Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta Day 1 - Picos in motion
by Trish Jenkins on 10 Feb 2013
Laser Picos provided by Antigua National Sailing Academy competed off Jolly Harbour’s south beach at the Jolly Harbour Valentine’s Regatta and Rum Festival Kevin Johnson
http://www.kevinjohnsonphotography.com/
Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta 2013 got underway today, Sunday 10th February. Seven Laser Picos provided by Antigua National Sailing Academy competed off Jolly Harbour's south beach. Plenty of spectators watched the racing from Castaways Beach Bar and the young sailors enjoyed their first of two days racing as part of the sailing event. Three boats were crewed by the young sailors themselves, including Shaquile and Marco who came second overall. Others teamed up with adults around the course.
10 year old Zante helming his first ever race was delighted to win overall after four races. He sailed with Bea Shrewsbury who praised Zante for his race skills today.
Zante said after racing: 'It was really great. We came first, after winning the first two races and then getting a second and a third place. Sometimes I race with my friend but this is my first race and first time using a jib. I really enjoyed it. There were good winds and it was fun racing against the other boats. I'm looking forward to coming back tomorrow.'
Mervyn Cully who is a villa owner at Jolly Harbour was very happy to sail with a local crew, Ben Kai. They were happy to achieve a third place in the first race: Ben said: 'That was really good. I've been sailing since October and really like it when the boat is really leaning over and I'm hiking out the side, going really fast.'
Olympic sailor, Karl James was on hand to offer some coaching advice to the youth sailors and was assisted by Christine and Jose Gillis and Elizabeth Jordan from Antigua Yacht Club.
Another five boats will join the Laser Pico fleet tomorrow, including Rocco Falcone and Louis Bavay.
Laser Pico series at Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta 2013
1.Bea Shrewsbury and Zante (7 points)
2.Marco and Shaquile (9 points)
3.Tony Isaac (11 points)
4.Peter Lansdale (20 points)
5.Fuller Cowles (20 points)
6.Joseph Nunes (23 points)
7.Mervyn Cully (27 points)
8.Canter de Jager (48 points)
9.Louis Bavay (48 points)
10.Mark Smith (48 points)
11.Rocco Falcone (48 points)