J/122 LIQUID Crushes LVSB X Edition

(Gustavia Harbor, St Barths)- Pamala Baldwin, owner of the J/122 LIQUID from Antigua, frequently races the Caribbean circuit, but until this regatta, she and her young Skipper Jules White hadn't quite cracked the top of the podium.

She added Mike Giles as tactician and coach to complement the young talented team, and according to Baldwin, “it was the final piece we needed to complete the winning puzzle. My heart is filled with joy!”

LIQUID’s skipper, Julian White, age 25 of Lymington, England is also the racing yacht's manager and according to Baldwin, "Jules is someone the racing world needs to keep an eye on...he maneuvered LIQUID through this entire season. We competed in every Caribbean Regatta, including the RORC Caribbean 600, with consistent podium results."

Giles has raced almost every Les Voiles in the Maxi class, and really enjoyed his time in the smaller CSA 4 fleet. ”In this fleet there are no ‘gimmies’, it's an incredibly competitive class with close racing," the native South African said. "The racing is just as tough, if not harder, than when I'm sailing in the Maxis."

Baldwin remarked, “my entire crew of ten are under age 30, competing against seasoned pro’s. You have no idea of my pride, knowing LIQUID is providing a platform for their future racing careers! Challenging and exhausting, but to sweep the entire CSA classes during Les Voiles 10th prestigious regatta with bullet after bullet is as exhilarating, as it is rewarding! It doesn't get better than this!”

Enjoying the conditions equally as well was Chris Body’s J/122 EL OCASO, posting a 3-5-3-2-4-2 for 19 pts to take the bronze, just missing a podium 1-2 sweep of the CSA 4 Class by the J/122s.

The tenth edition of the Voiles de Saint Barth provided the fleet of fifty-five offshore racing thoroughbreds a remarkable week of racing. “Sailing in St. Barth’s is never easy,” said Luc Poupon, Race Organizer. “There is much to navigate around with the rocks and it’s not as simple as it seems to negotiate. Clearly, knowing the nuances of sailing around St. Barth helps, and every day the competitors had to deal with the multiple wind shifts.”  For more Les Voiles de Saint Barth sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Les Voiles de St Barths X Edition Update

(Gustavia Harbor, St Barths)- The tenth edition of the Voiles de Saint Barth started on Monday this past week.  A fleet of fifty-five offshore racing thoroughbreds has enjoyed the spectacular aquamarine waters around St Barths for the past three days.  Thursday is the infamous “Nikki Beach Club” day-off, where teams party and play, eat lots of “sushi boats” and consume copious quantities of the famous “pink rose’” wine from jeroboam bottles.  Racing continues on Friday and Saturday.

The third day of racing at Les Voiles de St. Barth sent the fleets on the Round the Island race in which local knowledge paid off with few surprises in the results.

The race veterans knew how to successfully navigate the challenges and opportunities on the 24–32 nautical mile courses around St. Barth’s rocky cliffs and surrounding volcanic rock landmarks. The 12 to 15 knots and northeast direction also provided 30-degree wind shifts to further challenge the nine classes.

“Sailing in St. Barth’s is never easy,” said Luc Poupon, Race Organizer. “There is much to navigate around with the rocks and it’s not as simple as it seems to negotiate. Clearly, knowing the nuances of sailing around St. Barth helps, and today is a perfect example, especially, as competitors had to deal with the large wind shifts.”

After posting a 2-1-1, Pamala Baldwin’s J/122 LIQUID from Antigua holds a strong lead in CSA 4 Racing class. Meanwhile, Chris Body’s United Kingdom team has posted a 3-5-3 and is now sitting in 4th place and is within striking distance of a podium finish for both J/122s!   For more Les Voiles de Saint Barth sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Les Voiles de St Barths X Edition Preview

(Gustavia Harbor, St Barths)- The tenth edition of the Voiles de Saint Barth is about to start this coming weekend.  A fleet of fifty-five offshore racing thoroughbreds and a dozen cruising multihulls will be plying the spectacular aquamarine waters around St Barths for a week of fun in the sun and fabulous sailing from April 15th to 20th, 2019.  And, to be sure, the après’ sailing is simply outstanding and considered some of the best in the Caribbean.

Les Voiles has been a bucket list event for sailors since its inception in 2010, and for its tenth edition, the sailors will enjoy five days of racing! Regatta Director François Tolède commented, “The extra day of racing last year proved very popular.  It brings more competitiveness and fun to the regatta, which we know is exactly what our participants are interested in! We look forward to the regatta kick off on Sunday and wrap up Saturday.  Racing is scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Still, the official “Day Off” is scheduled for Thursday and we hope to see everyone at Nikki Beach to celebrate!”

Participating for at least the fourth year in a row are the two J/122s- LIQUID (Pamala Baldwin from Antigua) and EL OCASO (Chris Body from the United Kingdom). Joining them will be the J/105 SUNBELT REALTY JENK from Curacao, skippered by Jan Henk van der Wier.  For more Les Voiles de Saint Barth sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

J/105 Flies at Course de’Alliance Regatta

(Saint Maarten)- The Course de’Alliance Regatta is a port-to-port event that is raced between three magnificent islands in the Caribbean- St Maarten, St. Barth, and Anguilla- over a three day weekend.  For those that love sailing in the spectacular aquamarine waters of the Caribbean and enjoying the 15-25 kt trade winds, you cannot get much better than racing to those three amazing islands!

