ANTIGUANICE YACHTING INSIDER NEWSLETTER

Falmouth Harbour Marina has agreed to sponsor the ever-popular and super fun end of the year race, the Nelson's Pursuit 2014.

General Manager of Falmouth Harbour Marina, Mr. Bobby Reis, has indicated that the Marina is interested in getting involved in the racing side of yachting in Antigua and he believes that the popular Nelson's Pursuit Race is the best way to get its feet wet, figuratively speaking.

The race commemorates Lord Horatio Nelson's pursuit of the French fleet from Antigua across the Atlantic Ocean in 1805.  The French Admiral, Pierre Charles Villeneuve was in command of the French fleet.  The Royal Navy finally blockaded the French and Spanish fleets in Cadiz, Spain and in October of that year both fleets met in the famous battle of Trafalgar during which Lord Nelson was fatally shot.  The Royal Navy, however, won the day.

The Nelson's Pursuit is the fourth largest regatta in Antigua and regularly has 40 plus yachts sailing on the last day of the year.  A pursuit race is run by sending out the slowest yacht first carrying the French tri-colour over the same course every year and then being pursued by the ever faster boats.  The first boat across the finish line is the winner.  There are regularly four classes in the Nelson's Pursuit.  All yachts are encouraged to fly their ensigns and they all try to capture the French yacht.

This race is open to all local and visiting yachts and only working sails are allowed.  All proceeds from the event are donated to Antigua's St. John Hospice. The awards ceremony is held in historic Nelson's Dockyard with all boats receiving a prize of award winning English Harbour 5 Year Old Rum from period-dressed organizers.  The award ceremony is lubricated by an excellent rum punch party put on by Chippy Fine Yacht Woodwork of Falmouth Harbour.

Article by Tommy Paterson.