Keen Competition, K3 Prized Bags & Quelbe Band for 50th Anniversary St. Thomas International Regatta, March 29-31, 2024

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Keen competition complete with cool prizes like K3 Waterproof Bags, and a headlining Quelbe band brings the best of the present and past to the 50th Anniversary St. Thomas International Regatta (STIR), set for Easter Weekend, March 29-31, 2024. Don’t miss out! Enter now at yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16227. Everyone is invited! STIR 2024 invites CSA (Caribbean Sailing Association-handicap rule), racing, cruising, and bareboat classes; ORC; Large Multihulls; Hobie Waves; and One-Design classes with a minimum length of 20 feet. Get an extra day to play by entering the Round the Rocks Race (yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16226, on March 28. The competitive eye-candy course circumnavigates the 19-square-mile neighboring island of St. John, home of the Virgin Islands National Park.

Photo: The USA’s Sandra Askew’s Cape 31, Flying Jenny, in STIR 2023. Credit: Dean Barnes

“What has always defined the St. Thomas International Regatta is world-class racing. This year, we welcome a highly-competitive fleet of teams who will compete on professionally set courses by some of the best race management in the world. Combine this with great prizes like K3 bags, the friendly island-style vibe of a St. Thomas Yacht Club (STYC)-run event held beachfront, and a special 50th anniversary Saturday night party with the Quelbe Resurrection band, and it’s an event not to miss. True to our tagline, ‘We Love It Here! Come Join Us!’,” says Pat Bailey, who co-directs STIR 2024 with Greer Scholes.

Sneak Peek at Entries

The swift-sailing lineup of entries for STIR 2024 includes a mix of One-Design and CSA-handicap race teams.

One of the four boats sailing in the One-Design Cape 31 class is Flying Jenny.

“We raced the boat last year in the UK and will return to the UK in 2024, but the St. Thomas International Regatta is a perfect place for us to do some racing and training. The event is well run and everyone there makes us feel so welcome. I most enjoy the breeze, sunshine, and the landscape. We have an international crew, and they are magnificent,” says the USA’s Sandra Askew, Flying Jenny owner, whose team includes Rob Greenhalgh, Sean O’Rouck, Alex Gouff, Josie Gideon, Buddah, Drew Barnes, and Dave Askew.

Photo: The USA’s Donald Nicholson’s J/121, Apollo, racing in STIR 2022. Credit Dean Barnes

Apollo, the USA’s Donald Nicholson’s J/121 will be back and race in the CSA Spinnaker 2 Class with nearly a dozen other boats. She is hull #2 and raced mostly out of her homeport in Newport, Rhode Island. Her inaugural ocean race was the 2018 Newport Bermuda Race where she won the Gibbs Hill Lighthouse Division and finished 6th overall. Apollo’s first STIR regatta was also in 2018, a few months before the Newport-Bermuda win, which proved a wonderful way for Nicholson and his crew to break in the new vessel. Apollo returned to STIR 2022 and is now back with much pent-up enthusiasm.

“Our crew is Corinthian and, with few exceptions, amateur. The team hails from the East Coast of both the U.S. and Canada and some of us have raced together for over 20 years. Given our geographic dispersion, we generally do regatta racing or distance races,” says Nicholson, who is Apollo’s owner and driver. “In addition to our love for regatta racing, we enjoy coming back to STIR for the beautiful Caribbean surroundings, the consistent breeze, stiff competition, and the camaraderie of the event. We especially love point-to-point course racing and despise the monotony of windward-leewards. Adding to that, we enjoy the quality and professionalism of the organizers and race officials, as well as the hospitality of the St. Thomas Yacht Club. We are also looking forward to participating again in the Round the Rocks.”

Racing against Apollo in CSA 2 will be Puerto Rico’s Enrique ‘Keki’ Figueroa, and his team on the Melges 24, Exodus.