In the Racing Class, there was an epic battle between the J/105 SOLSTICE (skippered by Jordan and Shannon Mindich) and the M24s. In the end, SOLSTICE was 1st on the leg from St Maarten to St Barths, 4th place on the downwind leg from St Barths down to Anguilla, then 2nd on the beat/reach home to St Maarten. In the end, SOLSTICE took 2nd overall.

According to Jordan Mindich, “the conditions were spectacular, including a two hour tight spin reach up the north side of Saint Maarten. It was interesting racing, including a last minute capsize by Gill less than 100 yards from the finish - giving us 2nd overall! Loads of fun!!”

“This really is my favorite regatta. It is the season opener, and a great chance for the crews from the different islands to meet and socialize in beautiful locations. But, though the atmosphere is friendly, the competition is fierce, and it was great to see such tight racing amongst such good teams,” says Race Officer Paul Miller.

“The racing was hot, and still the participants had energy left to enjoy the socials in St Barth and Anguilla. That’s why this event is so popular, the concept of racing to 2 other islands and then enjoy the finest of the Caribbean is golden. We thank the St Barth Yacht Club & Sailing School and the Anguilla Sailing Association for their assistance with the event, the cooperation is vital for the Regatta’s continuation and success,” commented Leonde Vermeulen, Event Manager at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club, organizer of the event.

Organizers like to thank sponsors Moorings, Fiji Water and Mount Gay Rum for their contributions to the event. “Not only do our sponsors help to reduce costs, they add significant quality to the event. They are not only appreciated by the organizers, but by the participants as well. We are grateful for the ongoing support,” explained Vermeulen.  For more Course de’Alliance Regatta sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

J/122 EL OCASO Charter- Caribbean Regatta Circuit!

(English Harbour, Antigua)- Interested in taking your team to race a Caribbean Regatta in 2019?  Caribbean Yacht Racing can help you make it happen...just arrive and race!

CYR has the J/122 EL OCASO available for the following 2019 Caribbean Regattas:

• Feb 18- RORC Caribbean 600- English Harbour, Antigua
• Feb 28- Mar 3- Heineken St. Maarten Regatta- Simpson Bay, St. Maarten
• Mar 22-24- St. Thomas International Regatta- Cowpet Bay, St Thomas, USVI
• Mar 25-31- BVI Spring Regatta- Road Harbour, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
• Apr 14-20- Les Voiles de St Barths Regatta- Gustavia Harbour, St Barthelemy
• Apr 27-May 3- Antigua Sailing Week- English Harbour, Antigua

Caribbean Yacht Racing offers a complete charter package, simply arrive to the location with your team and the highly competitive J/122 “El Ocaso” will be ready to race.  CYR can also assistant with team logistics, including lodging.

If you are interested, please contact Bob Hillier- bob@caribbeanyachtracing.com- for complete charter details or visit http://www.caribbeanyachtracing.com Add to Flipboard Magazine.

J/122 LIQUID Smokes POP-UP Regatta Pursuit

(St Kitts)- The heat was on Monday, April 16th during the inaugural “POP-UP Pursuit Race” from Gustavia Harbour, St Barthelemy to Christophe Harbour, on the southeastern tip of St Kitts.  Race Promoter Becky Rutland promised a beautiful, fun Pursuit Race followed by two delightful days of surprises and fun for all ashore.  The event acted as the ideal feeder race for the Antigua Classics and Antigua Sailing Week regattas.

The exhilarating 5-6 hour, 52.0nm race gave sailors an unforgettable experience and a bird’s eye view of one of the Caribbean’s most prominent marinas.

The race from St Barts to Christophe Harbour’s Super Yacht Marina was pretty much a straight shot across gorgeous, aquamarine Caribbean seas.  Taking it all in stride and winning the coveted POP-UP CUP was none other than Pamala Baldwin’s hot J/122 LIQUID, making the crossing in just over 6 hrs for an average speed of 8.67 kts!

According to Pamala, “one of the best parts of this race was the promise of “gratis” docking and three days of spontaneous fun-- parties, games, barbecues! Plus, the dance parties at the ever popular Salt Plage water front club at Christophe Harbour were loved by our crew!”

Christophe Harbour was founded by S/Y “Andromeda la Dea” owner “Buddy” Darby, who designed the superyacht marina with superyacht owners and crew in mind. The marina currently houses 24 alongside superyacht berths and is estimated to provide 250 state-of-the-art alongside berths. For private or charter yacht homeport, the marina is considered an extension of crew ashore and offers exceptional guest concierge services to fulfill guest and crew needs, such as VIP clearance, provisioning, freight forwarding, local itineraries as well as ultra-fast Wi-Fi. Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Gorgeous Voiles de Saint Barth IX Regatta

(Gustavia, St Barth)- The ninth edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Barth Richard Mille started with a splash on Monday, April 9th, welcoming 53 teams in the regatta’s seven classes. The entire fleet enjoyed the first day’s racing in perfect easterly trade winds between 15 to 20 knots and big swell on the coastal courses – between 28 and 29 nautical miles – with a start and finish right outside of Gustavia port.

