Conditions were Caribbean perfect for the final evening of the 31st Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta. The ominous weather, which challenged the fleet during race 4, sailed away leaving behind a star-studded sky. Matching it was a huge stage, perfectly set and gleaming with trophies for The Final Prize Giving. Hundreds gathered on the lawn of the Copper and Lumber Store Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard. The action-packed week, captured by a team of amazing photographers, scrolled on a screen before a spellbound audience of salty sailors.
Co-Chair Jane Coombs, wife of ACYR founder, the late Kenny Coombs, took the stage. Welcoming captains and crew she said, “I think Kenny sent us some great breezes.” Have you had fun?” The answer was a deafening roar of hoots and whistles.
Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honourable Sir Rodney Williams
Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, the Honourable Sir Rodney Williams, thanked sailors for keeping the ACYR tradition alive. Highlighting some vessels from an amazing fleet he said, “We want to welcome back Aschanti IV and the celebrated ocean racer, Ticonderoga of Greenwich. A new boat joining us is Ocean Star with young sailors onboard. We have Ruth from Barbados; Vendia from Grenada; and Rhea here for the first time. We hope you will all join us again next year to make this Regatta bigger and better.”
Announcer Tommy Paterson got right to work with an auction item in support of Antigua Barbuda Search and Rescue (ABSAR) “If you’re out at sea and you’re in trouble, who you gonna call, Ghost Busters or ABSAR?” And of course, the audience gave a resounding answer.
First place winner of Traditional Class, 36’ Carriacou sloop Sweetheart
Winners of the Single-Handed Race and Concours d’Elégance were acknowledged. He thanked the illustrious Committee Boat Exile Explorer and owner Shannon Falcone for their important role during the week. Then the dispensing of trophies began beginning with the Traditional Class. First place winner, 36’ Carriacou sloop Sweetheart was also awarded The Superyachts and Supermodels Trophy for 1st Overall.
First place in Classic GRP was 50’ John Alden Ketch Petrana. She also took home The Sunshine Trophy for Best Elapsed Time and The Antigua Boatbuilders and Carpentry Trophy for 1st Overall. Winner of the Tall Ships Class and World Peace Trophy was 175’ Klaus Roder staysail ketch Chronos. Sistership Rhea took home the Anne Wallis-White Trophy for the largest vessel. The only entry in the Spirit of Tradition Class, 127’ Atalante, was unable to sail but received cheers from the crowd for her stunning presence on the dock.
52’ S&S yawl Mah Jong won Classic Class B
40’ Luders sloop Free Spirit took top honours in Classic Class C. 52’ S&S Yawl Mah Jong won Classic Class B and her captain, Alex Goldhill accepted the FitzRoy Trophy for young Classic Sailor of the Year. Aschanti IV, winner of Classic Class A was awarded The Den Phillips Trophy for the most photogenic yacht, the Lyman-Morse@ Wayfarer Marine Trophy, the Beken of Cowes Trophy, The Dunlin Trophy, The Antigua Slipway Trophy for Best Elapsed Time and fittingly- The Ashanti of Saba Trophy for 1st overall Classic Class.
Vintage Class A, first place went to 79’ Alfred Mylne yawl Mariella along with the A&F Sails Trophy for the best local boat, The Archibald Reid Trophy for best elapsed time and the Mount Gay Rum Trophy. Second place 64’ Herreshoff staysail schooner Mary Rose took home the Marine Power Service Trophy for the oldest boat.
First place in Vintage Class B was 65’ Alfred Mylne Marconi cutter, The Blue Peter.
First place in Vintage Class B was 65’ Alfred Mylne Marconi cutter The Blue Peter. She also took home the Abordage Stormy Weather Trophy.
Overall Winner of the 31st Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta was the mighty ASCHANTI IV
And finally, winner of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta Trophy for Least Elapsed Time and Overall Winner of the 31st Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta was the mighty ASCHANTI IV. The prize was sponsored by the Classic Yacht Owners Association. So good to see ASCHANTI IV back here again: many congratulations as well as apologies for an initial inadvertent scoring error which has since been rectified. We look forward to seeing you grace our waters again next year.
To insure that the celebratory evening continued, DJ music cranked up the crowd. Two enthusiastic sailors took the stage for an entertaining dance off. Apparently it was a good idea because within minutes there was a troupe spilling from the stage that set the tone for the last night of the 2018 ACYR.
But wait- there’s more! The final race takes place today at the Admiral’s Inn in Nelson’s Dockyard, the infamous and very wet Gig Racing and Cream Teas.
For more information please visit www.antiguaclassics.com
Press Officer Ginny Field press@antiguaclassics.com (1-268- 785-5380)
Race Reporter Jan Hein janjhein@gmail.com