“Our team has been attending St. Thomas regatta since 1997. We have sailed J24s, with a best place of second in 1997 or 1998; Hobie Cats, in which we won that class in 2002 and 2003; and IC24s in the past years, with a top 5 finish on Kuliagus. We now bought a Melges 24 to be able to compete in other major Caribbean regattas, because it’s a lot of fun to sail and tow with my other sailboat. Our crew is my sailing family. Very tight group, we have too much fun,” says Figueroa.

 

 

PRIZES & PARTIES

Racing will be only half the fun at the 50th Anniversary STIR. There will be food, drink, music, and toes-in-the-sand dancing at the St. Thomas Yacht Club’s beachfront venue. On Saturday, March 30, the Quelbe Resurrection band will play live, bringing that old-time island vibe back with a toe-tapping call-and-response-style singing and drumming performance. Quelbe is the official music style of the U.S. Virgin Islands and currently, Quelbe Resurrection is the only band on St. Thomas and St. John that regularly performs this music.

STIR, which started as the Rolex Cup Regatta in 1974, has always been known as the ‘Crown Jewel of Caribbean Yacht Racing’ for its prized timepieces. This year, the tradition continues with signature U.S. Virgin Islands watches from Cardow Jewelers for class winners.

Longtime stalwart sponsor, The K3 Company, is onboard this year too, with exquisitely crafted waterproof bags for class winners. These include the heavy-duty 35L Typhoon waterproof dry-bag backpack. One of the latest additions to the San Antonio, TX-headquartered company’s line, the ultra-rugged construction, and RF heat welded watertight seams means the Typhoon dry-bag sheds water in style.

Photo: The K3 Company’s heavy-duty 35L Typhoon waterproof dry-bag backpack. Courtesy K3.

“There has always been a very strong connection between K3 and sailing, especially surrounding the STYC events. We share many common values: tradition, passion, perseverance, and strive for excellence,” says Lisa Keogh, founder of The K3 Company, a global manufacturer and distributor of premium outdoor products, specializing in waterproof gear and accessories.

All registered skippers will receive one of K3’s 20L TPU dry bags, another of the company’s most recent inventions. Offering a more lightweight and sustainable thermoplastic urethane material, this product is very forgiving and strong.

As a bonus, K3 is offering a 40% discount on purchases to all STIR participants through March 31, 2024. Please order on the website www.thek3company.com and use the discount code STIR2024 at checkout.

STIR 2024 is a Sailors for the Sea Clean Regatta, with green initiatives such as paperless event management and a water refill station.

Get Ready, Get Set – Enter Today!

Enter the 50th STIR now (yachtscoring.com/emenu.cfm?eid=16227). Pay only U.S. $400. Entry for IC24s is U.S. $340 and Hobie Waves is U.S. $200.

In addition to IC24s, Ondeck is offering its First 36.7, Blueprint, for whole boat charter and with new race sails, www.ondecksailing.com/st-thomas-international-regatta-stir/, or Email: antigua@ondecksailing.com. The J/120, J-aguar is available for charter from www.caribbeanraces.com, Email: mrbenjelic@gmail.com. LV Yachting, based in the UK, is offering five vessels for charter: Pata Negra (Marc Lombard IRC 46), El Ocaso (J/122), Panacea X (Salona 45), Emily of Cowes (Elan 450) and an XP50. To reserve, visit www.lvyachting.com or Email: chris.b@lvyachting.com

Strong Sponsor Support

STIR organizers thank the U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism; The Moorings; Milagro Tequila, Bacardi Rum, Stoli Vodka, and Leatherback Brewing, distributed by the West Indies Company; Cardow, K3, and Ocean Surfari for their strong sponsor support.

