Antigua Race Week is at the end of April, 5 days of racing. There are two
divisions racing and cruising. Within the divisions there are various
fleets, we decided to sail as Performance Cruiser. The fleets are then in
classes dependent on size and handicap speed.

The races are along the south east coast of Antigua between English Harbour
and Dickinson Bay. Racing over a distance of about 20miles each day.

The first race began near English Harbour, as we were based in Jolly Harbour
some 12miles away it was an early start. Bacon and egg baps for breakfast on
the way. Got down to the start line with time to spare. Up went the sails
and we were ready to go.

Mark the helm made a good start and we went sailing down to the first mark.
Fine! The boat had good speed the sun was shining and the winds were a
strong 20+knots just what we had ordered.

Then came the call for the spinnaker, Well! First the halyard went up
without the spinnaker attached and tangled on the spreaders. Eventually we
got it down; the spinnaker went up and filled. Beautiful! Then Mark decided
he needed to gybe and it all went wrong again. The spinnaker collapsed and
we had a real tangle with the spinnaker pole, the guy and the sheets and so
it continued through the race. Every time Mark ordered a gybe I couldn’t
bear to watch. We eventually went through the finish line and I think we
were all relieved we had had no damage. Later we found we had got an 8th and
felt very lucky. First time on the boat in two years we were rusty.

Race 2

The start of this race was near Jolly Harbour so we were able to have a good
breakfast. Once again Mark made a good clean start and we were off. This
time the spinnaker went up filled and flew perfectly. Gybed and kept flying
all the time we had a really good race and got a 3rd. We were all pleased.
There was a spot of drama on the race course when the lead boat arrived at
the coordinates given for the mark to find buoy wasn’t there. They notified
the OD the race officer who told them to continue to the next mark and sent
a motor boat out to replace the buoy. However the first boat was naturally
displeased as the rest of the class had on hearing the Ods instructions
turned short of the missing buoy and were continuing to the second mark.
They requested a re-start and were told very sharply by the OD to continue
sailing and leave the race management to him. We never did find out what
happened.

Race 3

We were happier now and once again had a good start and a good race. Though
the weather was awful. We had gusty squalls; we got soaked, be it warm rain
and dried before the end of the race under the hot sun. Winds ranged from
20+kt. to 4kts.but the crew kept the boat going and were rewarded with a
fifth.

Wednesday was a lay day. So we all sailed down to Falmouth Harbour including
Mark’s 3 boys and Gary’s delightful baby Elle. We anchored off and went by
dinghy over to the party on Pigeon Beach where there were refreshment stall
and teams were competing in various games. After a dip in the sea we
returned to Jolly Harbour as the sun set into the sea. An enjoyable day for
all.

Race 4

It was Richard and Andrews birthday. Richard has sailed with us some years
but it was a first for his brother Andrew. He had come out on holiday and
joined us for a few days sailing. This was our best sail. A super start and
then passing the whole class on port on the first leg. We stayed in front of
the class to get line honours and a gun. A fitting birthday present for the
twins. On handicap we got a 3rd.

However there was more drama to come. As we got to the channel to Jolly
Harbour Graham started the engine. Alas no water shot out , the impeller had
gone. But guess what, when we had unloaded the boat for racing the box of
engine spares had been put in the lock-up. We had to sail down the narrow,
shallow channel making numerous tacks until we reach the fuel dock and
managed to moor up. I must say I was very pleased there were lots of hands
on board.

Race 5

Now lying 4th in class we set off in high spirits to the start, when all of
a sudden we came to a juddering stop. We had hit a reef. Mike who had sailed
these waters before had warned us there was a reef on our route . On the
last day we found it. All went very quiet when Graham said he had a problem
with the rudder, but he forgot he was on Auto pilot and we slowly backed off
the reef. Concerned as to what damage we may have, Mark and Steve stripped
and dived over to check the keel and rudder. They reported scratches to the
antifouling but no noticeable damage. We were very lucky.

At the start there was more excitement. The first start was a general recall
as boats all jockeyed for a good start. Lots of shouting for water. Its time
like that I wish I had a camera. The second start was also rough with 3
boats over the line. Two of which were lead boats and we thought we had a
chance to improve our position.

But it was not to be. We sailed well but lacked speed, the winds were light
and graham thought we had made the rig too stiff for the strength of the
wind. Anyway we got another 5th.

So we finished 5th in a class of 15 and 8th in the fleet of 40 Performance
Cruisers. Not in the prizes but quite happy with the result. Graham and I
had one of our best weeks of sailing all thanks to the crew - Mark, Chris,
Gary, Richard, Steve, Mike, Andrew, Joanne, Fee and the kids.

Joy

13/05/05

PS photos available for viewing on www.photoaction.com click on antigua
race week and then select wing and a prayer

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