ANTIGUA CLASSICS RACE DAY 2 Monday 18th April 2016
Day Two of the Antigua Classic Regatta, sponsored by Panera, was held in glorious conditions off the south coast of Antigua.
Race Day Two: Saturday, April 16, 2016.
Day Two of the Antigua Classic Regatta, sponsored by Panera, was held in glorious conditions off the south coast of Antigua. A steady 12 knots from the south east held for the duration of the day on the Butterfly Course, the longest and probably most technically demanding of the regatta. Getting in the chocolates today was a complex equation of correct course, best trim, sail combinations and ultimately VMG (velocity made good) around the course. In light airs racing a knot of additional speed is a far greater percentage increase than in heavier air. Five of the six legs of the Butterfly Course are off the breeze, where big speed differences can result by better boat handling and tactically choosing the right angle of attack for the next mark. Eight teams remain unbeaten after two days of racing.
In Vintage Class A, Mat Barker’s 1930 65ft Alfred Mylne Cutter, The Blue Peter, won today’s race by a handsome margin. The 1926 64ft Nathaniel Herreshoff schooner, Mary Rose, skippered by Gerald Rainer, was once again the winner of Vintage Class B. The standout performer in the Vintage Division was Cameron Fraser’s Kettenburg Pacific Cruiser, which was the victor in Vintage Class C. Janley was built for downwind racing in the Transpac and her light construction really suited the conditions as well as the sail angles of today’s race.
In Classic Class B, the 112ft Marconi rigged schooner, Argo, is undefeated after two races. She is owned and operated by Seamester Global Programs as a sail training vessel accommodating 26 students with programmes including a 90-day college semester circumnavigation, taking the southerly route to Cape Town via Christmas Island and Mauritius. Bonnie Schmidt & Nigel Bower’s 2003 65ft John Alden schooner, Heron, scored their second win in Classic Class C. “Heron was built by our family to the 1928 drawings by John Alden.” commented Bonnie Schmidt. “ We have been cruising the Caribbean for the past eleven years and the family have sailed Heron over 75,000 since she was launched.” Jordi Agustí Arbosse Paloma VI is also unbeaten in Classic Class D.
In Classic GRP A, Don Ward’s Luders yawl, Frolic put in a great performance to with the second race. Don Ward has owned Frolic since 2012 and Don’s great friend and right hand man is Hans Lammers. “Compared to the other boats in our class, we are light and Frolic is raced all year, so we have a really good understanding about how to make her quick.” commented Hans Lammers. “For the last few year’s ‘Classics has had a lot of wind and that makes it very hard for us against bigger yachts, so this year the weather is being very kind to us. Long may it continue to do so!”
In the Spirit of Tradition Division, two yachts from the drawing board of Joel White remain unbeaten. In Class B, Donald Trofias’ 76ft sloop, Wild Horses remains unbeaten, as does the 74ft ketch, Dragonera. Both yachts were built Brooklin Boatyard, Maine by Steve Smith, son of the designer. “Hundreds of years of tradition and skill inherent in Maine boatbuilders has gone into both of these yachts and they are both returning to Antigua Classics because it is the place to be. Not only is the racing great but the ability to network with other people who are passionate about boat building and design makes it a regatta that you just have to attend.”
Racing in Classic GRP is Stuart and Julia Armstrong’s John Alden 54, Desiderata. ‘Desi’ as she is affectionately called is racing at Antigua Classics crewed by friends of the couple and whilst the tam go into every race to win it. Having a fulfilled regatta is top of the agenda. “We are here to say goodbye to friends and the Caribbean.” smoked Stuart. “Our next adventure will be in the Pacific, as we will be going through the Panama Canal soon and exploring a new ocean for us but not a new one for Desi, she has been there before with the original owner. It took us 3 months to sail down to the Caribbean from Maine, so we are not in a rush. We love to stop at places along the way and take in the sights. It is a bit different when we are racing and we love to get the most out if her at Classics but the light conditions, so far, have not really suited us but it has not stopped us having a good laugh with great friends.”
Tonight’s entertainment at Antigua Classics will be assisted by the evening Mount Gay Rum tasting and ice cold beers from the Presidente Beer Garden. Presidente will also be providing an Open ‘MIC’ Night with various performing acts from competitors at the regatta taking to the main stage. Hosted by Panera and EFG Bank, by invitation only, the Owners’ Party will be held at the luxury South Point Resort.
Racing at Antigua Classics, sponsored by Panera continues tomorrow, Sunday 17 April, with the Kenny Coombs Memorial Cannon Race. Full results and more information can be found at: www.antiguaclassics.com.
Donald Trofias’ 76ft sloop, Wild Horses
Bonnie Schmidt & Nigel Bower’s 2003 65ft John Alden schooner, Heron.
Stuart and Julia Armstrong’s John Alden 54, Desiderata
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