The Annual Southern Caribbean Dinghy Regatta was a three day
event held in Trinidad over the 28th, 29th and
30th of December 2005. It was also the last opportunity in 2005 for
St Lucia to take on international competition in
the Laser and Optimist class—St Lucia’s last stand.
International teams from Antigua,
Argentina, Brazil, Grenada,
Martinique, St.
Lucia and Trinidad took
part in the 10 races. Flying the flag for St. Lucia in the Laser Radial class
were the well-known Meixner brothers—Felix and
Luis. Eric Simmons providing more of the same in the Optimist
Dinghy class.
Day one saw teams familiarize themselves with their
chartered boats followed by a course trial sail. Trial over the rigs was
finely-tuned and good winds made for a competitive a practice race. Ideal for the Meixner
boys—they finishing first and second in the fun event.
Strong winds on the first day suited the St. Lucian team,
however, typical Trinidad
Gulf winds dropped to
three knots and it was a different story on the following days.
Felix Meixner finished second and
Luis third overall in the radial laser class which consisted of six
competitors, with two sailors forming the standard laser class.
Eric did not fare so well his weight and experience is more
suited to heavy weather, conspicuous by its absence, throughout this
regatta. Eric finished 22 out of 25
and how proud coach Dr Michael Camps was of the team’s performance,
“I’m delighted,” said a delighted Dr Camps.
In the spirit of the event, sponsored by Guardian Life
Insurance, the St Lucia team
were housed and fed by their Trinidad
counterparts who were extremely impressed by St Lucians’
skills and verve in this class.
Who wouldn’t be?