After an epic start off the Port of Gustavia for the second day of racing at Les Voiles de Saint-Barth Richard Mille, the fleet went on a wild ride up the southeast coast.  With winds gusting upward of 25 knots, the fleet of 53 teams battled it out in frantic surf. At the end of the day’s races, which included a 23-mile course for the CSA 3 Classes, a 32-mile loop for the CSA 1 and 2 Classes and then a 39-mile course for the Maxi 1, Maxi 2, OMA and CSA Multihull, the fatigue was evident.

“The conditions were fantastic today!” Richard Eames on board the J/105 WHISTLER in CSA 3. The WHISTLER team was sitting in third place and optimistic about making the podium in their fifth Les Voiles de Saint Barth. “We had to be very focused on the attitude of the boat, especially downwind but it made the navigation very exciting. Downwind we were flying at unbelievable speeds.“

Jimmy Buffett Surprise Concert
The sailors quickly forgot their aches and pains after a hard day of hiking in the big waves once singer Jimmy Buffett announced a surprise concert on Tuesday evening. Buffett, this year’s US ambassador, treated the regatta to live music dockside in the Race Village.

Postcard conditions continued on Friday as competition resumed for the seven fleets after Les Voiles’ signature Day Off on Thursday and lots of fun and games at the infamous NIKI BEACH cafe and bar.  On the menu were 18-22 knot breezes.  The PRO set a 22-mile course for CSA 1 and 2 and an 18-mile loop for CSA 3. As in previous days, the conditions were ideal and the fight was intense.

On Saturday’s final act for Les Voiles, the fabulous 25–27 knot winds with gusts in the low 30s and big seas, took their place on center stage to create a spectacular finish for the 9th edition.

In the CSA 2 Division, Pamala Baldwin’s J/122 LIQUID from Antigua sailed a consistent six-race series to finish 4th, just two points from taking the bronze position on the podium.  In fact, a fifth race OCS dropped them out of contention for the podium. Then, Sacha Daunar’s J/120 PAULISTA from Guadeloupe took 5th place behind them.

In CSA 3 Division, Peter Lewis’ crew on the J/105 WHISTLER from Barbados could not have sailed a more consistent series, posting six 3rds to secure the bronze on the podium!   Sailing photo credits- Christophe Jounay   Follow Les Voiles de St Barth on Facebook here   For more Les Voiles de St Barth sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Voiles St Barth Regatta IX Preview

(Gustavia Harbor, St Barthelemy)- The IX edition of the Voiles de Saint Barth is about to start this coming weekend.  A fleet of forty-four offshore racing thoroughbreds and a dozen cruising multihulls will be plying the spectacular aquamarine waters around St Barths for a week of fun in the sun and fabulous sailing.  And, to be sure, the après’ sailing is simply outstanding and considered some of the best in the Caribbean.

After Hurricane Irma in September 2017, the island community and friends from around the world answered the call for help and the island has been completely cleaned up.  Amazingly, most of the villas and hotels survived in great shape because building codes on St Barth are by far the strictest in all the Caribbean.  It was primarily the north facing beaches and waterfront villas that literally took a pounding, but were repairable.  As such, even the famous Nikki Beach Saint Barth beach club re-opened over the Easter Holiday weekend- Praise the Lord!  Just in time for the throngs of sailors to enjoy their annual ritual, a rite of passage for many, to enjoy their lay-day at Nikki Beach with jeroboams of rose’ wine, enormous “boats” of mouth-watering sushi, and fun & games in the water!

International support has also come in the form of the regatta’s “Ambassadors”, famous personalities in Europe, the Caribbean, the Americas, or in yachting that are present both on the water and ashore to add even more cachet to the overall experience.

French TV and Radio personality- Alessandra Sublet- has been named as the French ambassador for the ninth edition of Les Voiles de Saint-Barth.  She says, “I take this opportunity to salute the courage of the population and organizers who are what make this event and the island come to life”, said Sublet who has parents that live on the island. “It was natural for me to be in solidarity with the island and the regatta, and I am very proud to be an ambassador to the event for its ninth edition. I have always loved sailing and sailing in Saint-Barth is a dream! The sight of these boats in this beautiful setting is an unforgettable experience.”

The LVSB Regatta also welcomes back legendary musician and sailor Jimmy Buffett as the regatta’s official U.S. ambassador. “We all love our special island and we’re moving on from the wrath that Irma brought, and nothing signifies the recovery to me more than the return of Les Voiles de Saint-Barth,” said Buffett who owns a villa on Saint-Barth and last held this honorary position back in 2011. “All the boats and teams return this year to support the rebuilding of our island and have a little fun as well.” The American singer’s relationship with the island spans many decades and some of his most legendary songs were inspired by Saint-Barth. He is an active participant in the recovery of the island post Hurricane Irma!

