BUDGET MARINE

Photo:  Robbie Ferron thanking High Tide organizer Sandy Mair at the final prize giving

A small but competitive fleet enjoyed some brisk but manageable winds for Antigua Yacht Club’s High Tide Series that was sailed for the 24th time this year.

The five races over three days were all in brisk winds, although the final day had the edge with wind speeds over 20 knots. The final race brought back a tradition, the “Curtain Bluff Race”. This race involves a long downwind leg to Curtain Bluff, on the South Coast of Antigua, and a long beat back up the coast to the finish in Falmouth Harbour. With the high wind speeds recorded this day, it was an exciting finish of the series.

Winner of Class A was the new J11SH, sailing its first series ever, as it was recently acquired by Antigua Sailing Week winner Jonty Layfield. Just one point behind was Pamala Baldwins’ J 122 “Liquid” with Poul Hoj Jensen at the helm. Taking third place was Richard Archer sailing a 1720 called Digicell Valiant which would have been a likely winner if it had not been for a break down on the third (two race) day.  

In Class B the renamed CS 40 now called Gypsy, owned by Sir Hugh Bailey and helmed by Sean Malone, took all races by comfortable margins in spite of the pursuit of Sandy Mairs “Cricket” and a much improved Steve Carson on the Humphries 22 “Calypso”.

Robbie Ferron, representing Budget Marine, thanked High Tide organizer Sandy Mair for his excellent efforts in keeping the High Tide Christmas racing tradition going. Race officer Clare Leader was particularly thanked for her efforts at the grand final prize giving and closing party that will took place at the Antigua Yacht Club.

Budget Marine, the principal sponsor, is the largest chandlery chain in the Caribbean with 13 locations in the region. With three chandleries in Antigua located in Jolly Harbour, English Harbour and North Sound they offer Antiguan boaters a wide range of marine products.