For more information, visit www.stthomasinternationalregatta.com, Email: manager@stthomasyachtclub.org or Regatta Co-Director Pat Bailey at simpleislandboy51@gmail.com, or call (340) 775-6320. Check STIR out on Facebook (www.facebook.com/stirvi), Twitter @stirvi, and Instagram #STIRVI

 

Media contact:
Carol Bareuther
Tel: (340) 998-3650
Email: bareuther@earthlink.net
Skype: Carol.Bareuther

Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta April 17-22, 2024

The 2024 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta will feature a spectacular fleet with several notable entries in Antigua for their first Classic Regatta. There are, of course, many returning veterans such as the striking three masted, 178-foot schooner Adix, the 86-foot yawl Nordwind, the legendary 74-foot yawl Bolero and the schooners Charm III and The Blue Peter but there are also several entries participating in their first Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta such as the magnificent 114-foot ketch, Saharet of Tyre; the historic 120-foot Goleta Gringo built in 1886, the 95-foot, square topsail schooner, Alvie; the 72-foot schooner, Cassiopeia II; and the classic 99-year-old 52-foot schooner, Adventurer. There are already more classic yachts registered than participated last year and dock space in Nelson’s Dockyard is filling up so don’t wait to complete your registration. To register online click here

Three masted, 178-foot schooner Adix is returning to race in the Classics

In addition to the thrilling lineup of participants, the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta is delighted to announce exclusive sponsorship from Woodstock Boatbuilders. As a token of appreciation, Woodstock Boatbuilders is offering a 15% discount to all boats participating in this year’s regatta. For more information phone or WhatsApp +1 268 725-7345.

“We are thrilled to welcome such an impressive fleet of classic yachts to the Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta,” said Paul Deeth, Regatta Chairman. “With the addition of iconic vessels like Saharet of Tyre, this year’s event promises to be truly unforgettable. We extend our gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support and commitment to preserving the legacy of classic yachting.”

The 2024 Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta will take place from April 17th through 22nd in the stunning waters of Antigua. For more information, including race schedules and event details, visit https://antiguaclassics.com/.

S&S 74′ yawl Bolaro (1949) returns to compete this year after many years absence

Antigua Sailing Week Introduces Second Edition of the Antigua Wingfoil Championship

Antigua Sailing Week (ASW), in collaboration with the Caribbean Foiling Championships (CFC), is thrilled to announce the second edition of the Antigua Wingfoil Championships, introducing a Wingfoil class to the 2024 event scheduled for April 25, 26, 27, 2024.

Despite grappling with the unique challenges posed by abnormal light wind conditions during the first Antigua Wingfoil Championships 2023, participants showcased unwavering determination and fostered a remarkable spirit of camaraderie. Building upon the resounding success of introducing Wingfoiling as a new discipline in the 2023 Antigua Sailing Week, the Caribbean Foiling Championships is excited to bring another year of Wingfoiling to Antigua’s shores!

Kicking off on April 25, ASW will host the Antigua Wingfoil Championships. Alison Sly-Adams, President of Antigua Sailing Week, comments, “Last year, we noticed that wingfoiling sailors had to choose between wingfoil or racing. So, this year, we decided to host the foiling class at the beginning of ASW so that people do not have to choose!”

The second edition of the Antigua Wingfoil Championships will span three action-packed days of racing (in Falmouth Harbour if the wind permits) and a long-distance downwinder along the scenic south coast on April 27. Everyone is welcome, from leisurely adventures seekers, to professional racers, to be a part of the adventure which will be based at Pigeon Point Beach.

Maxim van den Pol, organizer of Caribbean Foiling Championships, expresses, “It has been incredible to see familiar faces from across the Caribbean joining the regional foiling competitions.” Antony Smith from Martinique, Wingfoil Pro Class, secured first place in the past Antigua Wingfoil Championships and also participated in his first competition on St. Martin with incredible results showcasing his progress made.

The same story unfolded for Mark Mains from New Zealand who initially participated in the Leisure Class during the first Antigua Wingfoil Championships. Only nine months later, he boldly advanced to the Pro Class, emphasizing the remarkable improvement of Wingfoiling, international and local interest, and, most importantly, the learning curve for competitors.

Maxim van den Pol, organizer of Caribbean Foiling Championships, states, “Winging is fast, fun and exciting. It seems to bridge a gap across water-sports enthusiasts, and we are excited to join forces with one of the world’s major sailing events, the 55th Antigua Sailing Week, and host a Wingfoil Class.’’

