What a fabulous event! The Bequia Easter Regatta is a four day racing event over the Easter weekend. There are five racing classes plus the fishing boats (the local double ended whale boats). We entered the cruising II class for cruising 'liveaboards'. Our crew were 3 OCC friends, John and Chris Lytle and Derek Ide, all from the UK. Friday was the first race in very light winds, but we were given a heads up on the tides and were able to pull in a second place finish, which we thought was terrific as our competition (and friend) Trinity is a big racing boat ,BUT carried racing sails and a full 120 jib. We were hampered by only having our 105 cruising roll out jib. Saturday's wind was even lighter, very frustrating and fluky and we had to sail around the whole island! We didn't do well at all. We were surprised to learn we came in 6th as we thought we were dead last. Sunday was a much needed lay day and we joined Andrew and Jo aboard Zephyr's Zest to cruise around the island and watch the sandcastle building and make your own boat contests. Relaxing day with lots of rum punch! Monday got us all going again with much better wind conditions, so off to the races! This was a twice around triangle course right in Admiralty Bay complete with a giant cruise ship anchored in the middle of the race course! We had a very exciting start with several boats being forced over early and off we went, tacking, gybing, reaching with all the classes sailing the same course, so there was lots to pay attention to! Our skipper distinguished himself with a stellar start and sailed the course beautifully pulling in another 2nd place, with a much improved time difference between ourselves and Trinity. As it turned out that was enough to secure a second place overall and a lovely hand carved bequia half model as a trophy! A good time was had by all and there even is a bit of chatter about returning again next year!