Great start to Puerto Rico Heineken

San Juan, Puerto Rico (June 11, 2016) – The largest sailing event competition in Puerto Rico – Puerto Rico Heineken International Regatta (PRHIR) and Puerto Rico International Dinghy Regatta (PRIDR), started today with excellent conditions in the waters surrounding host port, Puerto del Rey Marina in Fajardo. Over 75 vessels, 25 kites and more than 270 sailors and 62 volunteers are participating this year at the Regatta, sponsored by Heineken.

On Saturday the competition began at 11:00 a.m. with up to 7 regattas for one of the classes. Perfect weather conditions and winds of 12 knots, sunny and luminescent sky gave sailors a perfect day at the sea.

Eduardo Ortiz, President of the Sailing Federation of Puerto Rico, expressed great satisfaction for the start of the 11th edition of the PRHIR, particularly with the Optimist category, where the youngest are competing. “It’s been a great start. We are very pleased and happy with the demonstrations the smaller sails are showing in the Regatta. It’s looking great for them and their seriousness and competitiveness in the water is admirable,” said Ortiz after explaining they reached 12 knots of wind, which helped make the regatta a more competitive one.

“It’s one of the closest competitions in a Regatta I’ve seen in between all categories. For example, the first part of the regatta for the CSA Spinnaker was only won by a difference of two seconds”, stated Ortiz.

At the moment Captain Gilberto Rivera and his crew with “Urayo/STIHL” takes the lead in the IC-24 category at the Puerto Rico Heineken International Regatta, followed by Captain Marcos Teixidor and his crew with “Cachondo” next in line. In the CSA Spinnaker category, “Dark Star” from Jonathan Lipusek is currently in first place followed by “Soca” from Captain Luis Juarbe.

In other sailing categories, Hobie 16, is led by Panamerican Games Gold medallist Enrique “Quique” Figueroa with partner Alexandra Lugo, followed by Heineken team, Francisco Figueroa and partner Jolliam Berríos. In the Laser 4.7 class, Rafael Tirado with “Y Sailing” is in first place; Ricardo Valenzuela is leading Laser Radial, while José Nigaglioni is leading in Sunfish. In the 420, Sebastian Casellas and Joaquin Lopez are currently in first position.

In the Kite category, who are making their first appearance in the PRHIR this year, only one of the classes, “kite foilers”, were able to enjoy the wind conditions, the rest of the kite classes, Twin Tip Kites, are hoping to see some action tomorrow Sunday, when wind is expected to more favorable.

As usual, the entertainment plays a big part of the PRHIR. With the distinctive green color that characterizes the premium Dutch beer (Heineken) illuminating all of Puerto del Rey Marina, the public enjoyed the live music and happy hours during Friday night.

Tonight, the celebration and good music continues with DJ Davey, Sin Prisa, Millo Torres y el Tercer Planeta, and Pirulo & la Tribu. Closing the weekend, on Sunday night will be the Pleneros Heineken, Madre Tierra, and DJ Ghandi after the award ceremony.

All the activities are free and open to general public. During the day, spectators can see the competition from Pier #85, while they enjoy the sun and great music, as well as a variety of gastronomic offerings.

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Report by Event Media