Les Voiles has been a bucket list event for sailors since its inception in 2010, and for its ninth edition, scheduled from April 8th to 14th, the sailors will be enjoying an extra (5th) day of racing! Regatta Director François Tolède commented, “The extra day of racing will bring even more competitiveness and fun to the regatta, which we know is exactly what our participants are interested in! We look forward to the regatta kick off on Sunday, April 8 and wrap up Saturday, April 14, with racing scheduled for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Still, the official “Day Off” is scheduled for Thursday and we hope to see you at Nikki Beach to celebrate!”

Answering the call to participate and support the event are also a half-dozen J/sailors from around the world.  Sailing in CSA 3 Spinnaker class will be the J/122 LIQUID sailed by owner Pamala Baldwin with skipper Julian White.  They are fresh off recent battles “down island” at St Thomas, Tortola, and nearby St Maarten.  They will be up against two J/120s; PAULISTA sailed by Sacha DAUNAR from France and JAGUAR skippered by Ben Jelic from Saint Maarten.

Then, in CSA 4 Spinnaker class will be two veterans of the Caribbean racing circuit; the J/109 LES VOILES AU FEMININ sailed by owner Sophie Olivaud from St Barthelemy and the J/105 WHISTLER skippered by her owner Peter Lewis from Barbados.  For more Voiles de St Barth Regatta sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Tough, Challenging RORC Caribbean 600 Race

(Falmouth Harbour, Antigua)- Eighty-seven yachts started the 10th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 it was a record fleet that saw new elapsed time records broken, too. With strong 20-25 kts tradewinds that endured for the entire race, it also saw a record number of teams drop out due to the grueling conditions going upwind against 8-12 foot breaking rollers for hours on end.  Most boats spent a vast majority of the race under #4 jibs and reefed mains.

The 600nm race around the central Caribbean includes three French islands as marks of the course; Guadeloupe, Saint Martin and Saint-Barthélemy.  The weather forecast was surprisingly accurate, most northeast winds ranging from 15 to 25 kts, making for a very fast, “reachy” race track for the top boats. As a result, RAMBLER 88 set a new course record with a mostly all New England/ Newport team.

In CSA 2 and IRC Two were two J/122s that were ready for this challenging race course.  In fact, it was a perfect challenge for them, including a grueling 70nm beat against big winds and big seas along the south coast of Guadeloupe from the rocks of La Grande Anse northeast to the next turn off La Desirade. This leg was tailor-made for the strong all-around offshore design that is the J/122.

Going into that leg, Pamala Baldwin's LIQUID from Antigua and the classic offshore J/44 cruiser/racer, Kevin McLaughlin’s SPICE with a largely New England team, were dueling for a podium finish in their respective classes.

However, after rounding La Desirade, the J/44 took off on a powerful fast reach, as did the J/122.  In the end, the J/44 SPICE took 16th overall IRC, third IRC 1 Class.  Baldwin’s J/122 LIQUID took 18th overall IRC, fourth IRC 2 and then in CSA took 9th Overall and 4th in CSA 2 Class.  A good showing in a very, very tough race.  Sailing photo credits- Paul Wyeth/ PWPictures.com For more RORC Caribbean 600 Race sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

J/32 COURAGE- the passage was cool!

(Sakonnet River, Rhode Island, United States of America)-  Bob Kowalski- proud owner of the J/32 COURAGE provided us a quick synopsis of his “courageous” passage down to the islands (Caribbean) in the fall of 2017.  Here is Bob’s commentary:

“So, I soloed COURAGE, my lovely J/32, from Sakonnet Point (the east side of Aquidneck Island/ Newport, RI) to Brewers Bay, St Thomas, US Virgin Islands through two storms; yeah, two of them!

One was real fun, and I did over 200 miles in a day going 10+ knots for a good amount of time until a lower started to fray. Amazing boat, yup, she’s ‘just a cruiser’, says your Uncle Rod. Not! She flies!

The other storm, not so fun!  Heaved-to for over 24 hours.  I call it “the magic storm”.  With every wave, a thousand bucks disappeared off the deck!!  OMFG, it was crazy.  Never seen ‘nuthin like it!

But, I’m thinking that I am feeling pretty good about myself, almost beating my chest. Pulled into Nanny Cay to do the repairs next to a J/35 called SUNDAY.  Very nice Dutch couple.  They have sailed around the world on SUNDAY; done two Atlantic crossings and their boat survived Hurricane Irma. But, she looks PERFECT!  I’m humbled. Can learn a lot from this Dutch couple on their J/35, so cool!

Oh, BTW, I did the trip- 1,500+ nautical miles- in 10 days. I’m wondering, do I get a “throw-out” for the 24 hours when I heaved-to?  Can I subtract that and call it 9 days for my passage?  Haha!

Thought you guys would like to hear about it.  Amazing boat!  Awesome cruiser!  Thank you Al and Rod, keep up the great work!” Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Charter The World’s Coolest J/122?

Why Not! WIN Silverware for the Trophy Room!
(English Harbour, Antigua)- Caribbean Yacht Racing was founded on the idea to make racing in the Caribbean on a truly race-ready yacht a reality and a really, really fun time.

The goal is to make your experience not only fun, but to offer you a proven yacht to truly compete in some of the best yacht racing venues in the world!

Caribbean Yacht Racing offers the world-famous, race-ready, J/122 EL OCASO for J/Boats’ aficionados.

EL OCASO is one of the most consistent podium-finishing racing yachts on the Caribbean Sailing circuit and is a past winner of the Caribbean 600, Antigua Sailing Week, St. Thomas, BVI Regatta, and Heineken-St Maarten Regattas.

Why? Because Caribbean racing has random-leg courses that requires a boat that can race successfully on every point of sail- upwind, downwind, reaching from light to medium to heavy airs.  No wonder smart sailors in the Caribbean have chosen versatile boats like the J/122 to excel, have fun, and get their fair share of silverware!

CYR is a boutique charter business and caters to teams that want to experience a Caribbean regatta, but also want to race in a very competitive class and have a yacht that is truly race-ready.  The KEY-> have FUN and WIN some SILVER ‘mon!

EL OCASO is setup to race and offers charter customers the absolute best chance to be successful from the moment they leave the dock. Charters are available for 2018 and the CYR team can assist with everything from travel logistics to lodging & food.  Visit the website: http://www.caribbeanyachtracing.com or email Bob Hillier- bob@caribbeanyachtracing.com Add to Flipboard Magazine.

ARC Rallies- Caribbean 1500 & Atlantic Update

(Grand Canary, Spain)- “World Cruising”, the organization that created a number of “cruising rallies” called “ARC” (originally, Atlantic Rally Cruising), has seen its first major event finish in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, while the second event, ARC Atlantic, is still taking place having started on November 19th.

CARIBBEAN 1500
The longest-running ocean crossing rally in North America, the “1500” is a must-do for many cruisers. The ARC Caribbean 1500 fleet sails from Portsmouth, VA at the mouth the Chesapeake Bay to Nanny Cay on Tortola, British Virgin Islands. The start port and dates make the most of the available weather to maximize your Caribbean sailing, and the week-long pre-departure program will get you relaxed and ready for cruising.

Without a doubt, the most difficult part of getting to the Caribbean is timing the weather window before departure. Fall on the East Coast is squeezed between late summer hurricane season and early winter gale season. By joining the 1500, cruisers can rest assured that the “experts” are there to take the pressure off that decision. The support team consists of professional ocean sailors working closely with weather forecasters at WRI to ensure the fleet makes it across the Gulf Stream and into warmer waters in the best possible conditions.

Shortly after the start of the 2017 edition of the “1500”, one boat sent out an update over satellite email explaining, “it is an absolutely gorgeous day here in the North Atlantic. We are currently 640 nm off the coast of Georgia.  Last night was equally stunning. We were treated to a blaze orange moonrise followed by a moonlit night that danced on the water. The winds were favorable and we were cruising along comfortably at 11 knots or so.”

It did not take the fleet very long this year to make the 1,500nm crossing to Nanny Cay in Tortola, BVI.  In fact, Pete Watkins from Boise, Idaho, sailed his J/42 MERLIN so fast that he ended up 2nd Overall and 2nd in Cruising A Class!  Now, that’s a nice way to celebrate the start of the 2017/ 2018 winter Caribbean sailing season!  For more Caribbean 1500 sailing information

ARC ATLANTIC
The 2017 edition of the ARC Atlantic attracted nearly 200 boats and 1,200 people to sail 2,700nm across the Atlantic from Gran Canary Island (Spain) to Saint Lucia situated in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean.

This year’s “cruising rally” attracted a broad cross-section of sailors; families with children, tough offshore racers, cruising couples, big boats and modest boats. Crossing the Atlantic together, but having their own adventures. Many are already looking forward to their arrival in Saint Lucia to be met on the dock with a rum punch and a chilled beer after two weeks at sea!

After starting November 19th, Sunday, the fleet is making good progress towards St Lucia, and the crews are celebrating and enjoying the Atlantic crossing on board their yachts in many different ways. For some it’s flying a spinnaker, others it’s catching a fish or practicing celestial navigation.

The lone J/crew participating in this year’s event is the J/133 JACKY X owned and skippered by Gerard Feenema from The Netherlands.  Currently, as of 1500 hrs, November 30th, they are lying 4th in Cruising D, but on a significantly better, faster track to St Lucia than her erstwhile classmates.  They are approximately 1,500nm from landfall in the Caribbean.  For more ARC Atlantic sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Caribbean Winter Regattas- Go For It & Help!!

(Gustavia, St Barths)- Sadly, the islands in the Caribbean were recently devastated by the full force of one of the strongest series of hurricanes in history. The islanders and wider communities have rallied together and incredibly many businesses, marinas, bars and restaurants are already open!  Such is the power of perseverance, love, and passion amongst sailors around the world.

The message is loud and clear; the Caribbean will be open and ready to welcome sailors for the 2018 racing and cruising season.

