ANTIGUA CLASSIC YACHT REGATTA

Crew members of the beautiful schooner Adventuress were justifiably praised by their co crew member, Kenny Coombs when, stepping aside from the prize-giving podium last evening, he received the overall winning Concours D’Elegance trophy.

Following a night of squally rain showers the early grey skies thankfully cleared in the nick of time as the first class in the 26th Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta stormed across the start line of the 20 mile ‘Old Road’ course.

The windy conditions favored the heavier boats and by all accounts it was an exciting wet sail. Our ‘eye on the water’ aboard Wild Horses today reported that “20 knots of breeze gusting to over 25 knots produced challenging conditions alone, however a building sea state offshore and a confused seaway inshore made today’s racing a real test of seamanship and downright determination.

It was a harsh ride on board Wild Horses, Donald Tofias’ head turning yacht, racing in the Spirit of Tradition Class. Smashing to windward or broad reaching, the Caribbean surf was hissing at the rail and the crew were smiling from ear to ear despite being thoroughly drenched but were elated dockside to find out that Wild Horses had won today’s race.

With over 60 yachts on the same racecourse, there were some close encounters at mark roundings but the staggered start kept good separation between the diminutive pride and joys and the grand and majestic. Antigua Classics is one of the most mesmeric regattas anywhere in the world and today’s rough conditions may have made life on board uncomfortable but the wet clothes were soon forgotten once the dock parties got into full swing.

Wild Horses won their class today and owner Donald Tofias was full of praise for the event. ‘This is the best regatta of the season, that is why I have been doing it for the last 20 years. It is the only regatta where European and American classic yachts really get to mingle, it is most definitely the highlight of Wild Horses season and there is such a great atmosphere here.”

With big breeze and lumpy seas it was a day for the big boats but the sight of one of the smallest yachts going to windward today was quite spectacular. Geoffrey Pidduck's, modified 6-Metre Biwi Magic was rewarded with a win in class today.”

Sailing musician, Barracuda took to the stage upping the tempo at this evenings infamous Dark and Stormy Sundowner Party (courtesy of generous Gold Sponsor, Mount Gay Rum) ahead of the Single Handed Prize Giving presentation when the three winners of yesterdays race, Saphaedra, Spirit of Rani and Aquila were awarded their trophies respectively.