ASW Race Manager, Jaime Torres, adds, “We are excited to welcome the hotbed of the foiling future into ASW. It will be a fast, fun, and colourful addition to our event!”

The Antigua Wingfoil Championship during Antigua Sailing Week is now open for registration. Interested wingfoilers can register here.

About Antigua WingFoil

The Antigua Wingfoil Championships will celebrate its second edition in 2024, taking place in the beginning of one of the world’s major sailing events; Antigua Sailing Week. This new, young and vibrant Class will offer three days of racing and with a professional as well as a leisure division the event is open to Wingfoilers of all levels. With trade winds, crystal clear waters and an everyday sunshine, this island paradise is the perfect setting for this one-of-a- kind event. Come and join the first Wingfoil Class of the Antigua Sailing Week: 25-26-27 April.

Vive Les Voiles 2024

The announcement of the cancellation of Les Voiles de St Barth’s (due to a loss of key sponsorship), was met with dismay by many racers on the Caribbean circuit. So an idea was born amongst a few disappointed but resourceful skippers:

Vive Les Voiles!

With pursuit starts to race some of the classic courses of Les Voiles, casual beach picnics in the afternoon and a lay day cruise to Ile Forchue, this free racing rally offers a great mix of racing and relaxing in beautiful St Barth’s. Designed as a ‘bookmark’ in the calendar, the organizers hope it will help keep the spirit of Les Voiles alive until the real regatta returns in 2025.

April 15 Meet the Fleet in Gustavia
April 16-18 Pursuit starts, single race per day April 19 Lay day / optional cruise to Ile Forchue April 20 Final race day, Gustavia to English Harbour

Les Voiles has always been about the maxis, the glamour end of the racing fleet spectrum. However, the passion that exists for this special event within the performance 40 end of the fleet is remarkable. Vive Les Voiles highlights this passion and the energy within the sailing community to carry on despite a (hopefully temporary) lack of outside support.

Antigua Superyacht Challenge Wraps Up

Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, 18 March 2024. The 13th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) was held in fantastic conditions off the South Coast of Antigua with Tradewinds ranging from 13-20 knots. Five days of racing were held rounding deep water and inshore marks, making full use of Antigua’s ocean swell and stunning coastal vistas.

Swan 90 Freya © Claire Matches

Each evening, themed event nights, all set in historic Nelson’s Dockyard, give an opportunity for crews to meet up and party in a laid back environment, free from commercial endorsements. While superyachts race to win their class, there is no mathematical overall winner. Each competing yachts, and the race committee, cast one vote for the yacht that has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore. The winner lifts The Gosnell Trophy.

For the 2024 edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, the Gosnell Trophy was presented by Arthur & Page Gosnell . Voting was unanimous, the winner was the 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela skippered by Greg Perkins.

182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela © Claire Matches

“We bought Adela in 2020 and we have not been able to race her due to Covid, so Adela has been out for four years.” commented Adela’s owner. “This is the first time I have been in this environment and it has been fantastic. The spirit of the team, their passion, the history, and the philosophy of Adela is wonderful. This has presented my kids with the opportunity to be here, surrounded by beautiful people that work as a team that looks for the same goal; everyone protects each other. I am very proud to have the chance to be with Adela. I hope to be back many times in the future.”

108ft (33m) Hoek designed sloop Namuun © Claire Matches

The Rebecca Trophy was awarded to the 108ft (33m) Hoek designed sloop Namuun, skippered by Tom Aiken. Toby Allies & Mike Carr from Pendennis Shipyard presented the trophy to the regatta debutant on St. Patrick’s Day. Namuun is based in Antigua but has more than a sprinkling of Irish sailors on board. Toby Allies congratulated the organisers for running a safe and memorable regatta, and commended Namuun for their great attitude to racing.

Hetairos © Claire Matches

Privateer Class

The 218ft (66.45m) Dykstra/Reichel Pugh ketch Hetairos skippered by Graham Newton, was a spectacular sight at the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Capable of hoisting over 6000 sq.m. of sail area, Hetairos can sail as fast as the wind at just about every point of sail. Hetairos started her campaign winning the stand alone Round Antigua Race and went on to win all four races of the series in her class.