The 2018 season is going to be a very special year in the Caribbean, as we all come together to rebuild the livelihoods of the resilient locals who will open their hearts and share their wonderful islands with all those who visit and enjoy the love for the sea.

ST MAARTEN HEINEKEN REGATTA
The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta will celebrate its 38th anniversary and takes place from March 1 – 4, 2018. This Regatta is the largest warm water Regatta in the world and offers a great combination of challenging races and fantastic parties, keeping with the event’s motto “Serious Fun”!

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is open to all levels of sailors from professional teams to novice and first time on the water sailors.

The event kicks off with the GILL Commodores Cup on Thursday 1st March, with windward-leeward races starting and finishing between Philipsburg and Simpson Bay.

Friday 2nd March is a race around the Island of St. Maarten clockwise from Simpson Bay, passing Tintamarre in the north and finishing back in Philipsburg.

Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th, will see the racing fleet enjoying some windward leeward racing in the Anguilla Channel followed by a coastal race back to a grand finish in Simpson Bay.  For more St Maarten Heineken Regatta sailing information
   
ST THOMAS INTERNATIONAL REGATTA
Organizers of the St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR) are pleased to announce that 2018 event, set for March 23 to 25, will take place as scheduled despite damage to the island from Hurricane’s Irma and Maria. Never in the 48-year history of STIR has a fall storm, even a major one, interrupted the running of the ‘Crown Jewel of Caribbean Yacht Racing’, and it will not in 2018. The host St. Thomas Yacht Club suffered some damage and the fleet took more than a few dents, but the venue for fantastic round the island races is still very much here. The resilience of regatta organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and club members as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands’ business community, hotel and tourism sectors is strong. Show your support and be part of our island’s recovery and future.

EL OCASO, Caribbean Yacht Racing’s swift-sailing J/122 is signed up and ready for a team who wants to charter her to a podium finish like last year.

If you are concerned about helping out, please help in the Virgin Islands’ recovery efforts by donating to the non-profit VI Marine Build Fund (tinyurl.com/savethevi). All funds will be used for the cleanup of the current cruising grounds, growth of marine industry offerings and development of marine vocational programs.  Register Now for Round the Rocks Race and STIR 2018

LES VOILE DE SAINT BARTHS Regatta
There is no question the Les Voiles de St. Barth Regatta will carry on in 2018!

Considered a high point of the tourist season on the island of Saint-Barthélemy, Les Voiles de St. Barth will take place as planned over April 8-14, 2018.

A little over two weeks ago, the Caribbean Islands were ravaged by one of the deadliest hurricanes of the century. While it took a hard hit, Saint-Barthélemy is already well on the road to recovery, revealing its courage and energy to rise up, much like the organizers of Les Voiles de St. Barth who have decided to maintain the regatta in 2018.

“We are working hard so that our island can welcome all of our guests, crews and spectators with the same level of hospitality and professionalism as usual,” announced François Tolède, who organizes Les Voiles along with Luc Poupon and a large group of volunteers. “We will produce this ninth edition of Les Voiles as a symbol of our reconstruction, with the same quality of service and the same degree of competition. We are going to concentrate our energy in organizing a regatta every bit as exceptional as in past years, with five days of competition, a day off, concerts every evening…the fundamentals will be there!”

Looking Toward the Future
There is one very clear common goal: to get the island ready for a limited 2018 tourist season. “We must remain confident,” said Bruno Magras, president of the Collectivity of Saint-Barthélemy. “We are capable of getting the island back in shape and putting its best foot forward!”

French President Emmanuel Macron noted with great optimism when he visited the island just one week after the storm, “Saint Barth is an island that is still standing, that retains its strength and values, and is in the process of getting back on its feet.”

Every Boat Matters!
With boats ranging in size from 24 feet to 100+, Les Voiles de St. Barth is defined by the diversity of its fleet, and every boat, be it large or small, professional or amateur, is invited to participate to show its support for the regatta and for the island of Saint-Barthélemy.

There are already some boats that have registered for this ninth edition of Les Voiles. The organizers of Les Voiles are sending this message to crews around the world: ”Come next April, participate and discover our paradise re-found. Hurricane Irma tried to destroy us, but we have nerves of steel, and by rebuilding together, our island will be even more beautiful.”  Here is a highlights reel from the last edition  To register for Les Voiles de St. Barth Add to Flipboard Magazine.

J/105 SOLSTICE Leads Class @ Les Voiles de St Barth

(Gustavia, St Barthelemy) – Perfect Caribbean conditions offered the backdrop for the stacked competition that took to the starting line for day one of racing at Les Voiles de St. Barth.  The 65 boats, split into nine classes, were sent on coastal courses, ranging from 24 to 31 nautical miles, tracing the western and northern coast of the island, all starting and finishing in the port of Gustavia in St. Barth.

Event newcomers, Jordan and Shannon Mindich’s J/105 SOLSTICE, with Bruce Stone skippering, shook up the competition in CSA 4, taking the lead after day one from last year’s class winners Credit Mutuel.

