ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA

Little did we know there was so much musical talent amongst this year s race competitors and crew until all was revealed at Saturday night's memorable Musical Night at the Antigua Yacht Club!

Acts included 'Old Bob' sea shanties,  My Favourite Things  sung by eight year old Seline from 'Lone Fox', an ad-lib keyboard player, some very talented guitarists and female vocalists and a fabulous local band rounding off the evening with violin, double bass, Brazilian vocalist and some incredibly talented guitar playing and many more fabulous musical and singing acts in between.

Add to this line up a couple of raunchy dance routines performed by local ladies  dance group,  Attitude  (which happens to include our very own yacht club commodore!) and you truly have a night to remember! 

This morning a patchwork sight of tan, cream and white sail patterns bobbing on a shimmering blue sea greeted those lucky enough to be out on spectator boats as again the regatta was blessed weather-wise on this the third day of racing in the 25th Antigua Yacht Regatta, the first regatta of the 2012 Panerai Classic Yachts Challenge. There was even a sighting of a breaching whale for those lucky enough to be in the right place on the course at the right time!

Sea states again were calm and the light winds of the past few days prevailed, upping only very slightly as the morning progressed to 11 -12 knots, resulting in a gentle but closely challenging, incident -free day of sailing as the 56 strong fleet of beautiful classic yachts vied for position around the 24-mile reciprocal ' Cannon'  the photographer s dream ticket of a course.

With two easy reaches to the outer mark and likewise gentle homeward runs. all contenders finished the race in good time to participate in the Parade of Classics in English Harbour, giving spectators from all over the island a wonderful lunchtime spectacle!
 
This annual occasion offers the opportunity for all yachts in the regatta to show off their finery to the delight of the throngs of spectators lining the shore with the waterside cafes and restaurants filled to capacity. As each parading yacht passes close to Antigua slipway amidst broadside cannon fire and raucous cheers, each one is introduced by  the voice of English Harbour , local resident and infamous veteran schooner man, Jol Byerley.
Entering into the spirit of the regatta, many boats dress overall as do some of the crew!  Most noticeable this year was Phil Kerin on the French-built, 'St Briac' who not only had  Napoleon  aboard but also a scantily clad serving wench straight out of ' Alo  Alo! ' amongst a crew of Breton garlic sellers!

Sunday's festivities concluded with the sumptuous Sail Maine Party, hosted by Portland Yacht Services at the Antigua Yacht Club. Wayfarer Marine, Brooklin Boat Yard, Rockport Marine, Hodgdon Yachts, Maine Boats, Homes & Harbors, Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding and Hinkley were co-sponsors of the feast, which included free drinks, Maine lobster and seafood in addition to an assortment of hors d oeuvres. Live music by one of the  hottest  bands on the island, 17°61 topped off this fabulous evening.