2016 Valentine's Regatta, Antigua - Day 2
by Louay Habib 14 Feb 2016 21:25 GMT
12-16 February 2016
Blustery at Jolly Harbour
The second day of racing at the 2016 Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta was held just outside Jolly Harbour Marina, unsettled weather with numerous squalls provided difficult conditions for race officer, Paul Miller and the competing yachts. With gusts of wind topping out at 25 knots, boat handling was at a premium today and those competitors that stayed under control reaped the rewards.Three races were held for all four classes racing under the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) rating rule.
CSA One
Pamala Baldwin's J/122, Liquid remains top of the class but the day's best performer was Jonty & Vicky Layfield's J/11S Sleeper, taking two wins and a second, lifting the team into second for the regatta. Performance Yacht Charter's First 40, Southern Child, skippered by Lucy Jones had another consistent day but drops to third.
CSA Two
Three very competitive races resulted in a change of leader for the regatta with Tanner & Shari Jones' J/30, Caribbean Alliance Insurance now leading on count back from Hans Lammers' Luders Yawl, Frolic. Sandy Mair's First 35, Cricket had a better day scoring three podium finishes to finish the day in third place for the regatta.
"Frolic has a great crew and we do this for fun and we certainly are enjoying the Valentine's Regatta. We are up against lighter and nimbler boats, so tomorrow we will be hoping for plenty of upwind and tight reaching angles and we need plenty of wind, so I really hope it blows tomorrow."
CSA Three
Tony Sayer's First 42, Augustine had a great day on the water, winning the last two races to jump from third overnight to lead the class after six races. Tim Richards' Chilli Chill scored three podium finishes to claim second in class with Terry Alan's Grand Soleil 343, Volare in third. The racing in CSA Three is incredibly tight, 13 seconds and ten seconds on corrected time, decided the winners of two of today's races.
"We were thrilled with our performance today, Augustine is going like a witch upwind and Daniel our Dominican crew is really calling the tacks well. The boat loves hard conditions and I hope that we get the same tomorrow, I just hope the crew have enough energy left."
Pocket Class
Robbie Ferron's Jeanneau 20, Budget Marine Micron 99, kept up their winning ways with three more wins. "Myself and Cary used to run this regatta and we love it." said Robbie Ferron. "Flat water and good breeze and an interesting coastline with plenty of shifts, which are hard to read."
Last night's live performance by top reggae band Spirited, led by Antiguan cricket legend Curtly Ambrose, was a fantastic occasion with hundreds of people dancing in The Square at Jolly Harbour Marina. Tonight's entertainment is going to be just as good with Antiguan sensation Asha Otto & Itchy Feet, performing live and free to the public.
For full results visit regattaguru.com/valentines/100174