Martinique’s Saint Jean race took place on June 24. This race, which closes out the regatta season before the onset of the hurricane season, has a fairly unusual format. In fact, it’s a rally and not a regatta where, following a handicap system, boats leave on staggered starts in order to arrive (in theory at least) together at the finish line. After crossing the line, one crewmember must jump in the water in order to reach the shore and argue about who won over a chosen drink! As a rally, all entries are accepted, from cruisers to pure racers. The rules are simple: sail wisely and let fair play and good humor rule.
This race is the biggest meeting of boats in Martinique, with a record 70 entries in 2004. The Guadeloupean contingent is already finely tuned and it would appear that the neighboring English islands are increasingly interested. Results according to class were established, but the ‘must’ is to finish as winner with all the classes mixed up!
After starts between 8:52am and 12:21 for the last boat, battle was fought in Fort de France Bay between waypoints and channel markers. The overall winner, for the third time – including consecutive wins in 2003 and 2004, was the Muscadet Le Zanzibar which didn’t seem to be bothered by other competitors throughout the leg even if she was followed closely towards the end by the Delph 28 Digicel. The following three places went to Restaurant le Phare, ADSL and Wind in the Racing Class.
Not surprisingly the parties were full throttle on Saturday evening on the dock of Bakoua for this eighth edition of the race.
Results :
1. Le Zanzibar (Muscadet)
2. Digicel (Delph 28)
3. Restaurant le Phare (Surprise)
4. ADSL (Surprise)
5. Wind (Surprise)
6. Aguste (5.5 JI)
7. Pelloc’h (Flot 38)
8. Marbella (First 38)
9. Lynx Optique (Dufour 45)
10. GFA Caraïbe (Surprise)
Class winners :
Classe ABC : Le Zanzibar (Muscadet)
Classe D : Digicel (Delph 28)
Classe EF : Marbella (First 38)
Classe R1 R2 : Restaurant le Phare (Surprise)
Classe R3 R4: Crédit Moderne (B28)
Classe Cata: Drabenec (Tri Newick)
