Two action-packed days of racing, three party nights and a Junior Regatta bought together sailors, visitors and residents of Jolly Harbour for an unparalleled weekend in February.
This year’s event saw a record number of entries with courses being run more closely to Olympic rules including off-shore starts to allow for larger boats to compete.
The competitive edge of the skippers and crew made for exciting starts and finishes, and good boat handling gave the 150 sailors taking part an exhilarating couple of days.
Perfect weather conditions saw the yacht Regardless scoop first prize in Racing Class, while Blue Peter dominated Racer/Cruiser Class, winning a spectacular five out of seven races. Not to be outdone, Volare snatched first in Cruising Class.
Over the two days the Junior Regatta saw eighteen youngsters competing in Optimist and Laser Taz dinghies. The winner in each class received Gill sailing gloves donated by Budget Marine.
Major sponsors of the event were Sea Hawk Paints, Budget Marine, Banks Beer, Gill Clothing, Al Porto Restaurant, and the Jolly Harbour Home Owners Association. Local shops, the Jolly Harbour Marina, restaurants and businesses from Jolly Harbour and the wider Antigua community donated prizes for the first three places in each class.
