Tuesday, March 11, 2014

J/30’s Sweep Cayman Islands 12 Mile Banks Race

J/30 Cheers sailing Cayman Islands(Georgetown, Cayman Islands)- Unusually calm conditions saw a half-dozen boats on the start line for the annual “12 Mile Banks and Back Race” to produce some very exciting racing and close finishes. The light easterly winds saw boats fly their spinnakers all the way to the banks before heading back to shore with a tricky beat ending at Sunset House. As the boats headed home, the lead changed four times as wind shifts and the offshore currents turned the race into a tactical contest.

J/30 Cheers winning crew in Cayman IslandsRace Committee and onlookers enjoyed an exciting sunset finish as the four leading boats finished the 29 mile race within 12 minutes of each other! Having overshot the mark at the Banks to slip into fourth place, the J/30 CHEERS skippered by Pete Bridge, sailed a brilliant windward leg to win the coveted Harbour House Marina trophy. Rob Hutchison’s J/30 SHANTI had led the race for a while but had to make do with second place.

J/30 sailing Cayman Islands raceThe race back to North Sound on Sunday was a slower affair as boats struggled against the current and light headwinds around North West Point. The J/30 CHEERS continued their new-found form by winning that race, too!

Cayman Islands Sailing Club’s Rob Hutchison was pleased with the standard of racing. “Well done to all the crews finishing both races, the first time for a while.  We hope to see even more of the cruiser fleet out for the Round the Island Race over the Easter Weekend this year!  It marks the 50th anniversary of the top cruising/ offshore event in the Cayman Islands.”   For more Cayman Islands Sailing Club 12 Mile Banks Race sailing information