ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA

Grey morning skies and heavy rain showers thankfully cleared in the nick of time as the first class in the 25th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta crossed the start line of the 20 mile ‘Old Road’ course. With a gentle breeze gradually building throughout the latter part of the morning full sails were set to enjoy the variable 10-15 knot wind conditions. The sea states were kind too and as the sun came out in the early afternoon the entire fleet of 56 yachts with all sails flying provided some picture perfect photographic opportunities.
 
Despite the damp start and variable and challenging wind strength the warm hearted spirit of the regatta pervaded with much enthusiastic buzz as the captains and crew gathered for the posting of the results this evening. “Following a patchy start, it only got better and better as the day went on!” so said the crew of one of the smallest entries - the 26’ cutter Cora - sailed by Jane Coombes. Whereas the crew of the famous1961 ketch Stormvogel were not alone in commenting that an extra 5 knots would have been good! However everyone enjoyed the days challenging conditions to the full with crew having to exercise wind varying tactics to gain every conceivable advantage over their opposition in class none more so than Charm 111in the schooner class whose crew enjoyed a “great last upwind leg”.

As the sun went down, old friend of the regatta Marty Reno was joined by Ross on the trumpet and the mate on Elena on guitar who happens to be his son Dave! Thus was the happy crowd of revelers entertained on the Yacht Club lawn at the Dark and Stormy Sundowner Party courtesy of generous Gold Sponsor, Mount Gay Rum. The Single Handed Prize Giving eventually took place under the stars. This is a great occasion with the Single Handed trophies being awarded to Sunshine and Kate respectively.
 
The ‘History of Eilean on Show in Antigua’ exhibition opened yesterday. Staged to celebrate Eilean’s return to Antigua, Officine Panerai has promoted and organised a special multimedia exhibition that documents through videos, touch screens and photographs, not to mention original parts of the yacht, the story of the recovery and restoration that has brought Eilean back to the original splendour of the design byWilliam Fife III. This stunning exhibition is staged inside Nelson’s Dockyard at the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel.