New Year’s Day Cruisers Regatta
07 January 2018 | Staniel Cay
The morning of New Year’s Day was spent preparing for crew (Mike and Julie) and getting ready to race. We found out from Peter that the pre-race meeting was held before we arrived in Staniel Cay but he gave us a run down and a course map and rules. Ten boats registered which I found surprising as there were so many boats in the area. Racing was scheduled for 10AM but this is the islands mon. As we were getting ready to pull anchor there was a radio call for a racers update on 72. After switching to 72 we learn from the race committee that based on the very light (non-existent) wind they were cancelling the race to allow all to enjoy the water benefits of the Staniel Cay area without being forced to drift for hours looking for a bit of breeze to sail big cruising boats in. Good call committee as the wind did come up to about 5 knots at 4PM just as the regatta banquet was to begin. We spent the day kayaking and dinghying around and learning to navigate in 3 knots of current by dinghy in the inlet.
The banquet actually started around 5:30 (island time mon) and we had a great feast put on by the local Staniel Cay civic organization. Chicken, pork, red beans and rice, coleslaw and mixed veggies. Most of it was delicious. The race committee came by and handed out awards to the racers. Of course OUR DIAMOND got first place. Yes, yes I know it was in the Catalina 36 division of one boat. Funny how there were 10 divisions in a 10 boat race. I am still trying to figure that out. I received our “trophy” bag and thanked my crew and the race committee. All was well.
Last year WHITEBIRD participated in their first regatta and won first place (actually) as they had 20+ knots of wind. They squeaked out a win by about two boat lengths.