After 16 years of hosting the Dark and Stormy regatta, West End Yacht Club organisers thought they had seen it all.
However, this year’s event had a few surprises, according one organiser.
For the second year, the regatta was the finale of the six-race Goslings Series which started in July with the Firecracker 500.
On Saturday, sailors faced “light and swelly” conditions with winds from the northwest producing less than five-knots of breeze and 12- to 15-foot swells en route to Anegada.
The regatta attracted 31 boats with registration being finalised on the day before the race at de Loose Mongoose.
On the day of the race, competitors were instructed to motor out to the eastern tip of Scrub Island for a shortened course to Anegada. Unfortunately, the fleet was unable to congregate as planned and the promised 10-knot winds did not mature. The committee postponed the race, but after five hours in the sun listening to their engines, the fleet opted for early rums and a secure anchorage in front of the Anegada Reef hotel.
More surprises waited at the dock as the swell was rolling in with 2- to 3-feet waves, making disembarkation at the dock like something out of “Cirque du Soliel,” according to an organiser.
Once ashore the sailors were treated to a live band.
On Sunday, there was a series of activities including sand castle building, kite flying, horseshoes and dingy races. Additionally, the sailors were treated to a duathlon hosted by Chris Ghiorse. Although the sailors did not participate in the duathlon, they did provide support and encouragement for the 13 youths who ran and cycled nearby.
On Monday, the sailors headed back to Tortola.
At the skippers meeting, WEYC Commodore Martin van Houten described the course to the sailors.
“Get down to Nanny Cay any way you like,” he said “Go via West End if you want.”
A 10-knot wind allowed an orderly start with only one boat inexplicably crossing the line one minute early, which cost the crew a place in the final standings.
The pursuit format had all boats started by 11 a.m. on a downwind 25-mile race. The committee boat joined the race under engine in an attempt to beat the fleet back to Nanny Cay.
As the fleet converged on The Dogs, Sorceress surprised its fellow Tartan 10 competitor Cold Beer by taking a clear lead. Meanwhile, the battle between Reba and Rushin’ Rowlette for first place in the Goslings Series played out as they zigzagged along the course. Additionally, several sailors spotted a whale near West Dog. With a strengthening wind at Beef Island, the wild card Firewater, a Melges 24, trumped all the leaders to arrive at the finish line ahead of the race committee on a reach.
The award ceremony included prizes for all, including the top five winners of the Goslings Series, who received commemorative paintings.
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