ANTIGUA YACHT CLUB

The Laser fleet lining up on the start line.  Photo compliments of Coral Reef Yacht Club.

Three of Antigua's young sailors who went to the Orange Bowl International Youth Regatta at the end of December presented a valiant effort, and while they may not be ‘conquering heroes’, they put up a respectable performance and did very well and did their coach, Karl James, as well as the rest of us, proud.  Jules Mitchell and Rhone Kirby both sailed Laser Radial of which there were 129 entries and by the second day, they were 73rd and 75th respectively. On the third day of racing, conditions became a lot more difficult with boats capsizing, and sailors falling off their boats.  The water was extremely choppy with shifting winds and rain and many dropped behind.  Jules said that when he was in the water, he was afraid the safety boats could not see him at all.  Jules and Rhone ended that day in 82nd and 84th position respectively.   Unfortunately, there was to be no comeback for them as the fourth day of racing was cancelled due to no wind.  Vincent Anfi, who sailed Laser 4.7 came an overall 14th out of 29, a very respectable result.

Members of the Antigua Laser Team taking a breather.  Photo compliments of Coral Reef Yacht Club.

Well done to all of them and thank you to all who helped make it possible for them to go.  Thanks to the Antigua Yacht Club which contributed funds to help pay for the expenses of the Coach and also donated T-shirts to enable the boys and their coach to present themselves as the Antigua Laser Team.  There were many more donations given by friends, family and business people without which it may not have been possible.  A big shout out and thank you to Jolly Harbour Marina for sponsoring the Radial sail for Jules Mitchell; their logo should appear on the sail soon.

We are all looking forward to the next regatta with confidence and fund raising is an ongoing issue, so if anyone can help, donations are always welcome.  The boys are continuing to train hard so that they can go out and make us proud again.  We are still waiting to find out if the boys can do the qualifying regatta in Jensen Beach in Florida for the Youth Olympics, so watch this space!  Thanks again to everyone who supported the Antigua Laser Team.