(Cayman Islands)- Her Excellency the Governor, Helen Kilpatrick, was at
the Cayman Islands Sailing Club at the weekend to meet sailors before
heading out onto North Sound to start the first race of the 23rd annual
J/22 Governor’s Cup regatta. The two day regatta is the traditional
start of the J/22 season and is always closely competed.“I am not a sailor myself” said Mrs Kilpatrick, “but I have learned a lot today from Peta Adams and her Race Committee and am delighted to be part of it. It was especially pleasing to meet the youth sailors”.
The
light winds were unusual for this event and added a different flavor to
the racing as strategy became all important. Mike Farrington, who has
won the last four Governor’s Cup regattas, was out in front early but
did not enjoy the dominance that they have become used to. Simon
Farrington, skippering “Sunshine” was close behind with his awesome
Stingray spinnaker close on his brother’s stern serving as a warning
that this year would not be a runaway event. Tomeaka McTaggart was also
challenging hard and the Youth Team aboard “DMS”, who had very little
spinnaker experience but were sailing well enough to mix it up with the
best.
On
the second day of racing the winds started out too light to race and
after a two hour delay the fleet ventured out onto glassy seas. Race
Committee had however got it right and the breeze picked up enough to
run two more races. Pablo Bertran and the youth team showed they had
learned quickly the mysteries of the big baggy sail and led for most of
the first race being just beaten by one second at the finish line by
Mark Edmunds. They were at it again in the second race showing no fear
of their adult competitors but could not quite beat off Mike Farrington
who finished comfortably in first place ahead of Simon and Tomeaka.Commodore Farrington was quick to praise the youth team. “The light conditions favored the lighter crews and the youth took full advantage showing that under the coaching of Ralph Harvey they have really upped their sailing skills across the board. We hope they will now challenge us at every J22 event if they can find the time away from their Youth Olympic campaign”. For more J/22 Cayman Islands Governor's Cup sailing information
|
