Thrills, Spills at Caribbean Sailing Week

Antigua (October 18, 2019) – The first day of Caribbean Sailing Week at Antigua Yacht Club wrapped up on two fronts this afternoon: namely a productive day in the conference room, with a range of discussions taking place, and just yards away on the waters of Falmouth Harbour, some lively racing action during the opening day of the Caribbean Dinghy Championships’ (CDC) first five races.

CSA President Alison Sly-Adams opened the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) Conference in English Harbour Antigua, welcoming a host of guest delegates from regattas and organisations from across the Caribbean. “We are doing some great work together and our regattas and events are going to get even better.”

Her words underpinned the tasks facing the attendees over the next three days in the conference room at the Antigua Yacht Club, English Harbour. Today saw the CSA holding its AGM ahead of individual reports from key speakers on events management, rating rules, measurement and other topics. Pam Fuller, CSA Secretary and fellow Vice-President Jaime Torres are assisting Alison in steering the sessions.

Newly elected Board Members of CSA were also confirmed. Alison Sly-Adams remains as president while Michael Green of St. Lucia is Treasurer. Pam Fuller of BVI remains as secretary and Vice Presidents include Jaime Torres – Puerto Rico, Michelle Korteweg – St Maarten, Pat Bailey – USVI, Alexis Duvernoy – Guadeloupe and Karen Stiell – Grenada.

A morning of discussions today ‘in the classroom’ included a range of reports submitted by CSA committee members, stimulating discussions on marketing, the Caribbean race calendar, and sailing development among other more administrative issues. This was followed by an afternoon session led by Tim Cross, who is spearheading the sailing development element of the CSA Conference.

Together the delegates are highlighting a number of important factors for consideration in growing Caribbean regattas, and increasing participation in them and strengthening the resources of people in the region that can support these aims. With the help of an interactive workshop as well as frank discussions around the table a number of challenges were raised.

On the table are discussions regarding encouraging a greater number of women into racing, and developing a pathway that can get more sailors to events including the retention of youngsters though to continuing sailing. Other factors including enjoyment, good marketing and easier accessibility are also mooted.

Jaime Torres sums up the day’s discussions, “It’s been a common concern of the MNA (Member Nation Authorities) representatives here that while governments look to setting sailing goals as a road to Olympic medals, MNAs must take a broader view. The discussion is about how to get our kids and first-time sailors not just to Olympic level but into careers, long term sailing programs and other areas that can pave the way to sustained and growing activity.”

The agenda will continue tomorrow, examining regatta organization, training and sustainability in the Caribbean region.

While the conference was underway, several dozen young sailors around the Caribbean region were competing in the first Caribbean Dinghy Championships. Five races were held in the harbor in near perfect conditions save for a couple of rainsqualls. The Caribbean’s hot young sailors were testing their mettle in four classes, the Optimist, Laser and Laser Radial, and the RS Feva.

The main event, the 2019 Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) Conference on October 17-20, will host dozens of regatta organizers from throughout the Caribbean for discussions and presentations aimed at strengthening the participation, successes, and inclusivity of home-grown sailors and events in the region, together with increasing the growth of worldwide attendance and reputation for excellent organization of the region’s international regattas.

Overview – Conference details – Dinghy Championships