CARIBBEAN SAILING AT ITS FINEST Tuesday 22nd April 2025
The first full fleet day of racing started at the 2025 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta with the finest of Caribbean sailing conditions. Starting with gusty 18-20 knots of south-easterly winds with looming grey clouds, the breeze then settled down to a steady 12-15 knots from the east with perfect clear blue skies and a moderate sea state. The race was delayed for half an hour as the beautiful classic committee boat, Marie (137' steel motor yacht built in 1930) dragged its anchor in the swell.
When the 37' Falmouth working boat Arro came in from the 18-mile Old Road Course, the owner and builder Mark Cann commented "It was great, loved it, we hit 8.1 knots. The difference between racing here and Cornwall (UK) is that when a wave washes over the rail and soaks the crew, they don't scream".
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Aidan McCauley, owner of the 40' traditional Carriacou sloop Navasana, said "We were great today, it was our conditions, we've been practicing and it finally paid off. Good trade winds and a bit of a swell. We're keeping tradition alive and love sailing her. Our competitors are both old friends and rivals".
Luc Declercq of the 114' ketch Saharet of Tyre, remarked "the condtions were fantastic and the crew was perfect. Saharet is nearly 100 years old but she's sailing like a young lady".
Carlo Facone's Cacca alla Volpe came first in the Modern Classics A class, Tanner Jones and his young crew on Absolute Properties Blue Peter came first in Modern Classics B, Paul Deeth's Petrana was first today in Classic GRP class, Don Ward's Freya was first in Spirit of Tradition, Aiden McCauley on Navasana was first in Traditional class, Matthew Barker's The Blue Peter was first in Vintage class, Richard West's Charm III first in Schooner class and Sailing Classic's Rhea was first in Tall Ships. Full results of today's racing can be seen here
Tonight the racing crowd will be enjoying the Caribbean evening in historic Nelson's Dockyard stilt walkers, fire eater, dancing and plenty of English Harbour rum and Red Stripe beer.
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