'Lectronic Index

Previous 'Lectronic Edition

Antigua Classic Regatta: A Feast for the Eyes

April 27 - Antigua

Starting line action: The 60-ft Marguerite T, built in 1893, charges ahead with the 42-ft S&S Cimarron (1969) and the 58-ft Alden Charm III (1928) to leeward.

In the world of yacht racing, few events rival the annual Antigua Classic Regatta in terms of visual grandeur. We're truly envious of anyone who was lucky enough to experience this sensory feast April 14-19, down in the raucous, sunkissed waters of that Eastern Caribbean. For decades, Antigua has not only been a yacht chartering mecca, but also a favorite nesting place for many of the world's most glamorous classic yachts. Hence, the formation of this event was a welcomed addition to the spring sailing schedule. It precedes Antigua Sailing Week by one week.

It takes more than one bowman to get things done aboard Ranger.

As you can see from the pictures, the next best thing to having been there is soaking in the splendor of the event via Caribbean photographer Tim Wright's eye-popping images. You can view his entire collection of photos of this, and other recent events, at www.photoaction.com. For complete details on the Antigua Classic Regatta, see www.antiguaclassics.com.

An up-close-and-personal view of the 1888 Whistable Oyster Smack Ibis

On a run, the immaculately restored warhorse Velsheda leads two contemporarily-built yachts, Windrose and the 136-ft Ranger.

A typical 'round the buoy race - not! The 130-ft J Class sloop Velsheda, built in 1933, leads the recently-built, 134-ft schooner Windrose of Amsterdam around a wing buoy.

The beautifully restored 79-ft Mariella, built in 1938, plows through Antiguan waters.

This portrait of the spectacular Aschanti IV is enough to give any sailmaker goosebumps.

"Just grab the pole and get out there, will ya!" Yachting (aboard Windrose) in the land of the Lilliputians.
Photos Tim Wright

Disabled Sailors Do Newport-Ensenada Again

April 27 - San Diego

Sailors with disabilities from the San Diego-based Challenged America program once again competed in the Newport to Ensenada Ocean Race, April 22-24.

The Challenged America crew in Ensenada. (Left to right) Josh Ross, Urban Miyares, Dr. Gerardo de le Mora, Linda Woodbury, Kevin Wixom, Jim Halverson, Jeff Reinhold.
Photo Greg Scott

Said Urban Miyares, Challenged America co-founder and blinded sailor, "We first did the Ensenada race in 1990. It's a great training platform we use as a graduation for new sailors wanting to move from our small boat program into our big boat program and ocean racing."

In this year's race, the Challenged America crew of sailors with disabilities raced in a borrowed Beneteau 42 center-cockpit cruiser named Cafe au Lait, as their Tripp 40 racing sailboat, B'Quest, is currently getting a new mast and other upgrades in preparation for their entry in this year's Transpac Race to Hawaii.

The crew of seven had one crew member from Mexico, one from Seattle, Washington, one from San Juan Capistrano and the other four from San Diego. Their disabilities included leg amputation, quadriplegic, a debilitating bone disease affecting the spinal column and neck, total blindness, diabetes, stroke and cancer survivors, and recent kidney transplant recipient.

Although the Challenged America team was the first boat to finish in their division, on corrected time they finished the race in the middle of the 35-boat cruising division.

For more information on Challenged America, visit www.ChallengedAmerica.org or call (619) 523-9318.

Uncomfortable Sea Lions

April 27 - Monterey

Regarding Profligate's recent status as a sea lion habitat, Brad and Cheryl Belleville sent in this tip, "A diver in Monterey told me once he laid barb wire on the decks of an old tug. The sea lions couldn't quite get comfortable and would move on to smoother pastures. You might also be able to use carpet tack strips."

The Whole 'Legends of Sailing' Schedule

April 27 - Tiburon

By now many of you locals have probably attended one or more of the popular 'Legends of Sailing' events at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon. The schedule of speakers is featured in the club's ad in Latitude 38 each month. Unfortunately, a couple of speakers were left out of the ad that comes out Friday in our May issue - including the next one coming up in May. So here's the complete schedule:

May 11: Ron Holland
June 10: Philippe Kahn
July 14: Pat Henry
August 11: TransPac Panel Discussion
September 8: Kevin Burnham
October 13: Mark Reynolds

To find out more or make a reservation, go to www.cyc.org/speakers, or call the club at (415) 435-4771.