Culebra Heineken Intl Regatta Set for March 17
More boats, more classes, and more fun are highlights of this year’s second annual Culebra Heineken International Regatta, set for March 17 to 19 out of Culebra, Puerto Rico, and the second leg of the Caribbean Ocean Racing Triangle Series.
“We are expecting big boat participation to double from last year to at least 70-plus,” says regatta director Angel Ayala. “In the dinghy classes, we will be qualifying the Optis for the North American Championships to be held in Ponce this summer, Laser and Snipes qualifications for the Central American Games in Cartagena, Colombia, and Hobie 16s as well. So, that’s about 65-plus.”
Classes for the big boat regatta are: Spinnaker Racing, Racer-Cruiser, Racing Non-spinnaker, Jib and Main, IC/24, J/24 and Beach Cats.
Native boats called chalanas will also sail this year. “Chalanas are boats from 20 to 24 feet made out of wood, with hi-tech rigging such as is used in J/24 or Melges boats. There’s no ballast. The daggerboard is used as the keel. Hiking gear is needed for at least two crewmembers to balance the boat going to windward and the spinnaker is used on the downwind leg as any racer,” Ayala explains.
He adds, “We will have participation from the U.S. Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Antigua and other neighboring islands. The Mexico Sailing Federation has showed interest in coming to Culebra and we are extending our invitation to them. The Mexican sailors would compete in the Opti, Laser and Hobie 16 classes. We missed the invitation from Venezuela to race in November at the Sunfish Worlds but we are inviting them to participate in Culebra this coming year.”
There will be course changes from last year, says Ayala, and two race committees to handle the number of boats expected. Bahia Ensenada will still be the site for the dinghy regatta.
Michael Thompson will be senior race officer, while Arthur “Tuna” Wullschleger will serve as chief international judge.
Sailors can register at the Costa Bonita Resort in Culebra on March 17, before 1900 hrs. Dinghy registration can be done through Internet, or at the resort on March 18 at 0900 hours. Customs & Immigrations will be available at the hotel Costa Bonita Resort and the hours will be posted on the website.
“We will offer breakfast for all competitors at no charge. There will be an open grill cash bar at lunch and dinner and this year we will have fantastic music to dance and party all night long,” Ayala says.
In addition, “water taxis will be available to take people from their boats to the hotel and we will be having additional floating dock for the dinghies,” Ayala adds.
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