BUDGET MARINE

Different Sailing for Different People

The next two weekends will feature sailing races in a manner that differs from most other events.

The first weekend, January 17 and 18, features a fleet of one-design boats racing in Falmouth Harbour. While dinghy sailing is always one-design, Antigua does not have strong one-design fleets other than the RS Elite. These boats were once based in Nonsuch Bay and are now located in different parts of the island. One-design racing means there are no ratings, which in other regattas are used to correct the speed potential of various boats. As a result, this regatta will see boats closely bunched, as they can theoretically all sail at the same speed. Several top sailors will be participating.

The Saturday of the second weekend will see the annual Sandy Island Race. This race is designed to allow the fleet at Jolly Harbour to compete against the Falmouth fleet without either fleet having to deliver its vessels to the other harbour. There are two start lines, and everyone sails the same course, starting from different ends. All works perfectly, although the rumour is that the Jolly Harbour sailors usually win.

While these small boats are tussling with each other near the coast, two racing machines of the MOD 70 class will be tearing through the sea in the direction of Antigua. Speeds are often around 28 knots. The boats are close to each other, but at the time of writing, Argo has the edge. Reports indicate that the final part of this crossing, just before Antigua, is where conditions often become tricky.

When they arrive, which can be at any time of day, they will be received at the dock near the Marinaside Restaurant. The arrival is always an emotional moment for many after a transatlantic experience at close to 30 knots day and night. You may want to witness an arrival.