In image: the One Design Boats at the start line
The Third Annual Lagoonies Regatta was the scene of intense competition in highly varying winds with the win being taken by a team from Kidz at Sea foundation helmed by Garth Steyn, the person behind the success of this youth program.
Whilst three of the Kidz at Sea teams were helmed by experienced yachtsmen, one was helmed by one of the ‘Kidz’ being Luke Bacon who took a sixth place and showed enormous potential with an all youth team.
In image: Winner Kidz at Sea during prize giving
Second place went the truly friendly team ‘Friendly Sailors ‘ led by Ernst Looser and Bernard Sillem supported by Nina Manley . They were the defending champions from last year and in spite of four first places were unable to hold their position. Third place went to the team ‘Lightweight’ who’s cryptically named team consisted of Han de Bruyn Kops and the Soons brothers Pieter and Paul.
The regatta was sailed in winds that varied from drifting to more than stiff with directions varying very substantially. The wind gods seemed to shift their location from Cole Bay to Marigot. The teams sailed thirteen races in seven boats. Race Officer was Andrew Rapley and adjudication was in the hands of Andrea Scarabelli, Nettie v d Valk and Jan van den Eynde.
The Lagoonies Regatta is hosted by Lagoonies Bistro & Bar who ensure that the shore side is convivial and sumptuous. During the lunch break competitors were able to view the first race of the Americas Cup where New Zealand dominated. The seven identical boats were sponsored by Budget Marine and further sponsors were Amstel Bright beer and Mount Gay Rum.
