EIGHT BELLS: Kenny Coombs

The Caribbean is mourning the sad loss of Kenny Coombs, the founder and organiser of the Antigua Classic Regatta, who passed away October 6 in hospital in the UK after a short illness.

Kenny Coombs was an honorary member of the St. Maarten-St. Martin Classic Regatta and assisted in St. Maarten during the Classic Regattas as an advisor to the jury.

“Kenny was Chairman of the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta from the very beginning in 1988 when they started with seven boats,” founder of the St. Maarten-St. Martin Classic Regatta, Jan Roosens recalled. “The Antigua Classic is often called ‘the mother of the Classic Regattas’ and has maintained steady growth, typically hosting between 50 and 60 yachts every year. It enjoys a wonderful variety of competitors including traditional Cariacou boats from the islands, classic ketches, sloops, schooners, yawls, Spirit of Tradition yachts and J Class yachts.

“Kenny Coombs was often seen skippering some of the big yachts such as Altair, Windrose and lately Adventuress. He was well known not only in Antigua and the Caribbean but also on the Mediterranean Classic circuit as a friendly and happy captain. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his partner Jane, family and many friends, during this difficult time of grieving.” – The Daily Herald