“Yesterday, the 19th December, saw the first race of the Budget Marine HighTide Series run by Antigua Yacht Club.
Traditionally the series is run over over the Christmas period with the first race on a Thursday (which used to be half day closing for all local businesses), two races on the Saturday before Christmas (this year changed to the Sunday) and the final, longer two races on the 26th December aka Boxing Day, designed to blow the excesses of Christmas away.
The races start at the entrance of Falmouth Harbour and then along the south coast of Antigua, as far east as English Harbour and west to marks off Turtle and Rendezvous Bays. On Boxing Day we lay a mark off Curtain Bluff to change the scenery a little.
The first race started in ideal conditions with a steady 15-20 knot easterly breeze. Seven boats participated in two classes and we were pleased to welcome back our “usual suspects” plus say “hello” to the new kid on the block, Freya a 48′ one off design built on Classic lines who was competing in her first race with her current owner, Don Ward.
The race was followed by an opportunity to swing the lamp with a few drinks and delicious nibbles on the Event Centre Deck.
If you have an urge to join in, it’s not too late! The final race, The Boxing Day Barrel is, despite also being part of the series, scored independently and there are opportunities to crew on several on of the boats.
Happy Christmas
Clare Cupples Vice Commodore
View and Download the Race Results Click Here
(If anyone has photos, please send them to the office ayc@yachtclub.ag thank you)