Leeward islands and Antigua race week 2009 - 2009-03-31
Antigua raceweek |
The sail north provided some excellent sailing and fantastic venues, highlights where Marie Galante and Desirade, both low key and authentic caribbean. Bill an old hand from many a leeward island cruise visited the islands missed in earlier trips.
Barbuda the island of fantastic beaches provide two day of relaxed cruising with excellant snorkling and beach walks, enjoyed by all.
A short liftout in the yard in Jolly harbour prepared Chao Lay for race week and some routine mainenance. Watch this space for results and details on Grenada Bluewater Sailing the RYA training centre planned to open in May.
Having just finished Antigua race week, recovering from the excellent racing and nightly parties it is time to document the event. With a crew of eight with ages ranging from 29 to 67, and very little previous racing experience we managed after all the counting was done to make second place in cruising class 4.
The conditions for the regatta were excellent with breezes between 15 and 25 knots. The preparation for the regatta fitted in one day of training for the full crew. We had a great crew with Fran,Keeley, Abi, Anne, Jo, Captain Haddock, Richard and my good self Alex
Day one was a see-saw of highs and lows, first over the line and second over the finish line only to be informed of a general recall, alas with out any guns.
Day two was a long downwind run to the west of the island, after having our share of fun setting the kite; we did see some double figure surfs to land a respectable second.
Day three was the return race, a long beat back to Falmouth again we could not stay on terms with the 48ft ketch Acadia and clocked up another second.
Day four and with 25knots out of the east along with 2 to 3 metre swells made the beat out to Willoughby bay wet work, the return under spinnaker had some lovely surfing with speeds over 12 knots making Chao Lay hum. Number two again.
Day Five provided another downwind feast and for the first time in the regatta we managed to beat are rival Acadia on the water, unfortunately after the handicaps were applied we were seconds short of take the top spot.
Day Six provided some lighter winds and after a short beat and some very efficient spinnaker gybes we crossed tack for tack and again took line honours, but the seconds were short again. A fast sail down island with Life raft servicing in St Lucia was the follow up to Antigua race week, some great sailing in moon light and plenty dolphins lighting the way with with there phosphresonce!! All is set for the RYA inspection for the 8th of June and we look forward to starting the training centre proper in this delightful sailing area, with the support of the True Blue Bay resort.
|