“We felt pretty good about our general speed and performance,” said Nicole Breault, a USA Women’s Match Race Champion, who calls the tactics onboard SOLSTIE. “This is my first time here and it’s spectacular, warm and really beautiful. I’m not that familiar with sailing on handicap, so we’re trying to sail like there are no other boats out there and just keep the boat going.”

For the second day of racing, it was not just a different day, but also a very different story from a weather perspective. Shiftier breeze and a change in the direction and design of the race course, in comparison to the day before, forced many competitors to shift gears and that dynamic yielded a mixed bag of results for the event’s nine classes. The fleet of 65 boats battled while navigating the rocky coast and its strong currents on courses, between 26 and 32 nautical miles, around the eastern side of the island.

“It was tough today because the wind was very erratic, initially blowing between 15 and 17 knots and then dropping off to around eight and ten knots,” said Hervé Hejoaka who helms Crédit Mutuel, which dropped from second to third place in CSA 4 after today. An event veteran, the team won its class here last year. “From there it became difficult to advance the boat because of the state of the sea and especially the large surf on the east side of the island. We fought like crazy and during the descent toward the Grenadines, we chose to stay close to the coast because it was smoother. This allowed us to climb back up a bit.”

Their top competitors, the J/105 SOLSTICE, stole a march on them by placing 2nd on the day to lead the class by one point over PASCO’s JAGUAR, a Salona 38.

In CSA Racing 3 Class, the two J/122s are having quite a battle.  After the second day of racing, Pamala Baldwin’s LIQUID is sitting in 2nd place with a 4-2 record for 6 pts and tied with them is sistership BETTER THAN/ EL OCASO with a 3-3 record.  These two boats are having quite a battle and everything will be up for grabs over the next two days.  For more Les Voiles de St Barths sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

Les Voiles de St Barths Regatta Preview

(Gustavia, St Barthelemy)- The 8th edition of the Voiles de St Barth continues its amazing trajectory to be the class act of the Caribbean offshore winter racing circuit.  In a short period of time, it has become a “bucket list” event for many sailors that have come to love the spectacular, mountainous French emerald, a setting that evokes romance, fun for all, and tremendous joy sailing in such spectacular surroundings.  Les Voiles is renown for its extraordinary ambiance, the fabulous organization, the extravagant entertainment and daily awards each evening, the two beach parties to end all beach parties (Nikki Beach and Shell Beach Crew Party), and the picturesque, yet challenging races each day (selected by the PRO from a list of 35+ courses!).

This year’s event has its usual eclectic mix of boats, a reflection of the sailing fleet in the Caribbean during the wintertime in the northern hemisphere.  Sixty-seven boats in all are participating with fifteen Maxi’s highlighting the event along with five large, fast multihulls.  However, the real story of the event for J/sailors is that of the forty-four keelboats sailing the regatta, TEN of them are J/Teams (23% of the keelboat fleet)! Soon, Les Voiles could become the future J/Caribbean Festival!

Here are some highlights of the teams participating in this year’s event.  In the provisional CSA Racing 4 Class is Rob Butler’s J/88 TOUCH2PLAY Racing from Toronto, Ontario; they have been sailing the entire winter circuit so far and have faired quite well, placing in most of them- Key West Race Week, Heineken St Maarten, St Thomas International Regatta, and BVI Spring Regatta to date!  Another Caribbean winter circuit veteran is Jordan Mindich’s J/105 SOLSTICE, they too have sailed Heineken St Maarten and St Thomas and are featuring a J/105 North American Champion as skipper for this regatta- Bruce Stone from San Francisco, CA.  Finally, two J/109s are racing, both with local island pedigree.  The “Irish” crew from St Barth’s are sailing David Cullen’s POCKET ROCKET, they’re a formidable team and won CSA 5 Class at “the Heineken”.  The other local St Barth 109 crew is led by Sophie Olivaud, skippering LES VOILES AU FEMININ- an all-women’s crew from the island!

This provisional CSA Racing 4 Class is going to be tough, with the top three boats from previous events likely trading-off the class lead and top three results on the leaderboard.  The outcome depends on the breezes and type of courses, e.g. more reaches versus windward/leeward racetracks.  If it is lighter, the J/88 should predominate.  If it is reachy, the J/105 could crush.  If there is a lot of upwind, the J/109s could easily prevail.

The scenario playing out in the CSA Racing 5 Class is not much different.  Several veteran Caribbean racers up against some charterers (also very experienced teams)! The betting form in this group is actually quite complicated since it could also see an outcome based on weather conditions.  For example, if there is a fair amount of reaching conditions, especially in a breeze, the J/111 could simply walk off with all the silver.  Then again, get enough windward-leeward lumpy seas with any breeze and the two J/122s could do the same.  Or, have enough of a mixture of conditions in lighter winds and the trio of J/120s might prove everyone wrong and clean sweep the class powered-on by their massive “beach ball” spinnakers and huge light air genoas!

