d’Elegance and
Most Photogenic Yacht.
Among the other luxurious superyachts (100ft plus) in the
Spirit of Tradition class, it was good to see again Sapphire
the 100ft Andre Hoek sloop, the schooner Windrose and the
gracious Victoria of Strathearn. Velsheda was the only J
class yacht in the regatta this year although it is hoped
that next year all four (including the new Ranger) could
be here. The Spirit of Tradition Class B had five entrants
including two new Bruce King sloops Patriot and Misconduct
racing against Braveheart of Sark, a regular entry looked
as stunning as ever.
There was an exceptional turn-out in the Classic B class,
including the very pretty Lone Fox the 1957, 65ft ketch
designed by Robert Clark and Zwerver the 1956 Marconi Cutter.
Lucia, a 1940 John Alden yawl previously known as Id, was
back in the Caribbean after a seven year absence, and won
several trophies. The smallest yacht in the regatta was
Crystal which collected several trophies including the Best
Performance of a Gaff rigged yacht. The hull of this 28ft
cutter was built by Francis Herreshoff, but the yacht was
only recently finished by her current owner Oliver Greensmith.
Oliver had previously helped his father build the 37ft yawl
Usquaebach, which also participated in the regatta. There
were two entries again in the Tall Ship class. Star Clipper
was joined this year by the three year old sail training
ship Stavros S. Niarchos.
The classic single-handed race sponsored by Carib Bean
Coffee Roasters took place on Friday. This growing event
within the Classic Yacht Regatta, now only in its 4th year
always receives a wonderful response from classic yachtsmen
and a record 18 yachts turned out in fairly windy conditions.
In the big boat class for yachts of up to 75ft there were
an amazing six entrants; the 70ft Vittfarne raced by Luke
Danby was the winner. In the small boat class, the winner
for a second time was Diva the 30 sq. metre yacht built
in 1930 and raced by Dr. Robin Tattersall.
The standard of sailing was excellent with exceptional
conduct by everyone on the racecourse. The courses were
the usual configurations with a new Comfort Zone optional
short course introduced this year for the slower yachts.
The first day of racing took place in fairly strong winds
and produced some thrilling sailing. Day two, was ideal,
although by day three the wind was dying and some 13 yachts
elected to complete the shortened course. The Spirit of
Tradition yachts, which normally do an extended course on
the last day, also all opted to complete just the regular
course.
In the Concours d’Elegance sponsored by Boat International
Magazine, the prizes awarded were: Traditional Division:
Irene, the 120ft trading vessel built in 1907 by J Carver
& sons and looking impressive in her new colour scheme;
Spirit of Tradition: Eleonora; Vintage: Marilee; Classic
Class: Zwerver with Golondrina the 1958 Concordia Yawl deserving
special mention.
On the social side of the regatta, the Welcome Party at
the yacht club was warm and friendly. The Owners’
Party held again at the Inn at English Harbour and was another
delightful evening coinciding with a Crew Party hosted at
Jimmy’s Restaurant. Then on the Saturday evening,
the sing-a-long at the Antigua Yacht Club was great fun
with music and participation from the crowd. On Tuesday
the Gig Racing in front of the Admiral’s Inn was great
fun as ever for kids of all ages and with the tea on the
lawn this was a relaxed, informal and delightful way of
spending the final afternoon before the later prize giving.
Behind the scenes, the Regatta ran very well due to the
efforts of the organizers and all the volunteer helpers.
Very special thanks go to the Sponsors who this year included:
Silver Sponsors: Mount Gay Distillers and W-Class Yacht
Company; Bronze Sponsors: Antigua Yacht Club Marina, Cable
& Wireless, Boat International, Sjoo Sandstrom, Star
Clippers, Island Provisions Ltd., Discovery at Marigot Bay
and Formula Yacht Spars; Copper Sponsors: Jimmy’s
Restaurant, Seahorse Studios, Woodstock Boatbuilders, Seagull
Services and Chippy Woodworker. For Mount Gay Distillers
this is a special year - their 300th anniversary - and to
mark this they have organized a special draw for a John
Cray print. Pasaat, the winner of the draw at this regatta
will now go into a worldwide draw with winners from all
of the other Mount Gay sponsored sailing events. The Mt.
Gay Rum Trophy was awarded to the winner of the most competitive
class which this year was the Classic class and was won
by Zwerver along with the trophy was awarded the Sjoo Sandstrom
“Ocean Racing Chronograph.”
Finally, very special thanks to Mr John Spenlinhauer for
the use of his motor yacht Tivoli as Committee Boat and
of course to all 51 yachts and Tall Ships which entered
the regatta, making this another great success.
Liz Marlow |
