(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.
Race
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.
The
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
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