Two action packed days of racing, three party nights and a Junior Regatta bought together sailors, visitors and residents of Jolly Harbour for an unparalleled weekend. This year saw a record number of entries with the courses being run more closely to Olympic rules including offshore starts to allow for larger boats to compete.
The competitive edge of the skippers and crew made for exciting starts and finishes and good boat handling gave the 150 sailors taking part an exhilarating couple of days. Perfect weather conditions saw ‘Regardless’ scoop Class 1 prize, ‘Caribbean Alliance Blue Peter’ storm in first under Class 2, which won six out of seven races and ‘Volare’ snatched first in Class 3.
Over the two days the Junior Regatta had eighteen youngsters competing in Optimist and Laser Taz dinghies. The winner in each class received Gill sailing gloves donated by Budget Marine. Entertainment got the crowds grooving to DJ Tanny and Asher Otto & Itchyfeet. Specially priced beverages provided by Al Porto satisfied those thirsty sailors.
Major sponsors of the event were Budget Marine, Sea Hawk Paints, Banks Beer, Gill Clothing, Al Porto
Restaurant, and the Jolly Harbour Home Owners Association. Local shops, the Jolly Harbour Marina, restaurants and businesses from Jolly Harbour and the wider Antigua community donated prizes for the first
three places in each class.
In photo: Sir Rodney Williams, KGN, GCMG presents 3rd Place Class 3 toJHYC Commodore Grahame Williams
His Excellency, Governor General Sir Rodney Williams KGN, GCMG, presented the prizes on Sunday evening. In his speech he praised the organizers, sponsors and the participants for entering the challenging regatta, sailing being a key part of Antigua’s tourist industry. Save the date for 2018 as the Valentine’s Regatta will take place 9, 10 & 11 February 2018.