The lone J/111 is J/BOSS, skippered by Frenchman Stéphane Blanchard.  Her owner is from Martinique and the crew is half Martinique and half French.  The French crew has raced for the past four years on their J/111 called Le Jouet in Pornichet, France.  In past Voiles St Barth’s, they have finished 1st, 2nd and 3rd in class.

The three J/120s will have a real challenge on their hands sailing against the fastest 41 footers in the Caribbean- the two J/122s.  The J/122 EL OCASO is famous in Caribbean racing circles.  Over the past 3 years, it has won every class in every regatta at least once and twice was named Overall Caribbean Circuit winner.  This year, the boat has been under charter and is off to a flying start.  El Ocaso has sailed Gill Commodore's Cup (3rd), Heineken St Maarten Regatta (1st CSA 3) and BVI Spring Regatta (3rd CSA Racing 1). Bob Hillier from Lake Geneva, WI has chartered her again for VSB (he sailed her in St Maarten).  They have a good crew and most of the crew are Lake Michigan J/122 sailors that have won at least a half-dozen Chicago-Mackinac Races in class and at least once Overall! No pansies that crew is! The other J/122 from Antigua, LIQUID (Pamala Baldwin's boat), is a fast boat with a good crew.  They won Gill Commodore's Cup CSA 3 Class and have an experienced skipper, George Bridger, helping them take on the mighty EL OCASO!  It will be a dogfight in this class for class honors!

With the organizers choosing a renowned patron for this 2017 edition of Les Voiles de St. Barth, the famous French offshore sailor Lionel Péan is the “godfather” of the race, it was only natural to extend this star quality to the event poster. As such, it has been designed by none other than the street artist Cyril Kongo. The self-taught painter has made a name for himself over recent years in the world of art and culture, collaborating with a series of prestigious companies, including Richard Mille, main partner to Les Voiles de St. Barth. An eye for composition and an exuberant color palette all give Kongo his unique edge.

The poster for the 2017 edition recaptures the painting Kongo created last year. “It really respects my work and I'm very proud of it,” said Kongo. “Through my family and friends, I have strong links to the sea and to the Caribbean. The insularity brings calm, reflection and serenity. In St. Barthélemy during Les Voiles de St. Barth, I've rediscovered the balance I feel in the West Indies, I feel particularly inspired.”  For more Les Voiles de St Barth sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.

J/Sailors Cruise Les Voiles de St Barth

(Gustavia Harbour, St Barths)- From the 11th to 16th April, the beautiful French island of St Barths played host for the 7th edition of Les Voiles de St. Barth.  This year’s event was notable for what it lacked, namely plenty of wind!  Unusual conditions prevailed for the sailors as much lighter winds than forecast jinxed the fleet, making for an exasperating week of sailing for most boats.  One day was even canceled due to no wind!  While the beach parties raged, other prayed for breeze to round out the week, but it never happened.

In CSA 3, Eddy Chalono’s J/111 J-BOSS from Martinique managed to post a strong comeback after taking an 8th place in their first race, sailing fast & furious to post two deuces and take the bronze in class.  Similarly, the J/120 JAGUAR sailed by Vladimir Kulichenko from Moscow, Russia also had a slow start in race 1 with a 9th, but came back with a 3-5 to finish a respectable 6th overall on a tie-breaker over Pamala Baldwin’s J/122 LIQUID team from Antigua.

Like their classmates in CSA 3, the J/109 POCKET ROCKET skippered by David Cullen from St Barths/ Ireland took 4th in CSA 4 class with a scoreline that showed improvement every race.  Peter Lewis’ J/105 WHISTLER from Barbados sailed consistently to take 6th in class.   For more Les Voiles St Barth Regatta sailing information

Les Voiles de St Barth Update

(Gustavia Harbour, St Barths)- From the 11th to 16th April, St Barths is hosting the 7th edition of Les Voiles de St. Barth, an event which, since its creation in 2010, has quite simply become indispensable thanks to the unique sporting atmosphere and conviviality that colors activities both on the water and on shore in this lovely little quadrant of French style in the Caribbean.

Bernie Evan-Wong’s crew aboard the chartered J/120 Team Taz is 80% women. Wong, who has missed only one Les Voiles since its inception, made the valiant effort to secure the charter after his own boat was damaged in a collision at the recent St. Thomas International Regatta. “We were just starting to get a grip this season when we had this knockout with the boat (which was new for him last season).”

As for the J/120, Wong’s crew, which includes his daughters Meiling and Sarah, could be the poster team for Caribbean circuit sailing, what with it having started in Grenada for this season’s first regatta, then moved on to the RORC Caribbean 600, the Heineken Regatta in St. Martin, St. Thomas, the BVI Regatta and now Les Voiles before heading to Antigua Sailing Week.

“We love this event,” he said. “The organizers outdo everybody else, and it’s innovative in many ways, like the cold bucket of champagne that a rib brings you when you finish on the last day. And, of course, it’s a lovely location and the course racing is very different, around the rocks where sometimes, I must say, the seas get a bit challenging. They do a brilliant job of making it fun, and obviously this is building every year, which is great.”  To keep track of all that fun in the sun, please be sure to visit the Les Voiles St Barth website here.