ANTIGUA SAILING WEEK

Big Boat Skipper Wins The RS Elite Challenge Summer Series At Nonsuch Bay.
 

Winner Marc Fitzgerald and Crew. Photo credit: Kevin Johnson Photography.

Nine skippers were finally on the line to compete for two places in the 2015 Nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge on Sunday at Nonsuch Bay Resort.

Starting from 10am each team took part in six races to determine who would move forward to the finals. Racing took place on the 24ft RS Elite keelboats located at the resort which provided close competition, and by 3pm the winner was determined to be Marc Fitzgerald. No stranger to Antigua Sailing Week, Marc is  better known as the skipper of Peter Harrisons Farr 115 Sojana, which is currently undergoing refurbishment, and many time participant and winner of the Lord Nelson's Trophy in Antigua Sailing Week, and has a home year round in Antigua.

In second place was Martin Beck, a homeowner from Nonsuch Bay and owner of an RS Elite and third place was won by Robbie Ferron, owner of Budget Marine.

There was much rivalry and ribaldry throughout the day and all of the teams came off the water smiling, tired and delighted with an excellent day of sportsmanship.

 
RS Elites at Nonsuch Bay Resort Antigua. Photo credit: Kevin Johnson Photography

The first two teams automatically go forward to represent Antigua on Lay Day and also won a brand new 2015 Antigua Sailing Week Gill branded hat and a long sleeve UV technical shirt from the 2015 merchandise range. While off the water, a full house in the Bay @ Nonsuch Restaurant enjoyed spectating the event and relaxing pool and beachside as well as a full buffet and drinks throughout the day.

Nonsuch Bay Managing Director, Cameron Fraser, comments, 'The day was about getting residents and Antiguans on the water for some good, clean competition. The winds were perfect and the crews had a great time. We are already looking forward to the 2015 edition. So if you want to compete register your interest for the Nonsuch Bay Summer Series starting in May next year.'

Now the Antigua representatives for the Nonsuch Bay RS Elite Challenge which will take place on Lay Day, April 29th, 2015, have been established, Nonsuch Bay Resort are inviting applications for skippers who would like to take the much coveted remaining six places. Last year's winner was ex-America's Cup skipper Peter Holmberg, who is also invited back to defend his title.

Skippers who plan to attend Antigua Sailing Week 2015 and are interested in making the short list are invited to e- mail mark.whinney@nonsuchbayresort.com or roc@sailingweek.com to register their interest.