Despite a low turnout of competitors for this year’s inaugural Barbados May Regatta, the three-day event was off to an exciting start with wins for Hawkeye, Impulse and Die Hard in the popular J24’s class. There was also a big crash as well.
The Robert Povey skippered Hawkeye drew first blood in the opening race of the day but had to settle for third and fourth-place finishes in the remaining two racers of the afternoon.
The second race was won by Impulse while Die Hard took the top honours in the third and final race of the afternoon.
However, the early morning excitement soon turned into one of near tragedy for the crew of Paddington competing in the Caribbean Sailing Association CSA-2 Series.
While trying to rescue a crew member who fell overboard approaching the beginning of the boardwalk along the Hastings stretch, the boat struck a reef and ran aground. It was quickly rescued by the Barbados Coast Guard and towed back to Carlisle Bay with some under-body damage.
When the Saturday Sun caught up with the captain and owner of Paddington, Peter Hoad, at the Barbados Yacht Club, he and his crew were full of fun and laughter as they related their mishap. “Apart from a few minor scratches and bruises while trying to get the boat from between the reefs all of us are fine” he said.
With Paddington out of the competition, Leonora won both of the allotted two races from Dragon Magic, which had to settle for second-place in each race.
Earlier in the CSA-1 series it was all Paul Johnson in Bruggadung 2 taking the top honours in both races, ahead of the Trinidadian boat C-Moss, last year’s defending champion. Finishing third was the Ralph Johnson owned and skippered Rapajam.
Only four boats were entered in the Cruising Class series, which competed in one race of the day. This was won by Lantana, with Ten Seven finishing second, and Other Business finishing in third place.
Today is a designated fun day on the beach. Members of the public will have the opportunity to sail down the West Coast and take part in a treasure hunt while those not so adventurous can take part in a number fun and games on the beach in Carlisle Bay.
The competive action will continue tomorrow morning where the action will be centred in the Carlisle Bay and along the West Coast. It will climax with a presentation ceremony at 6 p.m. (CH)
