(Bridgetown, Barbados) – After two days of racing in the Mount Gay Round
Barbados Race Coastal Series, leading contenders for the overall
honours are beginning to emerge. Racing for most classes began with a
circuit of Carlisle Bay before heading on an eight-mile leg up the west
coast and then out south. Although the wind was lighter, it was shifty,
which meant the emphasis was on good tactics and impeccable team work.The J/24 fleet always produces surprises and this year was no exception. TEAM SHAKIN with Peter Armstrong at the helm had a repeat performance of yesterday’s first race when they led off the start. Today however, they sailed consistently well in the first race with a good start and first beat, and led the race from the top mark to the finish.
Chatting about the team’s performance, Armstrong said: “We learnt a lesson from yesterday so today we covered the fleet and finished with a comfortable lead. This is all good for us because we are usually at the other end of the fleet. Our secret weapon is our new tactician – Kwame Hinds – who is also our coach. We also have new North sails, so we have everything going for us. We are really pleased with our performance because we have seen a massive improvement.”
Raphael Grisoni and his BUNGA BUNGA team won the second race of the day, while the young team on COLLEGE FUNDS won the third. With three seconds from today to add to yesterday’s three firsts, however, Robert Povey and team on HAKWEYE remain at the top of the rankings with just two races remaining.
Back on shore, the Bajan party scene is bigger than ever with crews heading to the stylish Drift Ocean Terrace Lounge at Holetown tonight for live music, and then back to Barbados Yacht Club on Monday night for more fine local hospitality.
Then, the teams were sent on to the 79th Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race. Despite generally light airs with winds reaching no more that 15kts, three teams have won their skipper’s weight in rum for breaking records in the 79th Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados Race.
Team College Funds skippered by Laser sailor Jason Tindale were noted for their impressive performance. They managed to break through to the lead the fleet at North Point by sailing closer to the shore, and finished third over the line. They also broke the J/24 record with a time of 9hrs, 06mins, 38secs.
Tindale commenting on the team’s performance said: “We had a fantastic day and are delighted to have done so well. It didn’t look good at the start in just 4kts of breeze. It took an hour to sail two-and-a-half nautical miles. Thankfully the breeze filled up to 14kts and the crew worked well to get everything together.
“A good tactical maneuver at North Point by sailing further inshore gave us an advantage over a couple of boats who sailed out further. It is always a bit rough the Point and today was no exception. It was lumpy and very uncomfortable in the J/24 but we made it. We had a bit of tough time steering down the top part of the east coast with the kite up for four hours but once we were round East Point the situation improved and it was a fun ride home.”
Although the lack of record-breaking opportunities on the in 60-nautical mile Mount Gay Rum Round Barbados course proved disappointing for many in the 35-strong fleet, the race was a huge success, with most competitors regarding it as one of the best to date.
Peter Lewis on his J/105 WHISTLER, who won the 35ft and Under and the CSA divisions, said he couldn’t have asked for a better day. “It was an excellent race and despite the generally light airs it was a beautiful day for sailing and one of the best on record. We were a bit concerned the big boats would swamp us towards the end, but thankfully we were far enough ahead.” For more Mt Gay Rum Round Barbados Regatta information
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