Good times at Grenada Sailing Week

(January 28, 2020) – Day two at Grenada Sailing Week had a light south easterly wind of 8-10 knots, which built during the day, veering south and pumping up to 14 knots. The CSA and Classic Classes had races varying in length from 7.6 to 14 nm on the leeward side of Grenada. The J/24 Class had another five short, sharp races on their own windward leeward course.

In CSA 1, Pamala Baldwin’s J/122 Liquid (ANT), skippered by Jules White, has extended their lead scoring a 1-3-1 today. Richard Szyjan’s Hobie 33 Category 5 (GRN) scored a 2-2-2 to finish the day in second place. Peter Lewis’ J121 Whistler (BAR) scored two podium finishes today to move up to third place. Rob Butler’s Reflex 38 Touch2Play Racing (CAN) scored a bullet in Race 5 and finished the day just one point off the class podium.

“Start were important today as was sail choice especially downwind,” commented White. “In general the start of each race was more competitive and getting a good start into clear air is so important when the wind is on the light side. Local effects made sail choice downwind another key area, with plenty of gusts and lulls and changes in wind direction.”

Rob MacLachlan is upwind trim on Rob Butler’s Touch2Play. “Rob (Butler) runs an incredible programme, he loves to give into the whole sailing industry and we have such a fun time. This is my first time here and I come from Niagara on the Lake and it is really cold back home, so this is a great holiday with a great group of guys and girls.”

In CSA 3, Norman Da Costa’s Soveral 42 C-MOS (TRI) retains the lead. Edward & Jonathan Kacal’s First 38 Petit Careme (TRI) moves up to second place after scoring a 1-3 today. Sandy Mair’s First 35 Cricket (ANT) drops down to third after a 5-4 score.

“Petite Careme is a displacement boat but when she is handled well, she is quick in light airs,” commented Edward Kacal. “We are really enjoying the regatta, this is our first time here, we heard it is a great event, we love Grenada, and always wanted to come. The crew is a mix of old hands from the southern Caribbean and some newbies.”

Gus Reader’s Fadeaway (BAR) is the new leader in the J/24 Class after scoring three bullets today. Nick Forsberg’s Jabal (LCA) won two races to close the gap to a single point after ten hotly contested races. Robbie Yearwood’s Die Hard (GRN) was knocked off pole position down to third, and is now three points off the lead. In the Classic Class there was another victory for Jonathan Gittens’ Morgan 41 Shangri La (BAR).

Tomorrow is a Lay Day; competition is from January 27 to 31.

Event information – Event details – Results – Facebook

Source: Louay Habib