AFTERNOON TEA, GIG RACING AND PRIZE GIVING Wednesday 24th April 2013
Yesterday historical Nelson’s Dockyard played host to two fabulous events to round off another highly successful Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta.
Earlier in the afternoon in the ‘picture perfect’ setting of the harbor- front gardens of the Admiral’s Inn, a sumptuous afternoon tea was served whilst out on the water, regatta crew, local families and friends took part in the fun and games of the annual Gig Races. With classes for all ages and skills, a motley assortment of ‘crew’ sailing a motley assortment of small craft rowed, skulled or sailed a very short course to the delight of the cheering spectators. This Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta ‘signature’ event is made all the more appealing by tea being served by elegantly dressed ‘Victorian’ volunteer tea ladies – now very much a part of this event generously hosted by the Admirals’ Inn Hotel and sponsored by Watermaker Services and Lord Jim’s Locker of Antigua.
Ahead of the prize-giving, the Copper and Lumber Store hotel laid on a tasty Caribbean buffet and barbecue against an impressive duo screen slideshow of photography kindly donated by the many multi-national photographers who attended this year’s regatta.
Opening the prize-giving ceremony regatta Chairman Kenny Coombs firstly thanked all participants for braving the strong conditions this year before thanking the race committee and all who helped stage the regatta out on the water preceding a big and much deserved thank you to all those ‘behind the scenes’ workers who help make such a successful event. From Panerai, Miss Yamit Ashkenazi and, from Mount Gay Rum, Mr Nigel Josiah were welcomed on to the stage as was the Minister of Tourism for Antigua, the Hon John Maginly who delivered a punchy and amusing welcome speech.
A new trophy this year, the John Leader Trophy – judged by the competing boats themselves - was presented to Charm 111 from Anguilla, for their commitment to teaching sailing to youngsters and others. There was a big round of applause too for this year’s committee boat Whiskey Hotel and owner Wes Howard.
Ahead of the 2013 Results being announced, the Single-Handed Race and Concours d’Elegance winners were called out and received justifiable applause from the crowded lawn.
With a multitude of trophies and prizes to award Kenny set a good pace, as ever. Amongst the first of the trophies to be awarded was the stunning half model Carriacou sloop trophy donated by John Bertola of ‘Superyachts Supermodels’ this year going to Alexis Andrews and his Carriacou sloop, 'Genesis' and a special prize was also presented to Alwyn Enoe for recognition in his tradition of Carriacou boat building.
Paul Deeth - owner of the Admiral’s Inn - and Petrana collected the Hinkley Yachts Trophy for Classic GRP Class whilst his sister Winky came second with Iris J to Ruffian’s first in Classic GRP Class B.
Donald Tofias of ‘W’ Boat fame, racing Wild Horses, collected the next big prize, the Ticondaroga Trophy for First Overall Spirit of Tradition Class.
Adventuress picked up many prizes, including Best Performance of a Gaff Rigged Yacht and she was also judged the most Photogenic Yacht receiving the Den Phillips Trophy, this year presented by Ed Gifford.
Juno won the Nicholsons Caribbean Yacht Sales Trophy, Seljm The Beken of Cowes Trophy for the Best Elapsed Time in the Schooner Class and the legendry Stormvogel took first prize in Classic Class C.
The regatta would not be the same without characterful ‘Old Bob’ and her crew who raised cheers and whistles from the crowd when collecting their second prize to Alice of Penrhyn’s first in Classic D Class.
Their own ‘Old Bob’ Trophy this year was awarded to Chloe May for losing her topmast and Malamok won the Comfort Zone Trophy for the best performance on the shortened courses.
The beautifully restored Dione won the Marine Power Services Trophy for the oldest boat in the regatta and the Woodstock Restoration Trophy and she also came first in Vintage Class C! A Special Prize of a bottle of Mount Gay Rum was awarded to her captain Alex for sailing 5,500 miles (3,500 miles to windward) from Buenos Aries in time to compete in the regatta!
A special mention and prizes went to the ‘S’ boats in Vintage Class D, won by Aquila and the Seahorse Studios Trophy for spirit of the regatta was awarded to Angus Davis the man who masterminded the freighting by truck, rail and sea of 3 ‘S’ boats to Antigua.
Finally, providing a highly popular win for one of Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta’s most beautiful returning classic yachts Sumurun was announced winner of the Wayfarer Marine Trophy, the Mount Gay Rum Trophy and then ultimately the prized Panerai Trophy – The Panerai Timepiece - for the boat with the Best Total Corrected Time. Surrounded by their crew on stage proud owner Bob Tobin and his captain Armin Fisher received their prizes to tumultuous applause ending another memorable Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta, the first regatta in the Panerai Classic Yacht Challenge.
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