ANTIGUANICE YACHTING INSIDER NEWSLETTER

Antigua's Karl James, accompanied by Shawn Malone and Ashley Rhodes, participated in the recent Marlow Regatta in St. Maarten.  The competition was tough and results were exceptionally close.  When the final results were tabulated, Karl and his team were only able to manage a fifth place finish overall, just over two points out of third place, in an event that they have won many times in the past.  Congratulations to Karl, Shawn and Ashley for their participation and determination.  We'll be cheering for you again next year and hope to see you return to your place on the podium.

Photos compliments of Budget Marine Group.

June 2012 – Simpson Bay Lagoon – After six consecutive years of placing second, Frits Bus finally clinched the win at the 2012 Marlow Regatta!  Hosted by the St. Maarten Yacht Club, St. Maarten Teams took all three top positions at the best-attended event in years.
 
For two days, sixteen entries from six countries battled for the podium.  In a gruelling competition in which boats were rotated between each race, St. Maarten sailors rose to the top.  Roel ten Hoopen, long time crew for Bus, challenged his mentor and finished third overall.  Second place went to a team with only one season in the lagoon sailing scene:  Han de Bruin Kops, with brothers Peter and Paul Soons.
 
After a disappointing result on day one, Karl James, of Antigua, showed his true colours on day two, finishing 5th overall.  St. Barth’s sent three teams, with the combination of Mowgli Fox, Sophie Olivaud and Serge Maziero finishing in the top 10.  Team Curacao, with Michel Ruijter at the helm also placed in the top 10.  The Anguilla Youth Team made a valiant effort, placing 4th three times in 24 races.
 
Special mention goes to Team Nevis!  This was their first time entering an off-island competition, and we hope it won’t be their last.  Vice Commodore of the Nevis Yacht Club, Mark Theron, and SMYC Board member, Kathy Gifford, exchanged burgees at the prize-giving with a commitment to pursue future inter-club endeavours.
 
Thanks go to the regatta’s principal sponsor, Marlow Rope, represented in the Caribbean, for over 25 years, by Budget Marine.  Budget Marine made a huge contribution this year with volunteers, dinghies, and the committee boat.  AMCON ensured that the change boat didn’t drag down the lagoon, and Tropical Sail Loft’s Ernst Looser was Race Officer.
 
The Marlow Regatta brings to a close the SMYC 2011-12 lagoon racing season.  Watch the website, www.smyc.com, for details on next year’s busy racing schedule.

For full results click here.

By Kathy Gifford.