2016 Valentine's Regatta, Antigua - Day 1
by Louay Habib 14 Feb 2016 06:07 GMT
12-16 February 2016
Turquoise Treat
The first day of racing at the 2016 Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta was held in one Antigua's most beautiful locations. Five Island Harbour is renowned for its clear turquoise water and stunning coastline with rolling green hills and remote white sandy beaches. The sheltered location, just outside Jolly Harbour, produces flat water conditions but the wind oscillated sporadically during the day, with the wind speed pumping up from 15 to 20 knots. With the wind in the south, the higher hills of the west coast of Antigua produced unstable conditions and when the wind backed to the east, stability returned, as well as the wind speed whipping up to 20 knots. 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 scored two bullets and a second to lead after the first day's racing by three points from Lucy Jones' First 40 Southern Child – Performance Charter. Jonty Layfield's J/11S Sleeper was third.
"A fabulous day for everyone." smiled Pamala Baldwin. "I think about the cold weather back home in New York and I just think we are all so lucky to be sailing in such a beautiful location with gorgeous weather. This is the first real regatta of the season for Liquid but we have been racing with Jolly Harbour Yacht Club for several months now. The team isn't always the same but we have been spending some time on the water and maybe that showed to day. Winning is always nice but I just love to go sailing, whether it is cruising or racing. I hope we do well tomorrow but we will enjoy it all the same."
CSA Two
Highly competitive racing in CSA Two produced a three-way tie for the lead at the end of the first day with Geoffrey Pidduck's Six Meter, Biwi Magic, Hans Lammers Luders Yawl, Frolic and Tanner & Shari Jones' J/30 Caribbean Alliance Insurance, all taking a win to day. However after racing, Biwi Magic was disqualified from Race Two, giving Frolic a single point lead after three races from Caribbean Alliance Insurance with Biwi Magic in third.
CSA Three
Terry Alan's Grand Soleil 343, Volare swept to two straight victories to start the regatta in fine style but a fifth in Race 3, pegged the team back to end the day level on points with Tim Richards Chilli Chilli. Tony Sayer's First 42, Augustine had a consistent day to finish third just a point behind the joint leaders. John Wills' Sweden 42, Ocean Harmony scored two podium finished today to stay in touch with the leaders.
In the Pocket Class, Robbie Ferron's Jeanneau 20, Budget Marine Micron 99, won all three of today's races. However, Trish Webster, racing Hawk 20, Miss Bliss double handed, came close to winning the last race of the day; just 31 seconds behind on corrected time.
Last night's Mount Gay Red Cap party was the start of great shoreside entertainment at Jolly Harbour Marina with competitors enjoying a taste of the world famous Mount Gay Rum with delicious canapés served by residents of the Jolly Harbour community. The party continues tonight with Curtly Ambrose (405 test wickets for West Indies) playing bass for his band Spirited in The Square at Westpoint Bar. Racing continues tomorrow with three more races scheduled for the second day of the Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta.
For full results visit regattaguru.com/valentines/100174