ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA

Monday, April 18, 2011

FALMOUTH -

Today's fourth and final race of the 2011 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta was all set to top a week of competitive racing, on-shore celebrations and dockside parties for which this regatta is world renowned.  Competitor's expectations for a flying finish however were not too high this morning, on waking to a forecast of just 4 - 8 knots of wind!

There was nevertheless the promise of a light breeze as the first classes started the shortened Butterfly course and few would have believed at that stage that the race would have to be abandoned soon after 1.00 pm.  The decision was made as the fleet became staggered around the course in varying minimal wind conditions including 'holes' of near zero wind creating potentially dangerous situations between yachts drifting aimlessly and in often close proximity to one another.  Although disappointing to those fleeter members of the regatta who were close to the finishing line, the committee's decision to abandon the race was well accepted by all and in good spirit. 

The Antigua Yacht Club Marina docks are emptying this evening as participating yachts move to Nelson's Dockyard to take advantage of the complimentary dockage generously offered by the Antigua National Parks. Upstairs at the Antigua Yacht Club a relaxed atmosphere prevails as the previous three race day results are discussed and formulated. A fabulous special edition Panerai watch made exclusively for the regatta awaits presentation to the overall winner to be announced at tomorrow evening's prize-giving on the lawns of the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in historic Nelson's Dockyard.  In addition to this special edition timepiece, Officine Panerai have created an official watch of the regatta which, as part of the Panerai range, is offered for sale at the Panerai Hospitality Suite located in Antigua Yacht Club Marina.

Tonight with no official parties planned restaurants and bars in the English Harbour and Falmouth area are set to enjoy some good business as friend's old and new get together for a crew night out ashore.