(English Harbour, Antigua)- There were near perfect conditions for the
two stand-alone long distance races prior to Antigua Sailing Week.
Following the Guadeloupe to Antigua Race, a record fleet of 42 yachts
took part in the Round Antigua Race and it turned out to be a race that
one young up-and-coming Antiguan sailor will never forget.15-20 knots from the southeast produced a fast race, threatening the monohull race record that has stood for six years. The fantastic weather is forecast to remain for the entire regatta, providing thrilling racing for teams from all over the world. With warm trade winds, deep blue ocean and a festival atmosphere ashore, Antigua Sailing Week is the place to be.
The
52 nautical-mile, Round Antigua Race was held on Saturday 23rd April
and attracted 42 yachts; nearly twice as many as the 2015 race. Race
Officer Stuart Childerley, officiating at his first race for Antigua
Sailing Week, got the fleet off to a flying start from Fort Charlotte
outside English Harbour. “We had beautiful conditions for the race with
14 knots, just south of east and every start was very competitive. The
breeze built up throughout the day and there were reports of up to 20
knots of wind later during the race,” commented Childerley.In CSA 2, Chris Body’s J/122 EL OCASO team comprised of an all United Kingdom team was second over Pamala Baldwin’s J/122 LIQUID crew that was an all-Antiguan race team!
The Round Antigua Race Prize Giving was preceded by a cultural parade starting from Antigua Yacht Club to Nelson’s Dockyard including Iron-Band percussion, stilt walkers and local drummers to get the party started. It was followed by the Antigua Sailing Week Welcome Party with the Hon. Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism, Economic Development, Investment and Energy of Antigua and Barbuda and the former Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Denzil Douglas.
Historic Nelson’s Dockyard was buzzing and crews were ready to be entertained by “DJ Nez” and live music from sensational Antiguan cover band “1761.” Racing at Antigua Sailing Week started Sunday 24th April with as many as nine races scheduled for the Week and concludes on Friday 29th April. Sailing photo credits- Paul Wyeth/ PWPictures.com. For more Antigua Sailing Week information
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