Antigua Sailing Week day 4 - Spirit of Isis and Starry Night collide

by Trish Jenkins on 4 May 2012 On day four of the 2012 Antigua Sailing Week, a collision occurred during the morning between Ondeck's Farr 65, Spirit of Isis and the Oyster 82, Starry Night of the Caribbean.

Peter Anthony, Chairman of Ondeck commented: 'During the first race today one of our yachts, Spirit of Isis, was involved in a port and starboard incident with Oyster 82, Starry Night that caused serious damage to our Farr 65 and put an end to its continuation in the regatta. I would like to thank Antigua and Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) and Antigua Coastguard, as well as a boat from the Antigua Sailing Week Organising Committee, for their swift response and assistance. Luckily only very minor injuries were sustained that were treated by the ABSAR crew ashore. Once safely on the dock, the skipper and owner of Starry Night were quick to apologise for the collision showing good sport.'

Skipper of Isis, Vicky Blunt explained:' The regatta was going really well and a fantastic performance has been put in by the team who are mainly charter guests. We were looking forward to another good race vying for a podium position and were climbing steadily through the fleet tacking our way to the windward mark. Whilst we were on starboard tack there was an unfortunate incident involving Starry Night who came at us on port tack, ending our race in dramatic fashion. Thankfully everyone on board responded well and rallied together to bring the boat and crew safely back alongside. Many thanks to ABSAR and the Coastguard for their speedy response and assistance in this incident.'

Antigua Sailing Week website