ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

Eleven boats turned out in perfect conditions for the two day Jolly Harbour Yacht Club Valentine’s Regatta held over the weekend of the 11th and 12th of February.  There was flat water, a good stiff breeze and six races. Digicel, crewed by the Antigua Yacht Club youth team and National Sailing Academy trainees, set off from Falmouth Harbour early Saturday morning, arriving well in time for the first start at mid-day.

Three different courses had been well chosen so whether the boat was white-sails, a down-wind spinnaker or asymmetrical spinnaker, at least one of the courses favoured every boat.  Some of the racing was very close indeed – therefore the first place finishes were shared in the racing class by all boats. In fact only three boats in the regatta did not gain a first place finish.

Jolly Harbour boat ‘Seal’ in Cruising Class sailed very well with five straight firsts.  Just before the final race the owner, Vince, was handed a beer – resulting in a disastrous last race!  ‘Elethea’ won the Cruiser/Racer class while ‘Digicel Challenger’ not only won the Racing Class but was the overall winner of the regatta.

Antigua Yacht Club and the National Sailing Academy are very proud of the boys crewing ‘Digicel Challenger’.  They were excellent diplomats for the Academy and were proud winners of the Dutch racing clog trophy.

By Elizabeth Jordan, Commodore, Antigua Yacht Club and President, National Sailing Academy