2016 Valentine's Regatta - All winners at Jolly Harbour

by Louay Habib on 17 Feb 2016 2016 Valentine's Regatta - The final day of racing at the Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta was blessed with fantastic conditions in Five Island Harbour, with solid Trade Winds providing exhilarating sailing for the competitors. Three classes were hanging in the balance as the fleet headed out for the last day of racing. Three races were held for all four classes racing under the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) rating rule.

CSA One

Performance Yacht Charter's First 40, Southern Child, skippered by Lucy Jones won the first race of the day, putting pressure on Pamala Baldwin's J/122, Liquid. However Liquid held there nerve to win the remaining two races, despite fierce competition on the water from Christian Reynold's Grand Soleil 43, Performance Yacht Racing – Quokka. Jonty and Vicky Layfield's J11S, Sleeper was third.

“A fabulous regatta.” commented Liquid's owner Pamala Baldwin. “The team had to sail really well to beat the competition, the sailing conditions were divine and we had a lot of fun, this regatta has it all and to win our class just puts the icing on the cake.”

CSA Two

Tanner and Shari Jones' J/30, Caribbean Alliance Insurance had a titanic battle with Hans Lammers' Luders Yawl, Frolic. Sandy Mair's First 35, Cricket also got in the mix but the match racing between the leading pair was to decide the class winner. Although Caribbean Alliance Insurance won all three of today's races, Frolic was less than a minute behind in every encounter and the last race was only won by eight seconds.

“That was tough.” commented Tanner Jones. “The crew had to really dig deep to hold off Frolic. She is a fast and well sailed boat and had the advantage on us upwind but we were able to make up our time downwind. I lost count of the number of times the lead changed hands today and it has been the same every day. Although the wind speed has been right up there for the last two days, we have had our two children out sailing with us, they are only five and six and this is the perfect regatta to get youngsters out sailing.”

CSA Three

Tony Sayer's First 42, Augustine continued there impressive form with three straight winds on the final day to win the class. Terry Alan's Grand Soleil 343, Volare finished the regatta tied on points with John Wills Sweden 42, Ocean Harmony, but Volare was awarded second after countback.

“The team has sailed a lot and we have never one this one before, so that is a great feeling.” commented Tony Sayer. “A big thank you to the organisers who have put on a fantastic regatta'.

Pocket Class

Robbie Ferron's Jeanneau 20, Budget Marine Micron 99, kept up their winning ways with three more wins and Robbie's team was also awarded the best start of the regatta for a port tack flyer on the last day.

Last night's live performance drew a crowd of hundreds to The Square at Jolly Harbour Marina, with Asha Otto and Itchy Feet reeling off a string of rock numbers and their own compositions. The Sound Citizens will be the closing act for the 2016 Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta.

Commodore of the Jolly Harbour Yacht Club, Grahame Williams, welcomed Sir Rodney Williams, Governor-General of Antigua and Barbuda, as guest of honour at the Jolly Harbour Valentine's Regatta Prize Giving. Sir Rodney Williams awarded the prizes assisted by Regatta Director, Gordon Cossar.

“It is a pleasure for me to be here for the second year running.” commented Sir Rodney Williams. “Jolly Harbour is a yachting destination and when visitors come to Antigua, they come to the heart of yachting in the Caribbean. Congratulations to the organising committee of the Valentine's Regatta for the event and to all of the competitors who have taken part and I urge you to bring your friends next year, so that it will be bigger and better. After all it is the Valentine's Regatta, so bring your loved ones!”