Ashore the Hetairos team enjoyed all of the parties; At the Famous Cook-Off Hetairos won the Best meal according to theme Pirates of the Caribbean and a special mention as in true camaraderie spirit they lent their flint to the Zig Zag crew to light their coal pot. Hetairos skipper Graham Newton also picked up the prize for the loudest Caribbean men’s shirt at The Caribbean Night!

Team Hetairos © Claire Matches

“This is Hetairos owners favourite regatta and he has been coming to the Antigua since 1972,” commented Hetairos skipper Graham Newton. “The venue and the history of Nelson’s Dockyard plus the atmosphere of the regatta because it is so laid back with a great Caribbean vibe. On top of that is the racing! The courses and the conditions are challenging, which is what all of the Hetairos team loves.”

Swan 90s Freya and Hummingbird © Claire Matches

Corsair Class

Two battling Swan 90s had a fanatic duel throughout the Superyacht Challenge Antigua. Hummingbird, skippered by Josh Hill, and Don Macpherson’s Freya enjoyed intense racing throughout. As well as close racing with the 110ft (33.5m) Malcolm McKeon sloop Zemi skippered by Hjalmar Winbladh. Don Macpherson’s 90ft (27m) Swan Freya, competing in their fourth regatta, showed impressive boat handling and determination to win the Corsair Class. Freya won every race but it was far from easy, with pressure throughout the four race series.

Team Freya © Claire Matches

“Great racing and good fun.” Commented Freya skipper Joph Carter. “The owner is happy and we sailed the boat clean and the event was so good! Antigua is Freya’s base, our spiritual home. We have raced this regatta for years without winning our class, so it’s nice to get the monkey off our back. This is not a commercial event, but we have a good crew of sailors and it really is a memorable one to win.”

110ft (33.5m) Malcolm McKeon sloop Zemi © Claire Matches

Swam 90 Hummingbird showed great pace to take runner-up in the Round Antigua Race and during the regatta, Hummingbird was the best starter for the entire fleet, averaging just 4 seconds short of the line. The Hummingbird team were taking part in their first regatta and like Freya and Zemi, joined in all of the shoreside festivities.

Oyster 82 Zig Zag © Claire Matches

Buccaneer Class

John McMonigall’s Oyster 82 Zig Zag, skippered by Carl Raynes, was competing in their eight regatta in a row, and are two-time winners the Gosnell Trophy. Competing this year against the 108ft (33m) Hoek designed sloop Namuun, skippered by Tom Aiken, although the two boats are very different the boat-to-boat on the water was very close. The Zig Zag crew was the youngest team in the regatta, as well the only crew with as many women as men sailors aboard. Zig Zag completed a faultless score line for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua.

Sadly Zig Zag owner John McMonigall was not on board but  he really wanted to be here,” commented Zig Zag skipper Carl Raynes. “We have tried to do the regatta as if John was here, and we have had video calls with John all the time, keeping up the Spirit of Zig Zag.”

Zig Zag Team at The SYCA Welcome Party

Ashore Zig Zag take their partying to another level! Winning at the Cook-Off for best dressed crew according to theme Pirates of Caribbean, and best lighting of the coal pot. Zig Zag was also the best dressed team for the Caribbean Night!

SYCA Race Committee © claire Matches

The Superyacht Challenge Famous Cook-Off and Caribbean Night are always a colourful affair with Superyacht owners, guests and crew enjoying fabulous dining and entertainment in Nelson’s Dockyard. Where do you see a regatta race committee dressed in loud shirts? It has been suggested that the Protest Committee should have kept their shirts on for protest hearings but there weren’t any!

The Superyacht Challenge Antigua Prizegiving was held on the Lawn at the Admiral’s Inn, Nelson’s Dockyard. Master of Ceremonies was PRO Hank Stuart; a fabulous affair with winners receiving tumultuous applause from their rivals as well as Barrels of Rum suitably filled.

