ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

This event was held as tradition, the third Saturday in January. On Saturday, January 21st, 2017 nine boats took part in two classes; A and B.

Unfortunately the wind gods did not oblige (January in Antigua)  and it was not possible to sail right around the island. However an alternate shorter, but open sea course of 26 miles was laid to Indian Town Point (Devil’s Bridge) and back.  In the very light and fickle winds prevailing even this proved much and too long for the Class B cruiser class of whom nobody finished and times were taken at the first rounding mark at Green Island for a result.

However the four Race boats in Class A had a good race except Liquid who managed to finish within the 5.30 time limit.

Class B sailed slowly and pleasantly as far as Green Island before mutually agreeing to turn around, and by 3:30 pm when it was obvious that no one would get home by 5.30 pm, engines were turned on.

Taz caught a fish, the bottom was visible at 60 feet, the sea was calm, and a very pleasant day out was enjoyed by all. The prize giving party in the evening held at Antigua Yacht Club was also thoroughly enjoyed. Richard Archer, skipper of winning boat (Regardless) won his weight in Rum, kindly sponsored by Antigua Distillery and  also the “Sleeper Trophy” as Overall Winner. A big thank you from the AYC to Antigua Distillery. Unfortunately the “Sizzling Bacon Trophy” for the fastest Elapsed Time (Rebel – Sir Hugh Bailey) could not be awarded this year as that is allocated for racing ‘right around the island’

Other silly games were played; Team Cricket won the Tug-of-War,  Sandy Mair won the Penny Pottiing,

Richard Fear won the rude golf, and to great applause, Miss Regardless looking very sexy and beautiful was crowned “Queen” for a year. The other ladies sulked and pouted, their obvious beauty not being properly appreciated by judges Robbie Cook and JoJo. English Harbour Radio provided music and a live broadcast of the evening and promised the Yacht Club some “serious advertising” for next year’s event.

Results:

Class A and Overall

• First               REGARDLESS   Capt. Richard Archer        Corrected Time      344. 86 mins.
• Second          REBEL               Capt. Sir Hugh Bailey                                          372.58 mins.
• Third              TAZ                    Capt. Bernie Evan-Wong                                   385.81 mins.
• Fourth           LIQUID                Capt Pamela Baldwin                                         DNF

Class B

• First              SEAFALKE           Capt Ollie Greensmith
• Second          CALYPSO            Capt Steve Carson
• Third              SLEEPER 10       Capt. Vicky Layfield
• Fourth           MAGIC                  Capt.  Peter
• Fifth               CRICKET              Capt  Sandy Mair

AYC thanks all competitors, both sailing and shoreside, and particularly their sponsor - Antigua Distillery for their generous support.  And of course huge thanks to Clare and her team as Race Officer.