Stan Pearson © Claire Matches

Superyacht Challenge Antigua co-founder Stan Pearson was present in spirit throughout the regatta. Stan sadly passed away just a few weeks before the start. After his burial at sea flanked by superyachts, a memorial was held in Nelson’s Dockyard with hundreds of the sailing community in attendance. Stan will always be remembered for his tremendous work, love and enthusiasm for sailing. A deep water mark ‘Stan’ has been named in his memory. Three cheers were given Stan at the prizegiving and the whole of Nelson’s Dockyard heard it.

Superyacht Challenge Antigua co-founder Paul Deeth has confirmed the dates for the 14th edition of the Superyacht Challenge Antigua, which will be held 04-11 March, 2025.

2024 Class Winners Decided for Superyacht Challenge Antigua

Race Day Four 17 March 2024

Nelson’s Dockyard, Antigua, 17 March 2024. The final day of racing for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua (SYCA) got underway in brilliant sunshine with about 15 knots of superb Tradewinds just south of east. Later in the day, the wind veered south and piped up a touch to 18 knots in gusts.

The SYCA Race Committee, led by PRO Hank Stuart, set a 17.5nm triangular course for the Buccaneer Class, which included three long downwind, reaching and upwind legs. The Corsair and Privateer Classes were set a special course ‘99’ of 21.3nm which included two long reaching legs and a deep water beat.

Hetairos © Claire Matches

Privateer Class

The 218ft (66.45m) Dykstra/Reichel Pugh ketch Hetairos skippered by Graham Newton, made the best in class start, crossing the line nine seconds after the gun was fired from Fort Charlotte. The 182ft (55.5m) Dykstra schooner Adela skippered by Greg Perkins made a more conservative dial up to the line.

Adela Transom Team © Claire Matches

Hetairos completed the race in an elapsed time of 01 Hours 40 Mins and 53 Secs, the fastest elapsed time of the day. Hetairos scored their fourth win of the regatta after ORCsy time correction, completing a perfect score line.

Swan 90 Hummingbird © Claire Matches

Corsair Class

The Swan 90 (27m) Hummingbird, skippered by Josh Hill, was just four seconds shy of the staggered start and Don Macpherson’s 90ft (27m) Swan Freya made a more conservative start.

Duelling Swans © Claire Matches

Freya and Hummingbird continued their Swan duel as they have done all-regatta. Hummingbird was the first away with Freya in hot pursuit four minutes later. After over two hours of racing, Freya finished the race just 57 seconds ahead of Hummingbird to win after ORCsy time correction. Don Macpherson’s 90ft Swan Freya finished the regatta with a perfect score line of four race wins.

Oyster 82 Zig Zag

Buccaneer Class

The 108ft (33m) Hoek designed sloop Namuun, skippered by Tom Aiken, made an excellent start just seven seconds after their gun. John McMonigall’s Oyster 82 Zig Zag, skippered by Carl Raynes, crossed the line 14 seconds after the gun was fired.

After ORCsy time correction, Zig Zag won the final race completing a faultless score line for the Superyacht Challenge Antigua.

Caribbean Night © Claire Matches

Caribbean Night is always a colourful affair with Superyacht owners, guests and crew enjoying fabulous Antiguan entertainers on The Lawn of The Copper & Lumber Hotel in Nelson’s Dockyard. Soca dancing, fire-eating limbo dancing, and the hotly contested Loud Shirt Competition. Where do you see a regatta race committee dressed like this? It has been suggested that the Protest Committee should keep the shirts on when settling protests but as there has not been a single hearing that is easy!

Gosnell Trophy © Ted Martin

Class winners will be congratulated at the  Superyacht Challenge Antigua Prizegiving will be held at The Admirals Inn tonight. There is no overall winner but the highly prized Gosnell Trophy will be decided. Each competing yachts, and the race committee, cast one vote for the yacht that has competed in the Spirit of the Regatta, both afloat and ashore. The winner lifts The Gosnell Trophy.

1 2 3 281

© Caribbean Sailing Association 2018